Steven Curtis Chapman

Steven Curtis Chapman (born in Paducah, Kentucky, U.S.) is a Singer, Songwriter, Record Producer, and Actor. After starting his career in the late 1980s as a songwriter, Chapman has turned into one of the most prolific singers in the genre, releasing more than 20 albums to this date. Chapman has also won five Grammy awards and 56 Gospel Music Association Dove Awards, more than any other artist in history. His seven "Artist of the Year" Dove Awards, his latest in 2009, are also an industry record. As of 2007, Chapman has sold more than 10 million albums and has 9 RIAA-certified Gold or Platinum albums.

Upon finishing high school, Chapman enrolled as a pre-med student at Georgetown College in Kentucky. After a couple of semesters he transferred to Anderson College in Indiana. However, he soon dropped out and went to Nashville to pursue a career in music. While in Nashville he briefly attended Belmont University. He began working a music show at Opryland USA while dedicating time to songwriting.

In the 1980s, Chapman wrote a song called "Built to Last," which was recorded by prominent gospel group, The Imperials. The strength of the song prompted him to be signed to a songwriting deal with Sparrow Records, where he rose to prominence. As of 2007, artists like Sandi Patty, Billy Dean, Glen Campbell, and Roger Whittaker have recorded Chapman's songs.

Chapman is also a vocal advocate for adoption, along with his wife Mary Beth. Together, they have started a charity organization called Show Hope (formerly called Shaohannah's Hope), that mobilizes individuals and communities to care for orphans through its international orphan care work as well as adoption aid grants to help put more orphans from overseas and the U.S. in loving, forever families. In 2009, Show Hope finished building Maria's Big House of Hope, a medical care center in China that provides holistic care to orphans with special needs. He is also a contributor to Compassionart, a charity founded by Martin Smith of British rock band Delirious?.

Chapman was recognized in the Fall 2010 (Volume 65) issue of Wood & Steel discussing the new Taylor 714 Signature Series guitar in honor of Maria. The guitar features the flower from Maria's picture and the word "SEE" on the 12th fret (in Maria's Handwriting). He is best friends with fellow Christian Singer Geoff Moore. In 2003 Steven Curtis Chapman starred in Christmas Child and he played the role of Reverend Michael Curtis.

Wikipedia contributors. Steven Curtis Chapman. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. November 24, 2010, 08:35 UTC. Available at: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Steven_Curtis_Chapman&oldid=398599097. Accessed November 24, 2010.