Synopsis

Gary Winther Chapman is an American contemporary Christian singer-songwriter and musician. He is also recognized as the former host of the television talk show, Prime Time Country.

Early age and education

Gary Chapman was born on August 19, 1957 in Waurika, Oklahoma, USA. He is the son of an Assemblies of God pastor, the Rev. Terry W. Chapman, who served as a minister for fifty-six years before he died in 2009, and Mary Chapman, her mother.

During his high school and college days, Chapman performed with bands. He attended Bible College now called Southern Assemblies of God University in Texas. Chapman is white by ethnicity and a United States national.

Race

Gary Chapman moved to Nashville, Tennessee and was offered to play guitar for a rock band called Los Rambos.

Later in 1979, their song titled ‘Father’s Eyes’ was recorded as the title track for Amy Grants’ Grammy-nominated second album. My father’s eye . She then released another song ‘Finally’, which was recorded by TG Sheppard which reached number one on the country music charts

During the period between 1980 and 1990, Gary continued to work; write songs and produce music. Chapman sang ‘Brave Hearts’ in the 1987 film, Ernest Goes Camping .

He also worked with various artists on the song, Amazing Grace in the Movie Maverick, in 1994. Gary Chapman was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album in 1994.

television career

In 1996, The Nashville Network said Chapman would replace Tom Wopat as host of its late-night talk show “Prime Time Country.” In 1999, the show ended.

Chapman then went on to produce “Muzik Mafia” at CMT and appeared multiple times on the network’s “Gone Country” as a songwriting mentor.

Chapman, along with Big Kenny and John Rich , traveled to Vietnam to document the story of Niles Harris, who is a Vietnamese in the production of ‘November 8: A True Story of Pain and Honor’. Gary directed, wrote, produced and scored the documentary.

Personal life

Gary Chapman has been married three times to date. On June 19, 1982, Chapman married his first wife, Amy Grant . But the couple separated, and Gary filed for divorce in 1999. The divorce was finalized in June 1999.

After the divorce, Chapman married his second wife in July 2000. The husband and wife stayed together for several years before divorcing in 2007.

On December 22, 2008, Chapman married his third wife, Cassie Piersol . The couple started a project called An Anthem a Week in 2010 to honor the musical heritage left to Chapman by his father and his mother. On December 26, 2002, Chapman’s mother passed away and on April 12, 2009, his father passed away.

Gary has two children; Gloria Mills Chapman and Matthew Garrison Chapman from his first wife Amy Grant. He and his current/third wife Cassie Piersol (current wife), adopted a girl named Eva, in 2014.

Gary and Cassie have contributed to various organizations and charities.

Net worth

Gary Chapman earns a decent amount of money from his successful career as a contemporary Christian music singer-songwriter with the help of his acting career. As of 2017, Chapman’s net worth is estimated to be $5 million.

Chapman has also earned money with The Nashville Network, as the host of the late-night talk show “Prime Time Country.” According to online statistics, he earned an average salary of $67,000 a year when he was online.

In 1996, Gary Chapman won the Male Vocalist of the Year award at GMA Dove. Some of his songs are still popular today, such as one of his songs ‘Finally’, which was recorded by TG Sheppard, reaching number one on the country music charts.

In addition, Chapman also won Country Album of the Year in 1998 at the Dove Awards, for his album ‘Hymns From The Ryman’ with various artists.