Tom Chapin

In a career that spans six decades, 27 albums and three Grammy awards, Hudson Valley Troubadour Tom Chapin has covered an incredible amount of creative ground. In addition to his work as a recording artist, concert performer, storyteller and activist, he’s performed on Broadway and worked extensively in television, radio and film. As a music-maker, Chapin maintains two long and productive parallel careers, both as a respected contemporary folk artist and as a pioneer in the field of children’s music. During the height of the Covid shutdowns, Tom and his daughters, The Chapin Sisters, streamed 200 live concerts under the moniker “Mornings with Papa Tom.” 

The son of noted jazz drummer and teacher Jim Chapin and the grandson of author/critic Kenneth Burke and portrait painter James Chapin, Tom grew up in a family that encouraged artistic pursuits. He began performing professionally as a teenager in the early 1960s, playing in Greenwich Village folk clubs alongside his siblings Harry and Steve as The Chapin Brothers. In 1976, Chapin launched his solo recording career with Life Is Like That, a first of a string of albums that further established his reputation as both a gifted storyteller and a natural entertainer. He also continued to venture into other creative areas, playing the lead role in the hit Broadway musical Pump Boys and Dinettes, working off-Broadway as musical director of both Cotton Patch Gospel and Harry Chapin: Lies and Legends, and serving as host of TV’s National Geographic Explorer. He’s also written and performed satirical topical songs for National Public Radio’s Morning Edition, and had a cameo role as the Vice Presidential candidate in Jonathan Demme’s 2004 remake of The Manchurian Candidate.

In addition to his musical and media endeavors, Chapin has long been an advocate for environmental causes, issues of hunger and social justice, and a supporter of music and the arts in public schools. “The pandemic has forced us all to reinvent ourselves. I still love the guitar, I still love to sing, and I still love the thrill of creation: a good song, a good recording, a good concert.”

SAMPLE SONG

Tom never stopped writing smart, thoughtful, funny and beautiful songs for the folk audience, his latest album, Songs Of Hope, features a collection of songs containing hopeful, positive, meaningful messages in these trying times. Some tell stories in the "Chapin Tradition," some evoke moments and emotions that grew into songs. Helped by amazing musicians, including Tom's daughters Abigail and Lily (The Chapin Sisters), John McCutcheon, and longtime bandmates Michael Mark and Jon Cobert. Musical support from friends including Eric Weisberg, Robin Batteau, Jay Ungar and Molly Mason, Jonathan Edwards, and Larry Campbell.

“At 80, Tom Chapin is at the top of his game … an album that is warm, wise, whimsical, and anthemic – and very right for our times.” (WFUV)

“One of the great personalities in contemporary folk music.” – The New York Times

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