Roger Chapman
Encyclopedia
Roger Chapman also known as Roger "Chappo" Chapman and Chappo, is an English
rock
vocalist
. He is best known as a member of the Progressive rock
band Family
, which he joined along with Charlie Whitney, in 1967 and also the rock, R&B band Streetwalkers
formed in 1974. His idiosyncratic
brand of showmanship when performing and vocal vibrato
led him to become a cult figure
on the British rock scene. Chapman is claimed to have said that he was trying to sing like both Little Richard
and his idol Ray Charles
. Since the early 1980s he has spent much of his time in Germany
and has made occasional appearances there and elsewhere. He has an Artist of the Year award and was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004.
"You'd Better Stop" in August 1964. He moved on to join The Roaring Sixties and were later re-named Family
in 1966. In 1967 the first single was released, "Scene Through The Eye Of A Lens", something of a psychedelic classic. Chapman wrote most of Family's songs with Charlie Whitney and their debut album Music in a Doll's House
was released in 1968. Their bluesy, experimental rock music
gained them a reputation as a progressive underground
band.
The release of A Song For Me (1970) and Anyway (1971) established Family as a fast and loud rock band also capable of producing the most intense acoustic music, in the British underground music
scene, at that time. On 28 August in 1970 they appeared at the third Isle of Wight Festival
. Although the band was popular in UK and Europe
, success in the US
eluded them and in 1973 they broke up.
Chapman formed Chapman-Whitney with Whitney, late in 1973. They signed to the Vertigo
label and recorded an album Chapman Whitney Streetwalkers
(1974), with a line-up including other members of Family
and King Crimson
, as well as Nicko McBrain
, now with Iron Maiden
. Chapman and Whitney morph
ed their band into Streetwalkers
, who were a polished album-oriented rock
band who used more white soul than Family
had. They released Downtown Flyers (1975), moving on to record the groove heavy album Red Card (1976) which was released in the UK in 1976 and remains a much respected album by music fans and the music press
. Two more albums followed before the band broke up in 1977, ending eleven years of the Whitney-Chapman musical partnership.
In 1979 Chapman began a solo career and recorded his first solo album Chappo
. His backing band became known as The Shortlist at this time and he toured Europe extensively, during this period. Chapman's song "Shadow On The Wall
" was recorded by Mike Oldfield
, who used Chapman's vocals and was included it on his album Crises
(1983). He appeared as a guest artist on the second Box of Frogs
album Strange Land (1986) singing lead vocals on two songs. Chapman went on to record Walking the Cat (1989) and Hybrid and Low Down (1990).
Since then Chapman has released eleven albums of new and live recordings. His album Hide Go Seek (2009) was produced by former Family
bassist Jim Cregan
and released during May 2009. His appearance on Saturday August 21, 2010 at the Rhythm Festival
was billed as: "the farewell performance from Roger Chapman & The Shortlist".
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
rock
Rock music
Rock music is a genre of popular music that developed during and after the 1960s, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. It has its roots in 1940s and 1950s rock and roll, itself heavily influenced by rhythm and blues and country music...
vocalist
Singing
Singing is the act of producing musical sounds with the voice, and augments regular speech by the use of both tonality and rhythm. One who sings is called a singer or vocalist. Singers perform music known as songs that can be sung either with or without accompaniment by musical instruments...
. He is best known as a member of the Progressive rock
Progressive rock
Progressive rock is a subgenre of rock music that developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s as part of a "mostly British attempt to elevate rock music to new levels of artistic credibility." John Covach, in Contemporary Music Review, says that many thought it would not just "succeed the pop of...
band Family
Family (band)
Family were an English rock band that formed in late 1966 and disbanded in October 1973. Their style has been characterised as progressive rock, although their sound often explored other genres, incorporating elements of styles like as folk, psychedelia, acid, jazz fusion and rock and roll...
, which he joined along with Charlie Whitney, in 1967 and also the rock, R&B band Streetwalkers
Streetwalkers
Streetwalkers were an English rock band formed in late 1973 by two former members of Family, vocalist Roger Chapman and guitarist John "Charlie" Whitney...
formed in 1974. His idiosyncratic
Idiosyncrasy
An idiosyncrasy is an unusual feature of a person . The term is often used to express eccentricity or peculiarity. A synonym may be .-Etymology:...
brand of showmanship when performing and vocal vibrato
Vibrato
Vibrato is a musical effect consisting of a regular, pulsating change of pitch. It is used to add expression to vocal and instrumental music. Vibrato is typically characterised in terms of two factors: the amount of pitch variation and the speed with which the pitch is varied .-Vibrato and...
led him to become a cult figure
Cult following
A cult following is a group of fans who are highly dedicated to a specific area of pop culture. A film, book, band, or video game, among other things, will be said to have a cult following when it has a small but very passionate fan base...
on the British rock scene. Chapman is claimed to have said that he was trying to sing like both Little Richard
Little Richard
Richard Wayne Penniman , known by the stage name Little Richard, is an American singer, songwriter, musician, recording artist, and actor, considered key in the transition from rhythm and blues to rock and roll in the 1950s. He was also the first artist to put the funk in the rock and roll beat and...
and his idol Ray Charles
Ray Charles
Ray Charles Robinson , known by his shortened stage name Ray Charles, was an American musician. He was a pioneer in the genre of soul music during the 1950s by fusing rhythm and blues, gospel, and blues styles into his early recordings with Atlantic Records...
. Since the early 1980s he has spent much of his time in Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
and has made occasional appearances there and elsewhere. He has an Artist of the Year award and was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004.
History
Chapman was originally the vocalist for Farinas, who released the singleSingle (music)
In music, a single or record single is a type of release, typically a recording of fewer tracks than an LP or a CD. This can be released for sale to the public in a variety of different formats. In most cases, the single is a song that is released separately from an album, but it can still appear...
"You'd Better Stop" in August 1964. He moved on to join The Roaring Sixties and were later re-named Family
Family (band)
Family were an English rock band that formed in late 1966 and disbanded in October 1973. Their style has been characterised as progressive rock, although their sound often explored other genres, incorporating elements of styles like as folk, psychedelia, acid, jazz fusion and rock and roll...
in 1966. In 1967 the first single was released, "Scene Through The Eye Of A Lens", something of a psychedelic classic. Chapman wrote most of Family's songs with Charlie Whitney and their debut album Music in a Doll's House
Music in a Doll's House
-Side two:- Personnel :* Roger Chapman – lead vocals, harmonica, tenor saxophone* John "Charlie" Whitney – lead guitar, steel guitar* Jim King – tenor and soprano saxophone, harmonica, vocals* Ric Grech – bass guitar, violin, cello, vocals...
was released in 1968. Their bluesy, experimental rock music
Rock music
Rock music is a genre of popular music that developed during and after the 1960s, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. It has its roots in 1940s and 1950s rock and roll, itself heavily influenced by rhythm and blues and country music...
gained them a reputation as a progressive underground
Underground music
Underground music comprises a range of different musical genres that operate outside of mainstream culture. Such music can typically share common values, such as the valuing of sincerity and intimacy; an emphasis on freedom of creative expression; an appreciation of artistic creativity...
band.
The release of A Song For Me (1970) and Anyway (1971) established Family as a fast and loud rock band also capable of producing the most intense acoustic music, in the British underground music
Underground music
Underground music comprises a range of different musical genres that operate outside of mainstream culture. Such music can typically share common values, such as the valuing of sincerity and intimacy; an emphasis on freedom of creative expression; an appreciation of artistic creativity...
scene, at that time. On 28 August in 1970 they appeared at the third Isle of Wight Festival
Isle of Wight Festival
The Isle of Wight Festival is a music festival which takes place every year on the Isle of Wight in England. It was originally held from 1968 to 1970. These original events were promoted and organised by the Foulk brothers under the banner of their company Fiery Creations Limited...
. Although the band was popular in UK and Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
, success in the US
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
eluded them and in 1973 they broke up.
Chapman formed Chapman-Whitney with Whitney, late in 1973. They signed to the Vertigo
Vertigo Records
Vertigo Records today is a UK-based record label operated by Universal Music UK.-History:Vertigo Records was the name Philips Records chose in the late 1960s for its record sub-label to counter the progressive labels of its rivals EMI with Harvest Records and Decca Records with Deram...
label and recorded an album Chapman Whitney Streetwalkers
Chapman Whitney Streetwalkers
-Personnel:*Roger Chapman—Vocals, Percussion*John Wetton, Rick Grech—Bass*Godfrey MacLean—Congas*Ian Wallace, Michael Giles — Drums*Charlie Whitney, Neil Hubbard — Guitar*Max Middleton, Tim Hinkley — Keyboards...
(1974), with a line-up including other members of Family
Family (band)
Family were an English rock band that formed in late 1966 and disbanded in October 1973. Their style has been characterised as progressive rock, although their sound often explored other genres, incorporating elements of styles like as folk, psychedelia, acid, jazz fusion and rock and roll...
and King Crimson
King Crimson
King Crimson are a rock band founded in London, England in 1969. Often categorised as a foundational progressive rock group, the band have incorporated diverse influences and instrumentation during their history...
, as well as Nicko McBrain
Nicko McBrain
Michael Henry "Nicko" McBrain is an English musician, best known as the drummer for Iron Maiden, which he joined in 1982, prior to which he had played for Streetwalkers, Pat Travers, and the French political band, Trust.-Biography:...
, now with Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden are an English heavy metal band from Leyton in east London, formed in 1975 by bassist and primary songwriter Steve Harris. Since their inception, the band's discography has grown to include a total of thirty-six albums: fifteen studio albums; eleven live albums; four EPs; and six...
. Chapman and Whitney morph
Morph
- Astronomy :* Morphs collaboration, a collaboration that studied the evolution of spiral galaxies using the Magellan and the Hubble Space Telescope- Biology :...
ed their band into Streetwalkers
Streetwalkers
Streetwalkers were an English rock band formed in late 1973 by two former members of Family, vocalist Roger Chapman and guitarist John "Charlie" Whitney...
, who were a polished album-oriented rock
Album-oriented rock
Album-oriented rock is an American FM radio format focusing on album tracks by rock artists.-Music played:Most radio formats are based on a select, tight rotation of hit singles...
band who used more white soul than Family
Family (band)
Family were an English rock band that formed in late 1966 and disbanded in October 1973. Their style has been characterised as progressive rock, although their sound often explored other genres, incorporating elements of styles like as folk, psychedelia, acid, jazz fusion and rock and roll...
had. They released Downtown Flyers (1975), moving on to record the groove heavy album Red Card (1976) which was released in the UK in 1976 and remains a much respected album by music fans and the music press
Music journalism
Music journalism is criticism and reportage about music. It began in the eighteenth century as comment on what is now thought of as 'classical music'. This aspect of music journalism, today often referred to as music criticism , comprises the study, discussion, evaluation, and interpretation of...
. Two more albums followed before the band broke up in 1977, ending eleven years of the Whitney-Chapman musical partnership.
In 1979 Chapman began a solo career and recorded his first solo album Chappo
Chappo
-Side two:-Personnel:* Roger Chapman — Harmonica, Vocals* Dave Markee — Bass* Brian Odges — Bass* Billy Livsey — Keyboards* Geoff Whitehorn — Guitar* Micky Moody — Guitar* Henry Spinetti — Drums* Simon Morton — Percussion* Ray Cooper — Percussion...
. His backing band became known as The Shortlist at this time and he toured Europe extensively, during this period. Chapman's song "Shadow On The Wall
Shadow on the Wall
"Shadow on the Wall" is a single by musician Mike Oldfield, released in 1983. It is taken from Oldfield's album Crises. English rock singer Roger Chapman performs vocals on "Shadow on the Wall".- B-side :...
" was recorded by Mike Oldfield
Mike Oldfield
Michael Gordon Oldfield is an English multi-instrumentalist musician and composer, working a style that blends progressive rock, folk, ethnic or world music, classical music, electronic music, New Age, and more recently, dance. His music is often elaborate and complex in nature...
, who used Chapman's vocals and was included it on his album Crises
Crises
Crises is the eighth record album by Mike Oldfield, released in 1983. Oldfield's well known hit "Moonlight Shadow" appears on the album.- Album analysis :...
(1983). He appeared as a guest artist on the second Box of Frogs
Box of Frogs
Box of Frogs was a band formed in 1983 by former members of The Yardbirds, who released their first album in 1984. The core group comprised Chris Dreja, Paul Samwell-Smith, and Jim McCarty...
album Strange Land (1986) singing lead vocals on two songs. Chapman went on to record Walking the Cat (1989) and Hybrid and Low Down (1990).
Since then Chapman has released eleven albums of new and live recordings. His album Hide Go Seek (2009) was produced by former Family
Family (band)
Family were an English rock band that formed in late 1966 and disbanded in October 1973. Their style has been characterised as progressive rock, although their sound often explored other genres, incorporating elements of styles like as folk, psychedelia, acid, jazz fusion and rock and roll...
bassist Jim Cregan
Jim Cregan
Jim Cregan, born James Cregan, 9 March 1946, Yeovil, Somerset, England is an English rock guitarist and bassist who best known for his associations with Family, Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel and Rod Stewart. Cregan is a former husband of the singer Linda Lewis and worked with her as a record producer...
and released during May 2009. His appearance on Saturday August 21, 2010 at the Rhythm Festival
Rhythm Festival
The Rhythm Festival is an outdoor music festival held at The Mansion House, Old Warden Park, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire from 2011. From 2006 until 2010 it was held at Twinwood Arena, near the village of Clapham, Bedfordshire, England.. Rhythm Festival was founded by music promoter Jim Driver...
was billed as: "the farewell performance from Roger Chapman & The Shortlist".
Albums
- StreetwalkersChapman Whitney Streetwalkers-Personnel:*Roger Chapman—Vocals, Percussion*John Wetton, Rick Grech—Bass*Godfrey MacLean—Congas*Ian Wallace, Michael Giles — Drums*Charlie Whitney, Neil Hubbard — Guitar*Max Middleton, Tim Hinkley — Keyboards...
Reprise K 54017 (1974) - Downtown Flyers, Vertigo 6360 123, Mercury LP SRM-1-1060 (US)( 1975)
- Red Card Vertigo 9102 010, Mercury SMR-1-1083 (US), Repertoire REP 47-WP (CD) (1976)
- Vicious But Fair Vertigo 9102 012, Mercury LP SRM-1-1135 (US), (1977)
- Streetwalkers Live Vertigo 6641-703 (1977)
- Best of Streetwalkers CD, CA, LP Vertigo 846-661 (1990)
- BBC Radio One Live CD Windsong (1995)
Singles
- Roxianna/Crack Reprise (1974)
- Raingame"/MillerVertigo (1975)
- Daddy Rolling Stone/Hole In Your Pocket Vertigo (1976)
- Chilli Con Carne/But You're Beautiful Vertigo (1977)
Albums
- ChappoChappo-Side two:-Personnel:* Roger Chapman — Harmonica, Vocals* Dave Markee — Bass* Brian Odges — Bass* Billy Livsey — Keyboards* Geoff Whitehorn — Guitar* Micky Moody — Guitar* Henry Spinetti — Drums* Simon Morton — Percussion* Ray Cooper — Percussion...
(1979) - Live in HamburgLive in Hamburg (Roger Chapman album)-Personnel:* Roger Chapman - Vocals* Geoff Whitehorn - Guitar* Tim Hinkley - Keyboards* Jerome Rimson - Bass, Vocals* Mel Collins - Saxophone* Stretch - Drums* Helen Hardy & Kathy O'Donaghue - Backing Vocals...
(1979) - Mail Order MagicMail Order Magic-Personnel:* Roger Chapman - Harmonica, Vocals* Geoff Whitehorn - Guitar* Tim Hinkley - Keyboards* Poli Palmer — Synthesizer* John Wetton — Bass* Jerome Rimson — Bass, Vocals* Les Binks — Drums* Mitch Mitchell — Drums* John Halsey — Drums...
(1980) - Hyenas Only Laugh For FunHyenas Only Laugh For FunHyenas Only Laugh For Fun is the third solo album by singer Roger Chapman and his band The Shortlist. The album was released 1981.-Side one:#"Prisoner" – 5:38...
(1981) - The Riffburglar Album (Funny Cider Sessions) (1982)
- He Was... She Was... You Was... We Was...He Was... She Was... You Was... We Was...-Personnel:* Boz Burrell — Bass* Roger Chapman — Vocals, Harmonica* Tim Hinkley — Keyboards* Poli Palmer — Synthesizer* Nick Pentelow — Saxophone* Steve Simpson — Guitar, Mandolin, Violin, Vocals* Stretch — Drums* Geoff Whitehorn — Guitar...
(Double, Live) (1982) - Swag (as the Riffburglars) (1983)
- Mango CrazyMango CrazyMango Crazy is the fourth studio album by singer Roger Chapman and his band The Shortlist. The album was released 1983.-Side one:# "Mango Crazy" – 4:19 # "Toys: Do You?" – 4:06 # "I Read Your File" – 4:00 # "Los Dos Bailadores" – 3:44...
(1983) - The Shadow Knows (1984)
- Zipper (1985)
- Techno Prisoners(1987)
- Live In Berlin (1989)
- Walking The Cat (1989)
- Strong Songs - The Best Of...(1990)
- Hybrid and Lowdown (1990)
- Kick It Back (UK compilation) (1990)
- Under No Obligation (1992)
- King Of The Shouters (1994)
- Kiss My SoulKiss My SoulKiss My Soul is a 1996 album by Roger Chapman, the former lead singer of the 1970s British progressive band Family.- Track listing :- Personnel :* Roger Chapman — Harmonica, Vocals* Joe Chemay — Bass guitar* Geoff Dugmore — Drums...
(1996) - A Turn Unstoned? (1998)
- Anthology 1979-98 (1998)
- In My Own Time (live) (1999)
- Rollin' & Tumblin (live) Mystic (2001)
- Chappo-The Loft Tapes, Volume 1: Manchester University 10.3.1979 Mystic (2006 )
- Chappo-The Loft Tapes, Volume 2: Rostock 1983 Mystic (2006 )
- Chappo-The Loft Tapes, Volume 3: London Dingwalls 15.4.1996 Mystic(2006)
- Chappo-The Loft Tapes, Volume 4: Live At Unca Po's Hamburg 5.3.1982 Mystic (2006)
- One More Time For PeaceOne More Time For PeaceOne More Time For Peace is a studio album by singer Roger Chapman and his band The Shortlist. The album was released 2007.-Track listing:# "One More Time for Peace!" – 4:05# "Heading Back to Storyville" – 6:22...
Mystic (2007) - Hide Go Seek Hypertension Records (2009)
Singles
- "Shadow On The WallShadow on the Wall"Shadow on the Wall" is a single by musician Mike Oldfield, released in 1983. It is taken from Oldfield's album Crises. English rock singer Roger Chapman performs vocals on "Shadow on the Wall".- B-side :...
" (1983) Mike Oldfield with Roger Chapman - "How How How" (1984)