A jazz double bassist. A fixture of rhythm sections during the 1950s and 1960s, his importance in the development of jazz bass can be measured not only by the length and breadth of his work in this short period but also his impeccable time, intonation and virtuosic improvisations.

In 1955 he joined the Miles Davis quintet, staying with the group until 1963 and appearing on many classic albums, including Kind of Blue. One of his most noted performances was on that album's first track, So What, which opens with a brief duet featuring Chambers and pianist Bill Evans.

From 1963 until 1968 Chambers played with the Wynton Kelly trio. He freelanced frequently as a sideman for other important names in jazz throughout his career, including playing on Coltrane's Giant Steps.

During the course of his lifetime he developed addictions to both alcohol and heroin. On January 4, 1969 he died of tuberculosis aged 33.