Al Chestnut, one half of the internationally celebrated duo The Chestnut Brothers (alongside his brother Ty Chestnut), has long been recognized for maintaining a standard of musical excellence throughout a storied career. Born in Columbia, South Carolina, and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Al grew up in a musically rich household. His father was a saxophonist, his mother a gospel singer, and his sister a featured vocalist in a local jazz ensemble. This nurturing environment exposed him to a diverse array of music from a young age, paving the way for him to evolve into a dynamic performer and vocalist with an electrifying stage presence.
Known for their captivating performances and original songwriting, The Chestnut Brothers mesmerized audiences worldwide. Their music reflects their deep passion for social change, exemplified by their powerful anthem, “Stop the Violence.” Their involvement in the international peace movement earned them the titles of Goodwill Ambassadors, Musical Messengers, and Princes of Peace, cementing their legacy as artists with a purpose.
While the duo enjoyed great success together, Al Chestnut is no stranger to flying solo. During a previous chapter of his career, Al was the musical voice of the nationally televised Miss Black America Pageant, for which he recorded and performed the theme songs “Miss Black America” and “Hey Black Girl.” These performances brought him national acclaim, with appearances in Santa Monica, Philadelphia, and alongside Ty in Washington, D.C.
In addition to their own projects, Al and Ty performed and recorded with an impressive roster of legendary artists, including Luther Vandross, Grover Washington Jr., Billy Paul, The Trammps, Phil Perry, The Oak Ridge Boys, Harry Connick Jr., Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes, Najee, Roy Ayers, LL Cool J, All 4 One, Little Anthony, Cheap Trick, and Pete Seeger. These collaborations speak to their versatility and the respect they’ve earned across multiple genres.
Now stepping into a new era, Al Chestnut is blazing his own trail once again. His smooth, soulful, and dynamic voice—a blend uniquely his own—recalls the golden era of soul and pays homage to some of his greatest influences, including Sam Cooke, Donny Hathaway, Eddie Kendricks, Johnnie Taylor, Marvin Gaye, and the iconic Sam & Dave. With a repertoire spanning R&B, Blues, Jazz, Rock, and Reggae, Al Chestnut’s performances are a journey through the rich tapestry of music he embodies.
Poised to reignite the industry with his Ol’ Skool soul and timeless artistry, Al Chestnut is ready to set the stage ablaze and continue his legacy as a masterful vocalist and performer.