Hazel Chapman is known as a singer, songwriter, poet, author, and host of “The Hazel Chapman Show” but she’s also a fearless and inspiring woman!
When I first met Hazel at a luncheon, I thought she was a great example of a beautiful woman aging gracefully. It was a while before I connected her name to one of her two daughters, the legendary Tracy Chapman!
And, the more I know about who Hazel is, what she has done in the past, and how gutsy she still is, the more I like her!
One day, we were with a group for lunch at an entertainment center. After we finished eating, Hazel asked, “How do we get up there?” and she pointed to a rope course 20 feet up above us.
Knowing she’s in her 70s, I asked, “Are you SERIOUS?”
Oh, yes, Hazel was definitely going for it, and once she got up to the ropes, this unstoppable woman traversed it without reservation or trembling. As for me, I couldn’t keep up and I was noticeably shaking. You can read more and see the pictures here.
That’s when I started thinking, “I MUST get an interview with her on my show!”
Finally, in the same studio that Hazel had once had her own show, she came to speak with me as my guest. She told me her story of growing up as the youngest of seven, how much she adored her mother who modeled fearlessness to her, taught her how to fish, and always be self-sufficient.
Hazel was employed by the time she was 13 years old and worked in politics long before she could even vote. She used her talents and tenacity to become one of the first female professional football players in the U.S., raise two daughters by herself, advocate for social rights, fair pay, and justice for abused women, build an entertainment career, and then, author three books of poetry.
You’ll enjoy watching this episode of Aging Gracefully with Hazel Chapman.
Hi Ms. Hazel Chapman glad to know these many things about you and your family. This is one of your family member in Arkansas saying hello to all of you and “Keep Up the Good Work”. You look great!
I met Hazel years ago! She is still a most impressive voice and a most memorable character! (In a good way!!!!) Dr. Mary Hilaire Tavenner
I was telling my husband about this interview and he was surprised to know about the football career. He said,”Oh yeah, Hazel’s really nice. Has a good voice too.” I had forgotten that he’d met her years ago when they were both in the Lorain Hospital Follies in the 90s. He said he just bought another of Tracy’s CDs. Just thought I’d share 🙂
That’s SO cool! Thank you for sharing this, Melba!
Great to hear from a remarkable woman, the first time for me. My husband and I have been fans of her daughter for years. Their voices are quite similar. So nice.
Phenomenal person. Many great nuggets of wisdom that we can all benefit from. Thanks for your valuable in appreciated contribution to society. Best of luck to you in everything yet to come.