Topsy Chapman
American musician (1947–2022)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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]