By Bob Marovich
The Journal of Gospel Music has learned that gospel and CCM singer-songwriter and worship leader Morris Chapman passed away on May 2, 2020, at age 82.
Born February 26, 1938, in Camden, Arkansas, Chapman moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, in 1957 and married in 1959. He didn’t start his music ministry until the 1970s, at age 40, while working as a janitor for the Clark County School District in Las Vegas.
Known for his smooth vocal style, piano proclivities, and for writing songs sung by the likes of Sandi Patty, Bill Gaither, the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, and Donald Lawrence & the Tri-City Singers, Chapman recorded more than fifteen solo albums of his own for such labels as Word, Maranatha Music, and Tyscot.
Song that Chapman wrote include “You Are So Easy to Love,” “Mighty God,” “I Could Sing of Your Love Forever,” “When I Think About His Goodness,” “The River of God,” “You Know the Cry,” “Amazing Grace,” “The Worship Medley,” and “I Know the Plans.”
Chapman received three Dove Award nominations and one Grammy Award nominations, the latter in 1983 for his album, Longtime Friends.
He sang with the praise team the Promise Keepers from 1993 to 1998.
Please keep his family, friends, and many fans at the top of your prayer list during this time.
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Written by : Bob Marovich
Bob Marovich is a gospel music historian, author, and radio host. Founder of Journal of Gospel Music blog (formally The Black Gospel Blog) and producer of the Gospel Memories Radio Show.
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Just learning Morris Chapman passed. His recording with the maranatha singers will always be a treasure. What a blessed life.
I got to know Morris when I was asked to fill in with the Volunteer Choir at Promise Keepers inn1995 at RFK Stadium. I also sang later that summer down in Atlanta and for several more years up to the Stand In the Gap meeting in 1997. I loved Morris and even had him as a guest at our home. He was one of the most blessed and gifted people I have ever known. A gentle and kind man with a truly deep love for Jesus and leading others to worship the Lord. I know I will sing with him again before our Lord Jesus.
Can you please tell me the year that Morris Chapman first write and composed “GOD IS GONNA FINISH JUST WHAT HE STARTED”.
I am 75 years old and I love singing.
Thank you and God Bless.
I love Morris Chapman music I still have his record call Lately he was a true Worshiper for Christ…..he’s in Heaven now singing before our Father enjoying every eternal moment in the presence of Jesus…
I grew up in 90s in Africa listening to him especially his project with the Maranatha singers. He was a great inspiration to me. I learned to become a worship leader from him because whenever you listen to his songs, you will always feel the strong presence of God. He was such a great man of God and I greatly thank God for his life
I love all Bro. Chapman’s music. His melodic voice always ushered me into the Presence of YAHVEH. I will truly miss one so gifted by our FATHER.
My favourite song I heard him sing was Psalm 5 (I believe he sang lead) It is lovely worship song. R.I.P sir. You have blessed many with your lovely voice.
I was impacted by the songs of Morris Chapman in my early christian life back in 1992. He was a man of the spirit and man of the word. I will miss him. When I need spiritual drinks. I listen to my old Maranatha CD’s.The last time I personally met him was in 1998 with promise keepers in Irving, Texas. Thank you Lord for the life of Morris Chapman. Whe
I was impacted by the songs of Morris Chapman in my early christian life back in 1992. He was a man of the spirit and man of the word. I will miss him. When I need spiritual drinks. I listen to my old Maranatha CD’s.The last time I personally met him was in 1998 with promise keepers in Irving, Texas. Thank you Lord for the life of Morris Chapman.
I still listen to his songs and I put his ministry on top of many of the new so called worshipers. This man loved God and loved singing to him so much that he brought Gods presence with him every time he worship. Simple music but is not the music it was his heart of a worshiper. Love you brother. You beat us to Him. I will always remember you.