(Roger Chapman of Streetwalkers - once proudly admitted he beat out Tom Jones in a singing contest)
Our sister site Late Night Music Club ran a clip from a performance by Streetwalkers on German Television in 1975. As luck would have it, I just happened to have a concert recorded by the BBC at their Paris Theatre, also in 1975.
Roger Chapman has one of the most unique and expressive voices in music - hands down. I had the pleasure of meeting him during his days with Family during their short tour of the U.S. for the release of Bandstand, about a year or two before they broke up to form Streetwalkers. He admitted, rather proudly that, early on in his career he was in a singing contest, alongside another aspiring singer, Tom Jones. Roger won the competition and I guess you could say the rest was history.
But in any event, Streetwalkers were sadly together for only a few years before packing it in around 1977. Times and audience tastes had changed and the gutsy, distinctive voice of Roger fell somewhat out of favor. But not for long. He is still recording, with various alumni of Family and Streetwalkers, and it's good for all of us they are.
But for now, a look back at Streetwalkers from 1975 and the inimitable Roger Chapman.
