Browse Artists
Chapman, Gary
Gary Chapman says he has met the personal goals he established when he took over as the host of Prime Time Country in 1996--to have fun and create an environment for his guests to be comfortable as themselves.
Born in Waurika, Okla., and raised in DeLeon, Texas, Chapman says he never dreamed of being anything but an entertainer. In high school, he performed in a school-sanctioned rock band. Indirectly following in his minister-father's footsteps, he attended church-oriented college after high school, where he performed. Later he moved to Nashville, where he joined the gospel group, The Rambos, and began writing songs.
The first performer to record a Gary Chapman song was Amy Grant, who recorded "Father's Eyes," in 1979. Chapman grew as a musician, producer, and songwriter. His song, "Finally," was a No. 1 country hit for T.G. Sheppard in 1982. Other Chapman songs have been recorded by performers that include Grant, Vanessa Williams, Alabama, Lee Greenwood, Kenny Rogers, Steve Wariner, Barbara Mandrell, Kathy Troccoli, and Russ Taff. In 1982, Chapman received a Dove award from the Gospel Music Association (GMA) as Songwriter of the Year.
He co-produced the 1994 Dove award-winning album, Songs From The Loft, featuring artists such as Grant, Michael W. Smith, Susan Ashton and Ashley Cleveland.
As a performer, Chapman released several albums, including Sincerely Yours, Happenin', and on RCA, Everyday Man. His 1994 Reunion Records album, The Light Inside, resulted in a Grammy nomination for Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album and a Dove nomination for Male Vocalist of the Year. The Light Inside became one of 1994's top contemporary Christian albums and served up hits such as "Treasure," "Sweet Jesus" and the No. 1 song, "Sweet Glow of Mercy." His 1996 album, Shelter, delivered the No. 1 hit, "One of Two" and received a 1997 Grammy nomination for Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album. In April, 1996, Chapman was honored as Male Vocalist of the Year by the GMA. In the same year, he earned Dove awards for Inspirational Recorded Song of the Year ("Man After Your Own Heart") and Special Event Album of the Year (My Utmost For His Highest).
Chapman's wit and humor led to co-hosting duties at 1995's Dove Awards. That year he developed and began hosting the ongoing live concert series "Sam's Place," held at Nashville's historic Ryman Auditorium. In late 1995 Chapman hosted two televised specials for TNN based on the concerts: Sam's Place and A Sam's Place Christmas. In 1996, after an eight-episode, on-camera tryout, he was named Prime Time Country's new host.
Chapman is a devoted father to his three children: Matt, Millie and Sarah. In his free time, Chapman flies planes, rides a Harley motorcycle and an all-terrain vehicle. His most recent accomplishment is earning his helicopter pilot's license.
Born in Waurika, Okla., and raised in DeLeon, Texas, Chapman says he never dreamed of being anything but an entertainer. In high school, he performed in a school-sanctioned rock band. Indirectly following in his minister-father's footsteps, he attended church-oriented college after high school, where he performed. Later he moved to Nashville, where he joined the gospel group, The Rambos, and began writing songs.
The first performer to record a Gary Chapman song was Amy Grant, who recorded "Father's Eyes," in 1979. Chapman grew as a musician, producer, and songwriter. His song, "Finally," was a No. 1 country hit for T.G. Sheppard in 1982. Other Chapman songs have been recorded by performers that include Grant, Vanessa Williams, Alabama, Lee Greenwood, Kenny Rogers, Steve Wariner, Barbara Mandrell, Kathy Troccoli, and Russ Taff. In 1982, Chapman received a Dove award from the Gospel Music Association (GMA) as Songwriter of the Year.
He co-produced the 1994 Dove award-winning album, Songs From The Loft, featuring artists such as Grant, Michael W. Smith, Susan Ashton and Ashley Cleveland.
As a performer, Chapman released several albums, including Sincerely Yours, Happenin', and on RCA, Everyday Man. His 1994 Reunion Records album, The Light Inside, resulted in a Grammy nomination for Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album and a Dove nomination for Male Vocalist of the Year. The Light Inside became one of 1994's top contemporary Christian albums and served up hits such as "Treasure," "Sweet Jesus" and the No. 1 song, "Sweet Glow of Mercy." His 1996 album, Shelter, delivered the No. 1 hit, "One of Two" and received a 1997 Grammy nomination for Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album. In April, 1996, Chapman was honored as Male Vocalist of the Year by the GMA. In the same year, he earned Dove awards for Inspirational Recorded Song of the Year ("Man After Your Own Heart") and Special Event Album of the Year (My Utmost For His Highest).
Chapman's wit and humor led to co-hosting duties at 1995's Dove Awards. That year he developed and began hosting the ongoing live concert series "Sam's Place," held at Nashville's historic Ryman Auditorium. In late 1995 Chapman hosted two televised specials for TNN based on the concerts: Sam's Place and A Sam's Place Christmas. In 1996, after an eight-episode, on-camera tryout, he was named Prime Time Country's new host.
Chapman is a devoted father to his three children: Matt, Millie and Sarah. In his free time, Chapman flies planes, rides a Harley motorcycle and an all-terrain vehicle. His most recent accomplishment is earning his helicopter pilot's license.
Albums
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After God's Own Heart
Sincerely Yours
Happenin' Live
Everyday Man
The Light Inside
Shelter
The Early Years
This Gift
Outside
Circles and Seasons
The Best of Gary Chapman: After God's Own Heart