SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: JEFF CHAPMAN OF THE KINGDOM HEIRS
SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS:
AN INTERVIEW WITH JEFF CHAPMAN OF THE KINGDOM HEIRS
The Kingdom Heirs are one of Southern Gospel’s most beloved quartets. A major part of their successful and incredible sound is bass singer Jeff Chapman. Chapman, now in his 15th year with the group, is one of best bass vocalists on the road today in my opinion. His rumbling low notes and his smooth upper register are truly impressive garnering him over 13 Singing News Fan Award nominations. In honor of their new CD release, Something Good, I asked Mr. Chapman some questions about his amazing career.
Justin Gilmore: How did you get your start in Southern Gospel music?
Jeff Chapman: I started at very young age playing drums with my family at the age of 6, played off and on the 2nd half of local concerts my family's group (The Singing Chapman Family). I also started singing harmony at 10 singing tenor. Lol. Then went through a voice change and my voice just dropped. This was kinda crazy because my dad was the bass singer. He had sung for years but he was also a preacher as well. So he started preaching more and we did the singing. It was me on bass, my brother Greg singing 2nd tenor or lead, my best friend from church Phillip singing the harmony between my brother and my mother Sarah. In addition my sister Angie played piano (btw she could play anything she sat at). Super talented family, after some years we quit singing all the time. When I turned 17, I joined a group full time out of Fort Worth, Texas called the Bob Wills family and it take very long to realize I was too young to travel like that full time, I left them and came back home and stayed for a year or two. During that time I worked at a super market and also a men's clothing salesman. In 89 or 90 I went to join a group in Goldsboro, North Carolina called the Anchormen. I stayed with them until June the 30th of 2000. I left the road to join the Blackwood Quartet in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. I stayed with them until November of 2002 when I joined the Kingdom Heirs where I planned to be for rest of my life.
Gilmore: What a journey! Who are your musical influences?
Chapman: My influence came from different quartets and country and rock. Southern Gospel has been my main influence for sure. George [Younce] and Tim [Riley] have been my biggest influences. Also London and Chief.
Gilmore: Awesome! They were truly great bass singers! Speaking of bass vocalists, who is your favorite bass singer? Favorite singer in general?
Chapman: Tim Riley is my favorite bass because he took me under his wings and taught me so much. My favorite singer in general is Karen Peck.
Gilmore: Two of my favorite singers as well! I always like to know a singers highest or lowest note. What is the lowest bass note you can hit?
Chapman: Andy Stringfield says C# is the lowest I've hit so far, but I'm not really looking to sing the lowest note but what notes I hit I want them clean and solid.
Gilmore: That’s impressive! Great outlook on it as well! Who are your favorite groups? Past or present.
Chapman: My favorite group of all time was the 80's and early 90's Gold City. I'd have to say now, since I sing with the Arthur Rice, Jerry Martin and Loren Harris, The KH are awesome and not just because I sing there either.
Gilmore: Absolutely fantastic groups! This lineup of KH is incredible! How did you come to join the Kingdom Heirs?
Chapman: In 2002, I got a call from several of my friends in Gospel Music, and they told me to call Steve French. I couldn't get off the phone quick enough to call Steve lol. I was the first bass singer to call him and the last bass singer to try out and they'd already basically picked another bass. When I tried out, we had a blast cutting up and singing. So Steve offered me the job.
Gilmore: Awesome! What has been the best part of traveling with the group?
Chapman: The camaraderie between us, each and every guy has different characteristics, but we all have fun everyday. There's never a time I get up and say "Well, I got to go sing again;” it's always an excitement. The love we all have for the music, God, and each other is extremely inviting. Love the guys.
Gilmore: Great! What is your favorite song to sing?
Chapman: Forever Changed gets me every time we sing it.
Gilmore: Definitely one of my favorites! What is your favorite Scripture verse?
Chapman: My dad (Carlos Chapman) passed away back on December the 8th. He preached his whole life and never strayed from the Word of God. His favorite verse and also mine is and was Romans 8:28.
Gilmore: What a great verse! What is something that people might not know about you?
Chapman: I love repurposing old furniture and painting furniture. I love remodeling as well. I'm a DIY channel fanatic.
Gilmore: Awesome! What is the most memorable experience you’ve had in your years of singing Gospel music?
Chapman: In 1991, I had the opportunity to join Bill Gaither and Michael English to restart the Statesmen Quartet. Even though I didn't join them, it allowed me to meet some great people who helped start our music. Jake Hess, Hovie Lister, and many others. It was a great and honorable time.
Gilmore: Wow! What an honor! Any advice for aspiring Gospel artists?
Chapman: Work hard to learn to develop your craft, whatever your talent is; make it the best it can be. Don't settle for mediocre, but the best and also strive to keep Christ first in all you do.
Gilmore: Great advice! What can fans expect from the group this year?
Chapman: The KH is just getting started this year! Got a new album coming out this year that we are about to start singing on. It's going to be awesome my friends.
Gilmore: Looking forward to it! Thanks for your time!
Chapman: Thanks and God Bless!
For more on Jeff and the Kingdom Heirs, visit www.kingdomheirs.com