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Steven Curtis Chapman Shares GriefChristian Artist to Speak About Death of Daughter Maria Chapman
Steven Curtis Chapman and his family talk about the death of daughter Maria Chapman on "Good Morning, America" and "Larry King Live" and in "People" magazine.
On May 21st noted Christian artist Steven Curtis Chapman and his family were rocked by the tragic death of his five year old daughter Maria Chapman. Accidentally run down in the family driveway, Maria Chapman was the third and youngest child that Steven Curtis Chapman and his wife Mary Beth Chapman had adopted from China (the couple also has three biological children). The incident generated more attention from bigger media outlets than the family had expected. Now, the Chapmans will use a few of those outlets to speak in depth for the first time about the incident. The family was interviewed by Good Morning, America on August 6th and appeared on Larry King Live on August 7th. And, a feature-length article appears in the August 25th issue of People magazine. A Difficult Decision for the Chapman FamilyThe decision to speak publicly about Maria Chapman’s death was not easy for the Chapman family. According to Steven Curtis Chapman’s manager Jim Houser, the artist seriously considered never again doing any concerts or media appearances. But instead, Jim Houser said, “God began to show Steven that if he ever believed the songs he was writing, singing and recording before May 21st and Maria’s loss, that they must still be true now. It’s the family’s hope that these appearances will serve as a chance to proclaim to a watching world what they know and are deeply convinced of even in these difficult days: the Gospel is true and faith in Christ is our hope.” In conjunction with this effort Steven Curtis Chapman is releasing his next single “Yours” from his current album This Moment with a new verse added to reflect on the tragic event. The updated version of “Yours” will be available for digital purchase beginning August 5th with all of Steven Curtis Chapman’s royalties from sales being donated to Shaohannah’s Hope, the organization he started to provide financial assistance to families pursing adoption. Shaohannah’s Hope also manages Maria’s Miracle Fund which has so far collected over $500,000 in donations from fans as condolences in lieu of flowers. Steven Curtis Chapman as Artist and Family ManSinger/songwriter/guitarist Steven Curtis Chapman is a tremendously successful artist who has recorded sixteen albums of thoughtful Adult Pop/Rock over two decades. Among many accomplishments, he has sold over ten million records with two Platinum certifications and seven Gold certifications; he is the winner of more Dove Awards than any other artist (54 to date); he has earned 44 #1 radio hits and, he even has five Grammy Awards and one American Music Award. Yet as a songwriter and an artist Steven Curtis Chapman has maintained a commitment to family and faith that has been of equal value to his commitment to artistic integrity. Key tracks in his canon such as “I Will Be Here,” “Fingerprints of God” and “Cinderella,” the single that immediately preceded “Yours,” are directed to his wife Mary Beth Chapman or his children Emily, Caleb, Will (all now grown) and his two other younger daughters adopted from China, Shaohannah and Stevey Joy. In concert his stage banter has always been filled with anecdotes about family life and his sons have even played in his touring band. Steven Curtis Chapman will be back to full scale touring this fall as he and Michael W. Smith join forces for the first time for The United tour which is due to hit several major markets.
The copyright of the article Steven Curtis Chapman Shares Grief in Christian Rock/Pop Music is owned by Robert Mineo. Permission to republish Steven Curtis Chapman Shares Grief in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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