Topsy Chapman & The Pros

Biography

Topsy Chapman (1947–2022) was a renowned jazz and gospel musician from Kentwood, Louisiana, whose prodigious talent was evident from the age of three when she began singing and playing piano[1][5][7]. By six or seven, she was already earning money performing in churches, deeply rooted in the gospel tradition fostered by her father, a preacher and vocal music teacher[5][7]. At seventeen, Chapman moved to New Orleans, where she led her family's gospel group, The Chapmans, and quickly became a fixture in the city's vibrant music scene[1][4].

Her career gained international recognition when playwright Vernel Bagneris recruited her for his musical 'One Mo' Time,' a production set in 1920s New Orleans that achieved cult status both locally and Off-Broadway[1][4]. Chapman continued to perform with her daughters, Yolanda Robinson and Jolynda Phillips, under the group name Topsy Chapman and Solid Harmony, blending gospel fervor with traditional and modern jazz influences[1][2]. She was a regular performer at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and was celebrated for her powerful voice and charismatic stage presence, leaving a lasting legacy in the New Orleans music community[1][2][4].

Fun Facts

• Topsy Chapman began performing professionally in churches at just six years old, earning money as a child prodigy[1][5].
• She was featured as a singer in the Oscar-winning film '12 Years a Slave' (2013), performing the spiritual 'Roll Jordan Roll'[3].
• Her family group, The Chapmans, was recruited for the musical 'One Mo' Time', which became a cult hit and introduced her to international audiences[1][4].
• Chapman was a beloved regular at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, often performing with her daughters[1][2].

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Norwood Chapman - Topsy's father, a preacher and vocal music teacher, instilled gospel traditions and vocal discipline from an early age. (Early church performances, family gospel group) [1947–1964]

Key Collaborators

• Vernel Bagneris - Playwright and director who cast Topsy and her family in 'One Mo' Time', a pivotal musical production. ('One Mo' Time' (Toulouse Theatre, Off-Broadway)) [Late 1970s–1980s]
• Yolanda Robinson - Daughter and member of Topsy Chapman and Solid Harmony. (Topsy Chapman and Solid Harmony performances) [1990s–2022]
• Jolynda Phillips - Daughter and member of Topsy Chapman and Solid Harmony. (Topsy Chapman and Solid Harmony performances) [1990s–2022]

Artists Influenced

• Yolanda Robinson - Topsy's daughter, mentored in gospel and jazz singing, continuing her mother's musical legacy. (Performances with Solid Harmony) [1990s–present]
• Jolynda Phillips - Topsy's daughter, inspired and trained by her mother in gospel and jazz. (Performances with Solid Harmony) [1990s–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Just a Little While to Stay Here (My One and My Only Love)
2. Baby Won't You Please Come Home (My One and My Only Love)
3. Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans (My One and My Only Love)
4. If Dreams Come True (My One and My Only Love)
5. I Still Get Jealous (My One and My Only Love)
6. Someday You'll Be Sorry (My One and My Only Love)
7. Mood Indigo (My One and My Only Love)
8. Somewhere Over the Rainbow (My One and My Only Love)
9. I Can't Give You Anything but Love (My One and My Only Love)
10. Bye Bye Blues (My One and My Only Love)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia