Obituary

Gregory "Greg" Howard Chapman, a beloved musician, teacher, and bandleader, 44, of Nashville, Tennessee, passed away February 4, 2025. Greg was born to Howard and Rosemary Chapman on March 8, 1980, in Charleston, SC. He was a graduate of Bishop England High School in Charleston, South Carolina, and the University of South Carolina Darla Moore School of Business, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in finance in 2002. Greg also attended the College of Charleston from 2004 to 2007, where he studied jazz guitar (first chair) and composition, and earned an Artist Certificate in Guitar with Honors from the Atlanta Institute of Music in 2014.

Greg's musical journey, which spanned more than two decades, left an indelible mark on his musical communities, particularly in Nashville, TN, Atlanta, GA, and Charleston, SC. His talent and skill as a guitarist, bandleader, and vocal coach brought him to stages across the Southeast. From Nashville's lively honky tonk scene to Atlanta’s more intimate artist showcases, Greg’s performances, both as a solo artist and supporting musician, were always fun and memorable. His commitment to his craft never wavered, maintaining a calendar of performances and collaborations that kept him connected to his community and his passion.

Greg was not only a performer but also a teacher of music. He was a music theory mentor at the College of Charleston, a guitar instructor at Ashley Hall in Charleston, and a guitar instructor and lesson manager with Precision Guitar Works in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina. At the Community Music Center in Atlanta, Greg served as the guitar program director and ensemble director, facilitating student showcases in festivals and venues including The Variety Playhouse and the Atlanta Dogwood Festival.

Soon after moving to Nashville, in addition to often serving as a bandleader and performing on his own, Greg became a champion for emerging talent in Nashville. He helped develop and coach new artists at world famous Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge and informally, he nurtured budding musicians who had moved to the city and joined the Broadway players’ circuit. His spirit of collaboration and mentorship was friendly and unwavering, and many have shared stories about how he encouraged his fellow musicians to grow and thrive.

Throughout his career, Greg shared the stage with a number of the Southeast’s leading vocalists and bandleaders, including Atlanta’s “Queen of the Blues” Lola Gulley, American Idol finalists Huntergirl and Elise Testone, and alongside friends new and old, notably Mic Larry and Mac Leaphart. He was a cherished friend, a gifted guitarist, and a beloved member of the many stages he graced. Whether he was performing at Whiskey Jam, Layla’s Bluegrass Inn, or alongside students at The Windjammer, his energizing presence and his love for music was evident in every note. Greg’s legacy as a musician, teacher, and mentor will continue to inspire for years to come.

Greg was active in sports, particularly soccer while growing up and golf as an adult. He was a leader in the Kappa Sigma fraternity while at the University of South Carolina and maintained a love of Gamecock football throughout his life. Always eager and curious to learn new skills, Greg also supported himself over the years working as a tax professional, insurance salesman, bartender, and ballroom dance instructor.

Greg’s friends and family were always uplifted by his positive attitude, especially during difficult times, such as the pandemic and his recent battle with cancer. He wrote and recorded his own music and continued working on his original music up to his final days. Greg’s humor, intelligence, and kindness were hallmarks of his personality, as evidenced by the outpouring of love he has experienced throughout his illness and which continues now, after his passing. Greg lived and loved hard, and he maintained deep and close relationships with people from many different areas and times in his life. He will be remembered and missed by everyone lucky enough to have known him.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Roy and Vera Chapman and Neil and Virginia O’Donohue.

Greg is survived by his parents, Rosemary Chapman and Howard Chapman; Sisters, Lara Kelley (Nate), Amy Johnson (Will), and Jennifer Phillips (Scott); Nephews and Nieces, Ian Kelley, Charlotte Kelley, Josie Kelley, Hannah Kelley, Carter Phillips, and Landon Phillips; his girlfriend Cara Tuttle and their loyal dog, Butch.

The natural burial service will take place at Larkspur Conservation, 155 Bear Carr Rd, Westmoreland, TN 37186, on Thursday, February 13, 2025, at 1pm; a memorial service will be held in Charleston at a later date. His family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the MusiCares Foundation (https://musicares.org/) in his honor.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Greg's name to the MusiCares Foundation. https://musicares.org