Steven Curtis Chapman
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Blue Jay Man (PRODIGY Member) Mr. Chaptman, when will your next album come out
Steven Curtis Chapman (Speaker) Well, my latest album, "Signs of Life," was officially released on September 3rd of 1996. I'm currently on tour with that album, with Carolyn Arends and Audio Adrenalin. We will be in 80 cities between now and May of 1997. I think at this point my next recording may actually be a Greatest Hits album, with a few new songs. That's a little ways off, because the tour is going to keep me pretty busy for a while.
BLKuss40 (PRODIGY Member) Just wanted you to know how much our family enjoys your music and your witness. When did you realize your "call" to sing christian music?
Steven Curtis Chapman (Speaker) Well first of all, thanks for letting me be a part of your family's life. I know how much music means to a family, having three kids and a wife of my own. As far as the call to do what I'm doing, it was definitely a process and something that happened over a period of time.
Steven Curtis Chapman (Speaker) I first had the opportunity to begin performing in high school, in churches, and then got a job at an amusement park in Nashville, Tennessee, called Opryland. At the park I was singing in a country music show, and as much as I enjoyed performing in that setting, there was always something that seemed to be missing. When I performed and sang songs that I had written out of my relationship with God, it seemed as though that's what I had been given the gift of music for.
Steven Curtis Chapman (Speaker) And it was much more fulfilling. One thing that I always think of about the calling to do what I do, is a scene from the movie Chariots of Fire. The runner in the movie, named Eric Little, makes a statement that says, "God made me fast, and when I run fast, I feel God's pleasure." That's definitely the sense I have when I write and play music that gives glory and honor to the one who gave me the gift of music.
CC Emmy (PRODIGY Member) Hi! What have you heard about Kirk Franklin's condition after the accident? Have you ever fallen offstage?
Steven Curtis Chapman (Speaker)
Well, I'm sorry to say I'm not familiar with an accident involving Kirk. However, I just had a message on my machine from Kirk Franklin, and he seemed to be fine. As far as falling off stage, unfortunately, I've had two experiences with finding the end of stage by accident.
Steven Curtis Chapman (Speaker)
Hopefully that is my last experience with stage diving.
Blue Jay Man (PRODIGY Member) how do you feel about michael w. smith's music
Steven Curtis Chapman (Speaker) Well, first of all I'll say that I love his latest recording. I've known Michael for a few years personally. And our kids even go to the same school. I'm very proud of him for making this last album. I think he's a brilliant songwriter, and we've even had a chance to co-write one song together, which was on my Christmas album.
Blue Jay Man (PRODIGY Member) how old are you now? i remember seeing an artical on i think your 30th birthday party where you were tricked
Steven Curtis Chapman (Speaker)
Yes, it was a cruel joke played on me by my wife! I was told we were going to a pajama party, only to discover it was a surprise birthday party for me, and I was the only one in my pajamas. That was almost four years ago, and I am still currently in counseling to deal with the emotional scars.
CC Emmy (PRODIGY Member) Who would you most like to record a duet with? Why ?
Steven Curtis Chapman (Speaker) Well, I have already had the opportunity to sing with some of my favorite vocalists in the world, like Bebe and CeCe Winans. But one of my favorite singers is Michael McDonald. I had the chance to meet him recently, and told him some day I'd love to sing with him. So who knows? Maybe some day...
Steven Curtis Chapman (Speaker) Also, singing with Twila was a big thrill.
Moderator (Speaker) Contemporary Christian music is the fastest growing form of popular music in the world today and Steven Curtis Chapman has achieved unprecedented levels of success in the genre, racking up three Grammy Awards and 28 Gospel Music Association Dove Awards!
CC Emmy (PRODIGY Member) How are your kids doing? Any stories to share???
Steven Curtis Chapman (Speaker) Thank you very much for asking. The kids are fine. There are many stories, and in fact I'm sharing several of them currently on my tour each night in concert. Most recently, Will Franklin received a smashed finger, which is currently healing nicely. Caleb has lost yet another tooth, and continues to dominate the soccer field. Emily is now 10, going on 20, and has asked for a plane ticket to a foreign country for a missions trip, for her Christmas present. So all is well with the Chapman kids.
Moderator (Speaker) Steven’s latest recording Signs of life, follows in the wake of three Gold records! In support of the record, Steven is currently playing an 80-city tour in venues usually reserved for rock ‘n roll’s biggest names.
JC Forever (PRODIGY Member) Do you enjoy touring with other CCM groups? Who are you touring with currently?
Steven Curtis Chapman (Speaker) One of my favorite tour experiences was Young Messiah tour, in which I toured with several other artists. I developed some great friendships as a result of that tour. Currently, I'm touring with Audio Adrenalin and Carolyn Arends.
Moderator (Speaker) Steven's "The Great Adventure" Tour traveled to 70 cities and played to an audience of more than 360,000. In some markets, his show out-sold concerts by Richard Marx, Wynonna and Natalie Cole.
Peninsula02 (PRODIGY Member) How did you know that God had plans for you in the music world when you first began writing?
Steven Curtis Chapman (Speaker) Well I'm not sure that I knew God had plans for me, but it seemed to become evident over a period of time that God was using the abilities he had given me in a unique way. I think it was more of a process than an instant revelation, and I have always believed that it's very important to bloom where you're planted. Sometimes it only becomes evident with time.
Moderator (Speaker) Learn more about Steven and other great CCM stars - jump: Christian Music BB
DianaMorris (PRODIGY Member) What is your approach to Bible study? Are you in a Bible study class at church?
Steven Curtis Chapman (Speaker)
I am in a Sunday school at church with my wife, which is a class on parenting. (We need all the help we can get.
Moderator (Speaker) Before striking out on his own, Steven made a name for himself as a songwriter, penning tunes for Billy Dean, Charlie Daniels and Glen Cambell, among others.
DianaMorris (PRODIGY Member) What is your attitude concerning fans greeting you and your family when you attend your local church? Is it a problem?
Steven Curtis Chapman (Speaker) Sometimes it can be a little distracting to the purpose of why I am there. But I understand, as does my family, that people simply want to be encouraging and let me know how much they appreciate my music. Usually, they try to be very sensitive, and I appreciate that.
Moderator (Speaker) Steven’s latest recording Signs of life, follows in the wake of three Gold records! In support of the record, Steven is currently playing an 80-city tour in venues usually reserved for rock ‘n roll’s biggest names.
DianaMorris (PRODIGY Member)
Are you a computer user?
If yes, do you use an IBM or MAC ?
Steven Curtis Chapman (Speaker) I am an extremely reluctant computer user. I am going into the Computer Age kicking and screaming <g>. But I am a Mac user. My wife is more of a Mac user than I am, and my kids are trying to teach me how to use the computer.
DianaMorris (PRODIGY Member) Are you voting tomorrow?
Steven Curtis Chapman (Speaker) Unfortunately I am on tour, will be in Waco, Texas tomorrow, and will not be able to vote. But I encourage everyone to definitely go to the polls tomorrow... and vote twice... once for me!
bjlajt (PRODIGY Member) so when r u comming to minnesota
Steven Curtis Chapman (Speaker) I don't have my schedule in front of me, but I do have my itinerary posted on the Internet. You can find it on my home page, which is at http://www.scchapman.com
Steven Curtis Chapman (Speaker) There's a lot of information about the tour there, and lots of fun facts, information about my family, other organizations I am currently working with, etc.
Moderator (Speaker) Steven's "The Great Adventure" Tour traveled to 70 cities and played to an audience of more than 360,000. In some markets, his show out-sold concerts by Richard Marx, Wynonna and Natalie Cole.
paulnjul (PRODIGY Member) How would you describe your faith, do you have an affiliation or are you a christian?
Steven Curtis Chapman (Speaker) I attend a church called Christ Community Church, which is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church of America denomination. However, it is very much an inter-denominational kind of congregation. I grew up in the Baptist church, but definitely feel like the most important thing is not the denomination, but the Gospel.
Moderator (Speaker) Contemporary Christian music is the fastest growing form of popular music in the world today and Steven Curtis Chapman has achieved unprecedented levels of success in the genre, racking up three Grammy Awards and 28 Gospel Music Association Dove Awards!
paulnjul (PRODIGY Member) Whendid you begin your music career?
Steven Curtis Chapman (Speaker) Professionally, my career began as a songwriter about 14 years ago. I recorded my first album 9 years ago.
Moderator (Speaker) Steven’s latest recording Signs of life, follows in the wake of three Gold records! In support of the record, Steven is currently playing an 80-city tour in venues usually reserved for rock ‘n roll’s biggest names.
Queen Jay (PRODIGY Member) Steven-I love your new cd. What was the hardest song to write??
Steven Curtis Chapman (Speaker) Probably the song which was written for a grandfather I never knew. The song is called "What I Would Say," and was inspired by recently discovering some letters that were written by my grandfather to my grandmother while he was battling alcoholism. He lost the battle when my dad was a teenager, so I never had the chance to know him.
Steven Curtis Chapman (Speaker) This was probably the most personal song I've written, and my hope is that it will help bring healing, not only to my family, but to others who can relate in some way to this situation.
Moderator (Speaker) Join other CCM fans on the CHRISTIAN MUSIC BB
Queen Jay (PRODIGY Member) Do you play any instruments other than the guitar??
Steven Curtis Chapman (Speaker) Actually, I grew up in a music store, because my dad owned one. So I learned to play a lot of instruments as a kid. On my latest album, I play mandolin, lap steel guitar, as well as dobro. I also play keyboards a little bit. I write some on the keyboards. I was a drummer in high school, and learned to play bass from my brother. I am certainly a jack of many trades, and master of none -- although guitar is the closest one I've come to mastering.
loststar35 (PRODIGY Member) How has your work with the prison ministry changed your views, if at all, on God and the world?
Steven Curtis Chapman (Speaker) My work with prison fellowship, which can be further explored on my Web page, has definitely changed my life. I think the most profound thing about the prison work has been the opportunity it has given me to see the power of God's grace and forgiveness. The song "Free" on my new album captures in many ways the impact that my prison visits have had on my life.
Steven Curtis Chapman (Speaker) Also, my relationship with Chuck Colson, who was the founder of the Prison Fellowship Ministries, has had a profound impact on me. He is a very wise and Godly man. I think my work with this organization has truly given me an understanding for why, in scripture, Jesus asks the question, "When I was in prison, did you come and visit me?"
Steven Curtis Chapman (Speaker) Thank you so much for allowing me to share some thoughts, and for taking the time to join us in cyberspace. And speaking of space, look for "Signs of Life" (the tour) coming to a city near you in the near future. I'll look for you on the tour. Thank you and God bless you all!
Moderator (Speaker) Thank you for joining us for our chat with Steven Curtis Chapman. To interact with more CCM fans drop by the CHRISTIAN MUSIC BB
Photo by Diana Morris