Michael Chapman (1941–2021)

Michael Chapman was a hero and friend to so many, including us, moving with unmatched grace, vigor, and gruff humor within and beyond his songs and those he inspired from others. We are devastated to hear of his passing today. It was truly an honor working with him on his final two studio albums, 50 and True North. Words are failing us right now, but we’ll share more soon. Until then, here are some of his own, from his parable “The Prospector” on “50.” Raise a glass of red, tell a story about him, and keep listening.

Goodbye, my friend.

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The Prospector

The prospector came this morning; he was looking for holes in the ground. And I asked him quite politely, “What on earth is going down?” And he said, “Down in the ground there’s a whole lot to be found.” My friend.

The driver, he came later. At least he hadn’t come far, through all the winter weather, following a star and hauling his heavy load, from where we were to where we are. My friend.

The farmer comes in ruddy-faced from a winter field. His collar’s up, his hat is down, his features for to shield. He’s pacing out his acres, working out the yield. My friend.

The teacher, she comes up from school, unsteady on her feet. I wish that she would learn to drink her whisky not so neat. Her wayward ways force her to change her lectern for a seat, but she’s my friend.

And the preacher comes in from the cold, his wisdom to disperse. I listen to his sermon, but he’s making matters worse. From what he says, we have no chance of heaven here on earth. My friend.