Steven Curtis Chapman and Family Open Their Hearts to America 

GRAMMY and Dove Award-winning artist Steven Curtis Chapman, along with his wife Mary Beth, and eldest children Emily, Caleb, and Will, opened their hearts to America about the loss of their daughter and sister Maria Chapman May 21st.

Good Morning America aired a special interview with Robin Roberts from The Chapman’s home in Franklin Wednesday morning. Watch the interview. Larry King Live interviewed the family extensively Thursday evening about the accident and their faith. Watch the interview on YouTube.

"I don't think I'll ever know how much [it has changed me as a performer]," said Steven during the interview. "...I have a deeper sense, a compelling...I sing with more confidence now. I know a lot less about God, but the things I know, I know for sure."

An extensive feature will appear in an upcoming issue of People magazine. The decision to speak publicly was not an easy one, and these will be the first interviews the family has participated in since Maria’s death. 

“Initially Steven talked about never doing any concerts or media ever again,” comments Jim Houser, Chapman’s manager. “But quickly God began to show Steven that if he ever believed the songs he was writing, singing and recording before May 21st and Maria’s loss, that they must still be true now. It’s the family’s hope that these appearances will serve as a chance to proclaim to a watching world what they know and are deeply convinced of even in these difficult days, the Gospel is true and faith in Christ is our Hope.”

As a part of the family’s acknowledgement of the tragedy and God’s faithfulness to them through this difficult time, Chapman has also written a new verse to his song "Yours" from his current project, This Moment:

I’ve walked the valley of death’s shadow
So deep and dark that I could barely breathe
I’ve had to let go of more than I could bear
And questioned everything that I believe
But still even here
in this great darkness
A comfort and hope come breaking through
As I can say in life or death
God we belong to you.

“Yours” is the follow-up single to his hit “Cinderella,” a song written about Maria and her sisters, for which Chapman is also now changing the poignant last line in life performance to "'Cause all too soon the clock will strike midnight/But the truth is...The dance goes on.” “Yours” will be available for purchase via digital service providers including iTunes®, Amazon, Rhapsody, Napster, etc. as of August 5, with 100% of Chapman’s royalties from the sales of this single being donated to Shaohannah’s Hope. Producer Matt Bronlewee and co-writer on “Yours” Jonas Myrin have also joined the effort with 100% of their royalties from the single going to Shaohannah’s Hope, and additionally monies received by Sparrow Records from the sales of this single, after deduction of expenses and royalties, will be donated to Shaohannah’s Hope. Shaohannah’s Hope is a 501c(3) organization whose goal is to help families reduce the financial barrier of adoption, and as of July 2008 has provided grants to over 1700 families wishing to adopt orphans in the United States and around the world. For more details on Maria’s Miracle Fund and Shaohannah’s Hope, please visit showhope.org.

Be sure to look for Chapman’s major market tour taking place this fall with additional details to be announced within days. stevencurtischapman.com