TOPSY CHAPMAN AND MAGNOLIA JAZZ BAND

Biography

Topsy Chapman (1947–2022) was a legendary jazz and gospel vocalist from New Orleans, Louisiana, born in Kentwood. She demonstrated extraordinary musical talent from an early age, singing and playing piano by age 3 and earning money performing in churches by age 6 or 7, thanks to her father Norwood's role as a preacher and vocal music instructor. After high school, Chapman moved to New Orleans at age 17, where she formed The Chapmans gospel group and quickly became a fixture in the local music scene, performing regularly at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and various clubs throughout the city.

Chapman's career reached international prominence in 1978 when she was selected as an original cast member of the off-Broadway hit musical "One Mo' Time," a production set in 1920s New Orleans black vaudeville that premiered at the Toulouse Theatre in the French Quarter before traveling to New York's Village Gate, London's West End, and touring extensively throughout Europe. This breakthrough led to performances for world leaders including the Queen of England and the Duke of Edinburgh, Grammy nominations, critical acclaim from major publications including the New York Times and Variety, and appearances on Garrison Keillor's "A Prairie Home Companion." She also appeared in the award-winning 2013 film "12 Years a Slave."

Throughout her career, Chapman maintained deep roots in gospel music while performing traditional and modern New Orleans jazz with some of the city's finest musicians. Known for her beautifully powerful voice, impeccable phrasing, and masterful musicianship, she performed at prestigious venues including the Palm Court Jazz Café, Snug Harbor, and Donna's, and toured extensively across Europe, Asia, Australia, and the Americas. Her legacy continues through her daughters Yolanda Robinson and Jolynda Phillips, who perform as Topsy Chapman and Solid Harmony, carrying forward the musical traditions their mother championed until her death in 2022 at age 75.

Fun Facts

• Despite achieving international fame and performing for royalty and presidents, Topsy Chapman famously avoided the spotlight and remained humble, preferring the focus to remain on her music rather than herself.
• Chapman was a prodigy who began earning money performing in churches by age 6 or 7, and she composed and arranged original vocal harmony arrangements for the cast album of 'One Mo' Time,' which received a Grammy nomination.
• In addition to her extensive jazz and gospel career, Chapman appeared in the critically acclaimed 2013 film '12 Years a Slave' and made multiple appearances on Garrison Keillor's 'A Prairie Home Companion,' bringing her music to diverse audiences.
• Chapman toured extensively across more than 20 countries including France, Germany, Holland, Sweden, Switzerland, Italy, Greece, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, England, Spain, and throughout the Americas, performing on cruise lines and at major jazz festivals worldwide.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Norwood Chapman (Father) - Vocal music instructor and preacher who immersed Topsy in gospel music from early childhood (Early gospel training and musical foundation) [1947–1960s]

Key Collaborators

• Magnolia Jazz Band - Performed with this New Orleans Revival Jazz ensemble (1994 eponymous Magnolia Jazz Band release) [1990s]
• Jim Cullum Jazz Band - Regular collaborator and performer (Various performances and recordings) [1990s–2000s]
• Lars Edegran Orchestra - Performed with this New Orleans jazz ensemble (Jazz in New Orleans: The Nineties) [1990s]
• Yolanda Robinson and Jolynda Phillips (Daughters) - Performed together as Topsy Chapman and Solid Harmony (My One and Only Love (2001 CD)) [2000s–2020s]
• Lucien Barbarin, Don Suhor, Duke Heitger - Featured musicians on her recordings (My One and Only Love (2001)) [2001]
• Willie Humphrey, Chester Zardis, Alvin Stardust, Geoff Bull, Louie Nelson, Fred Coleman - Recording and performance collaborators (Various recordings) [1980s–2000s]
• Nicholas Payton - Collaborated on recordings (Various jazz projects) [1990s–2000s]
• Vernel Bagneris - Playwright and director who recruited The Chapmans for theatrical production (One Mo' Time (1978)) [1978]

Artists Influenced

• Yolanda Robinson and Jolynda Phillips - Her daughters continue her musical legacy, performing gospel and jazz traditions she established (Topsy Chapman and Solid Harmony performances) [2000s–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Roll Jordan Roll (feat. Chiwetel Ejiofor & Cast) (12 Years A Slave (Music From and Inspired by the Motion Picture))
2. Exactly Like You (St. Peter Street Serenade)
3. I'll Fly Away (St. Peter Street Serenade)
4. Just A Closer Walk With Thee (A Beautiful World)
5. St. Louis Blues (Live at Oslo Concert Hall)
6. Bugle Call Rag (Chasin' the Blues)
7. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (Crescent City Christmas)
8. Lonesome and Sorry (Live at Oslo Concert Hall)
9. Shout, Sister, Shout! (Live at Oslo Concert Hall)
10. You Can't Tell the Difference After Dark (Fine and Mellow)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia