In a world where musical careers often rise and fade within a decade, few artists can boast a journey that spans over six decades. Fewer still can say they’ve influenced generations with both soul-stirring performances and messages of peace and justice. But for The Chestnut Brothers—Al and Ty—their story is one of longevity, purpose, and unwavering musical excellence.
Born in Columbia, South Carolina and raised in the culturally rich city of Philadelphia, Al and Ty Chestnut began their musical journey in an era of soul revolutions and civil rights awakenings. Over the years, their sound has evolved while remaining rooted in the emotional depth and melodic richness of R&B and soul.
Their journey has taken them to some of the world’s most prestigious stages—from New York’s Birdland Theater to London’s Jazz Café, from the Lincoln Theater in Washington D.C. to clubs in Bahrain, Cyprus, and Istanbul. They’ve performed in Europe, the Middle East, and major cities in the United States. Yet, their music remains deeply personal, socially conscious, and spiritually uplifting.
The Chestnut Brothers’ career includes affiliations with iconic labels like Paramount, Mercury, and MCA Records, and a who’s who of collaborators: Luther Vandross, Grover Washington Jr., Najee, Harry Connick Jr., LL Cool J, The Oak Ridge Boys, James Ingram, and B.B. King, among many others. Their ability to cross genres and generations has made them not just artists—but musical bridges between worlds.
But their impact goes far beyond grooves and harmonies. With original songs like “Stop the Violence”, they have become torchbearers for peace and advocates for change. Their work with the international peace movement has earned them global recognition as Goodwill Ambassadors, Musical Messengers, and Princes of Peace—titles that reflect the depth of their mission as much as their music.
Whether singing romantic ballads that move hearts or delivering messages that move nations, The Chestnut Brothers bring authenticity, spirituality, and joy to everything they do. Their live shows—described as both electrifying and intimate—are experiences that leave lasting impressions on fans from all walks of life.
Their résumé of high-profile performances reads like a roadmap of excellence:
Hard Rock Café Grand Opening - Philadelphia
Presidential Summit - Philadelphia
Inaugural Marian Anderson Humanitarian Award Gala (honoring Harry Belafonte) - Philadelphia
Birdland Theater - New York
1996 Olympics Festivities - Atlanta
Gasparilla Music Festival, Tampa
Total Experience, Los Angeles
Parliament Jazz Club, Cyprus
…and countless others.
Through it all, Al and Ty have stayed true to their calling: using music not just to entertain, but to heal, educate, and inspire. Their catalog, rich with romantic R&B, gospel inspiration, and genre-bending compositions, remains timeless.
As they mark 62 years of performance, The Chestnut Brothers continue to write, perform, and record with the same passion that fueled their beginnings. Their legacy is not just one of longevity, but of living purposefully through music.