[1] There, he joined a band named Death, which performed covers of the Stooges and the Velvet Underground before moving toward original songs.

In 1977, after studying for a short time under David Murray, he formed The Contortions, who fused jazz improvisation and funky rhythms, with live shows often ending in violent confrontations with audience members.

[6][7][8] In 1979, Chance collaborated with Arto Lindsay, Bradley Field, and George Scott on the soundtrack to Diego Cortez's film Grutzi Elvis.

[1] Chance's stage and musical persona were finalized by romantic partner and agent Anya Phillips, who died of cancer in 1981.

Chance re-formed James White and the Blacks with a completely different lineup that appeared on the 1982 album Sax Maniac which was dedicated to Phillips.

[citation needed] Chance briefly relocated to Paris, returning to New York City in 1983 to record the album James White Presents The Flaming Demonics.

[citation needed] In addition to limited engagements with the original Contortions, Chance occasionally performed and recorded with the Chicago band Watchers.

[2] In 2009 Chance made occasional appearances playing keyboards in NYC with a trio, with the material restricted to close readings of jazz standards.

[10] Chance was in poor health in the final years of his life, and he died from a gastrointestinal disease at a nursing home in East Harlem on June 18, 2024, at the age of 71.