Highly respected and arguably Britain's finest rock vocalist, Chappo first came to prominence during the late '60's in the Leicester based band THE FARINAS. After moving down to London he teamed up with U.S. producer Kim Fowley, the band changed their name to FAMILY.
Over the next seven years Family achieved success and critical acclaim, both for their innovative albums that highlighted the Chapman/Whitney song writing partnership, and their searing stage shows, dominated by the distinctive voice and presence of their charismatic frontman. Family enjoyed four hit singles, "In My Own Time", "Strange Band", "No Mules Fool" and "Burlesque" whilst the albums "Music In A Dolls House", "Entertainment" "A Song For Me", "Fearless" and "Bandstand" all charted.
By 1973 family had reached the end of the road, however Chapman and Whitney remained together to form STREETWALKERS. A popular attraction on the college circuit, especially in Germany, the group released four albums scoring a fair degree of success particularly with "Red Card" a top 20 album throughout Europe and the U.K.
1979 heralded the release of Roger's first solo offering "Chappo", superb album that captured the change of direction in all it's glory. Quickly followed by the explosive "Live In Hamburg", his popularity in Western and Eastern Europe reached an even higher level, culminating in a live appearance on the legendary "ROCKPALAST" TV show with his now full time band THE SHORTLIST. Further commercial success followed in the following year with the single "Let's Spend The Night Together", the album of the year "Hyena's Only Laugh For Fun" and the European best selling Mike Oldfield song "Shadow On The Wall".
Chappo's raw uncompromising style had reached a ready market and the mid-80's found him releasing an album a year, notably the widely acclaimed "Walking The Cat", whilst continuing to tour extensively throughout Europe and the U.K. Into the '90's the continuing creativity yielded "Hybrid & Lowdown" and "Kiss My Soul", both albums also finding welcome favour in the U.K. The 1998 release of "A Turn Unstoned" yet again displayed Chappo's song writing skill and astonishing vocals, this time also opening up a whole new generation to his unique talents.
In 2001 a new live album "Rollin' And Tumblin" was released followed by an extensive touring programme into 2002 and beyond. Recorded with his band The Shortlist the album represents a slight shift in musical emphasis, still ballsy but featuring 12 string acoustic guitar, fiddle, mandolin and harmonica, still capturing all the musical passion of a true rock and roll legend.
In February 2003 a 4 x CD Box set entitled "ROGER CHAPMAN, FAMILY & FRIENDS" was released on Mystic Records (MYS CD 161) charting the life and career of one of Britain's finest and most popular singers. This is to be followed by the release of the whole of Roger's back catalogue containing enhanced artwork and bonus tracks.
In November 2005 Mystic records released a further 4 x CD box set, a limited edition Family set entitled "OLD SONGS, NEW SONGS"featuring the first ever release of the album "Old Songs, New Songs" on CD.
The Summer of 2006 saw Roger appear at a number of U.K. and German Festivals whilst the Autumn will see Roger concentrating on recording his brand new CD for early 2007 release which will coincide with a full U.K. and German tour.
Roger's all-star band will feature Steve Simpson on guitar, Mandolin and
Fiddle, Micky Moody on slide guitar, guitar; former Kink, Ian Gibbons on keys,
Gary Twigg on bass, Andy Hamilton on sax, and last but not least, John Lingwood
on drums.