Topsy Chapman

Women in silver dress holding microphone
Chapman performing in 2013

Topsy Chapman (1947–2022) was a Jazz and Gospel musician from New Orleans, Louisiana.[1]

Early life

Chapman was born in Kentwood, Louisiana.[1] She sang and played piano at the age of 3 and was considered a musical prodigy. By the age of 6 or 7, she was earning money performing in churches.[2]

Career

Chapman moved to New Orleans when she was 17 where she led her family's Gospel group, The Chapmans.[1] Playwright and director, Vernel Bagneris, recruited the group to appear in his production on 'One Mo' Time'. The show ran at Toulouse Theatre and later premiered Off-Broadway.[2]

Chapman performed with her daughters, Yolanda Robinson and Jolynda Phillips, under the group name Topsy Chapman and Solid Harmony.[3]

Chapman often performed at New Orleans Jazz Fest and was well known in the New Orleans music scene.[4]

Death

Chapman died in 2022.[1]

References

  1. ^ a b c d "Topsy Chapman (1947-2022) - OffBeat Magazine". www.offbeat.com. 2022-12-01. Retrieved 2023-03-02.
  2. ^ a b Advocate, KATY RECKDAHL | Special to The (6 May 2017). "Topsy Chapman dodges the spotlight from 'One Mo' Time' to Jazz Fest's Economy Hall". The Advocate. Retrieved 2023-03-02.
  3. ^ Times-Picayune, Ann Maloney, NOLA com | The (30 April 2010). "Topsy Chapman in perfect harmony at New Orleans Jazz Fest". NOLA.com. Retrieved 2023-03-02.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  4. ^ "TOPSY CHAPMAN & SOLID HARMONY (Closed September 10, 2022) | New Orleans | reviews, cast and info | TheaterMania". www.theatermania.com. Retrieved 2023-03-02.