The Donovan Chapman story has more than its share of unexpected twists. A 31-year-old singer and songwriter raised in rural Louisiana, Chapman grew up like so many other country boys -- hunting, fishing, playing guitar, and singing. He served our country for 11 years in the Armed Forces, which some would think could serve him well in the heavily patriotic country genre. They would be surprised to find that his music won't dwell on those popular themes.
He worked diligently to earn his way into Nashville's inner circles, only to have his big break come to him in, of all places, Tallahassee, Florida. As the newest signing at Category 5 Records, Chapman brings a uniquely multi-faceted artistry to the music that has always inspired him. Those layers of complexity may be screened by the deceptive simplicity of his upbeat, life-affirming debut single "House Like That," but they are the textures that can comprise a long and engaging career. "I'm half Hawaiian and half French-English-American Indian," Chapman explains while discussing his Rocky Branch, Louisiana upbringing. "Mom had me playing traditional Hawaiian music and Southern gospel in church on of all things, the ukulele. Along the way I was heavily influenced by people like Eddie Rabbitt, Shenandoah, Collin Raye, Lionel Richie, Bob Marley, and Jack Johnson.
At 17, Chapman enlisted in the Air Force, eventually becoming a member of one of the military's most elite Special Forces -- Pararescue. The "PJs," as they call themselves, are tasked with combat search and rescue, which typically means operating in hostile environments to save downed pilots. Chapman served in Kuwait and Afghanistan, risking his life to save his comrades in arms during his career. Donovan's military service shaped him immeasurably and he is as patriotic as they come. His fans will find that his musical expression won't spend much time beating the war drums. "I have so much respect for what the men and women in uniform are accomplishing and going through right now," he says. "But I've done my time." "I don't need to relive those experiences every night," he continues. "I lost a lot of brothers out there, but my promise to them is to live my life to the best of my ability -- to make every day count. Singing military songs isn't the only way to do that. I'd rather shelter my mind from war, famine and disasters. And if I've only got three minutes of somebody's attention, I'd prefer that my song affect them positively. I want to carry them away from the worries and troubles of the world." During Donovan's Air Force tenure, he felt the call to make music that would set him free from man's harshest realities.
He spent his leave time in Nashville honing his craft as a writer and a performer while developing contacts in the music business. Those connections served him well, though it was a relationship forged a little closer to home that led to his record deal. "Category 5 VP Bill Macky and I were friends when he was at Sony," Donovan explains. "I live in Tallahassee and his wife went to Florida State, so we got to know each other pretty well. He heard my song 'House Like That' and when he got over to Category 5 he played it for President/CEO Ray Termini. Ray flipped out, called me and said, "Let's get you up here.'" "This is a remarkable young man. From the first time Bill Macky played me his demo, I was hooked. Working with him in the recording studio as we produced his debut single was a confirmation that we have signed the right man for the job. Country music fans across the country are going to love getting to know Donovan. He has principal centered with a strong desire to sing songs that will lift the hearts, spirits and minds of his listeners." stated Termini.
Chapman's dreams are becoming reality, with "House Like That" working into radio playlists nationwide on October 23rd. A debut album is currently in production, with producers Ray Termini and Billy Joe Walker. "I've got a lot of influences from a lot of different places," he says. "I love the hard-edged traditional country as much as anyone, but I've always been drawn to the smoother, pop-country sounds. It's so much fun to give people something unexpected, pull out a ukulele, have some congas going and play a Jimmy Buffett meets Bob Marley kind of thing. It's all part of who I am, and if I'm going to have any chance at this, I know I've just got to be me."
Monday, May 26th, 99.5 WYCD aired the WYCD Fallen Soldier Tribute. No worries if you missed it - you can download the podcast inside, right here at WYCD.COM. Memorial Day is a time to remember the fallen with parades, tributes and stories. Please feel free to share your tributes and stories inside.
"As I sit here in my living room, surrounded by memories of times past, I see photographs of happier times. I see Justin’s Senior Picture…taken in my dark blue suit and tie, (The tie that I had to tie and that he complained about.) “It’s not me” he said putting it on. . .. Those people that we speak about during ceremonies, parades and speeches, are real people, not distant heroes, Our Heroes. They have real families. They deserve this day. Please honor them for their sacrifices, because at my house… everyday is Memorial Day." Please feel free to share your thoughts inside, on this, and what Memorial Day means to you.
Dear Friends... I want to thank each of you personally for your part in this 4th Entertainer of the Year Award . . .When I stood on the stage and said "this means the world to me," I meant it . . .because it means not only am I blessedwith the best fans in the world, but you guys were willing to stand up for us and be counted. . . (Leave your comments for Kenny inside!)
In Kellie's words. . . "I believe in this song because it beholds a very powerful message. I think we all suffer from low self esteem from time to time and we all have our own insecurities....which can really bring a person down . . . Here's what's really important. . . " Share your thoughts on Kellie's new hit single!
Send a thanks to Toby and the troops inside! View Exclusive WYCD photos of Toby Keith, currently in Iraq on his 6th USO Tour, entertaining our troops. Photos are courtesy of one of those soldiers, TSgt William Long.
So, I heard about our Governor signing legislation that would permit some 80 motion pictures to be filmed in Michigan. And it got me to thinking.. what movies would anyone want to film in Michigan. And I came up with this list. Feel free to add your own ideas. . .
Well, the 2008 lineup for the WYCD Hoedown has been announced and I'm so pumped! Twenty-two national acts, dozens of great local acts, original stage configuration, plus a new 3rd stage and so much more! Read about it inside and then share with us what was the funniest thing (or person) you've ever seen at Hoedown!
Guatemala turned out to be so much more wonderful that I ever imagined. We fell in love with the people and their rich culture. . . . Have you ever considere d living somewhere else? I really never did until I started traveling to CentralAmerica and meeting so many Americans who have relocated. . .
GIRLS JUST WANNA HAVE FUN….. Hail to “Queen TUT 2008!" After our annual “Wild Woman’s Weekend”….I am SO proud to say that I, Linda Lee, was crowned “Queen TUT” this past weekend at Tip Up Town in Houghton Lake! Check out the photos and tell me about your "Wild Women's Weekends!"
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Hey, its Michelle! Last year I was fortunate enough to travel with the NAIAS Auto Show circuit across the country. This year I got even luckier - the 12 a.m. to 2 a.m. position at 99.5 WYCD became mine. . .
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The Donovan Chapman story has more than its share of unexpected twists. A 31-year-old singer and songwriter raised in rural Louisiana, Chapman grew up like so many other country boys -- hunting, fishing, playing guitar, and singing. He served our country for 11 years in the Armed Forces, which some would think could serve him well in the heavily patriotic country genre. They would be surprised to find that his music won't dwell on those popular themes. 
At 17, Chapman enlisted in the Air Force, eventually becoming a member of one of the military's most elite Special Forces -- Pararescue. The "PJs," as they call themselves, are tasked with combat search and rescue, which typically means operating in hostile environments to save downed pilots. Chapman served in Kuwait and Afghanistan, risking his life to save his comrades in arms during his career. Donovan's military service shaped him immeasurably and he is as patriotic as they come. His fans will find that his musical expression won't spend much time beating the war drums. "I have so much respect for what the men and women in uniform are accomplishing and going through right now," he says. "But I've done my time." "I don't need to relive those experiences every night," he continues. "I lost a lot of brothers out there, but my promise to them is to live my life to the best of my ability -- to make every day count. Singing military songs isn't the only way to do that. I'd rather shelter my mind from war, famine and disasters. And if I've only got three minutes of somebody's attention, I'd prefer that my song affect them positively. I want to carry them away from the worries and troubles of the world." During Donovan's Air Force tenure, he felt the call to make music that would set him free from man's harshest realities. 
Chapman's dreams are becoming reality, with "House Like That" working into radio playlists nationwide on October 23rd. A debut album is currently in production, with producers Ray Termini and Billy Joe Walker. "I've got a lot of influences from a lot of different places," he says. "I love the hard-edged traditional country as much as anyone, but I've always been drawn to the smoother, pop-country sounds. It's so much fun to give people something unexpected, pull out a ukulele, have some congas going and play a Jimmy Buffett meets Bob Marley kind of thing. It's all part of who I am, and if I'm going to have any chance at this, I know I've just got to be me." 
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