Honoring Christine Chatman, A Shining Star In Jackson, TN's Musical History
Historical Marker Dedication, Open to the Public, August 1, 2025, The Soul Collective, 580 South Royal Street, The Jazz Foundation of West Tennessee
Before there was an internet, before television reached the homes of West Tennessee, and when radio was still the dominant force shaping American culture, a remarkable woman from Jackson, Tennessee, Christine Chatman, was already making her mark on the national music scene.
During the Great Depression, radio and jazz music were considered the best medicine to bring comfort, joy, and, most importantly, an affordable escape for Americans facing hard times. In the midst of that challenging era, a young Christine Chatman from Jackson, Tennessee, began to rise. By the age of 15, she was already performing professionally, both in person and over the airwaves. Her natural talent and magnetic presence quickly caught the attention of music lovers and promoters alike. By 18, she was touring throughout the Midwest, bringing her dynamic blend of boogie-woogie piano and soulful jazz vocals to dance halls, nightclubs, and radio audiences hungry for hope and rhythm. Even in the darkest times, Christine Chatman’s music lit a spark that lifted spirits and inspired a generation.
Born into the segregated South, Christine Chatman rose above the barriers of her time with sheer talent and determination, becoming a distinguished pianist, blues singer, and bandleader. In the 1940s and early 1950s, she recorded for Decca Records and toured extensively with her own group, Christine Chatman and Her Orchestra. Her powerful vocals and commanding piano style earned her comparisons to artists like Dinah Washington and Julia Lee. She often blended jazz, swing, and rhythm and blues in her performances, creating a sound that was both sophisticated and deeply rooted in the African American musical traditions of the South.
Chatman performed with and alongside many of the big names of her era, taking the stage in clubs and theaters across the country during a time when few women, especially African American women, led their own bands. Her recordings, such as “Come Back Baby” and “Run Gal Run,” captured the raw emotion and storytelling that define classic blues.
In Indianapolis, Christine Chatman earned the title “The Boogie Woogie Queen of Naptown,” a nickname that reflected not only her electrifying piano style but also the deep affection the city’s jazz scene held for her. Naptown, as Indianapolis came to be known, is a term with musical roots of its own. Legend has it that jazz musicians—who often turned long city names into snappy slang—shortened the six-syllable “Indianapolis” by emphasizing its most rhythmic part: the fourth syllable, “nap.” The name stuck, making its first printed appearance in 1927 in the Indianapolis Recorder, a historically Black newspaper that remains in circulation today.
During the golden age of jazz, Naptown was a hotbed for Black musical talent, with clubs along Indiana Avenue pulsing late into the night. It was here that Christine Chatman made a lasting impact, captivating audiences with her boogie-woogie piano, soulful vocals, and magnetic stage presence.
She wasn’t just another performer passing through, she became a beloved fixture in the city’s vibrant jazz circuit, holding her own among the greats and leaving audiences clamoring for more. In a city bursting with talent, Christine Chatman stood out as a true icon, a trailblazer whose music moved both the crowd and the culture. But her deep roots in Jackson, TN were calling her home.
In 1947 and 1948, Christine Chatman’s bi-weekly radio performances, broadcast from Jackson’s WTJS radio, were proudly sponsored by The Jackson Supply Company. While a business by that name exists today in Jackson, it is not the same company. The address listed in the Jackson Sun newspaper advertisement (see below) refers to a now-vacant space adjacent to The Local, an entrepreneurial incubator supported by The CO. It’s a fascinating overlap of Jackson’s past and present!
Decades ago, jazz melodies poured out over the airwaves, thanks to her devoted sponsor. Today fresh ideas and new enterprises are being nurtured just next door. In many ways, Christine Chatman’s story of talent, ambition, and local support mirrors the spirit of innovation and community that The Local seeks to foster. Her legacy lingers not only in the music but also in the very streets of Jackson that continue to inspire creativity.
Christine Chatman was the musician of choice for nearly every local entertainment event in Jackson. Her name appeared often in The Jackson Sun, not just in performance listings, but in heartfelt “thank-you” ads from those she touched with her music. Whether bringing comfort at a funeral, boosting attendance at a church or charity fundraiser, or simply bringing joy to a friend through her remarkable musical talent, Christine was a beloved presence in the community. Her gift was more than entertainment—it was a source of connection, healing, and celebration for the people of Jackson.
Christine Chatman’s contributions to early American music remain a testament to the artistry and resilience of Black women in the entertainment industry. Her legacy is one of trailblazing talent from right here in Jackson! She was an artist who lived the music before it was televised, streamed, or digitized, and who deserves renewed recognition today.
News You Can Use: Around Town
Save the Date: Jackson International Food and Art Festival
Saturday, September 27, 2025
Jackson Fairgrounds,
800 S Highland Ave.
Save the Date: Starlight Symphony
Saturday, September 27, 2025 - 7:00pm
First Presbyterian Church of Jackson, TN
1573 N Highland Ave.
Save the Date: Midsummer Makers Market
Saturday, July 12, 2025
First Farmers Co-op - Lexington, TN
Upcoming Events in Jackson
DAR Field of Flags - Jackson, TN
from Saturday June 14 - July 6
Liberty Garden Park & Arboretum; 24 Channing Way, Jackson, TN
This display features 13-star “Betsy Ross” flags, each representing a patriot with
a connection to Madison County.
Public Art Coffee Chat -Calling all artists interested in public art
Friday June 20 at 3:30pm Turntable Coffee Counter, 300 E Main St
Whether you’ve applied for one of our open projects, working on a different
public art project, or are just curious about getting involved! Join us for a
casual chat over coffee.
Heart of the Hub City - Dance Night - Downtown Jackson, Court Square
Saturday, June 21 at 6:00pm
Join a family-friendly night of free dancing under the lights with local bands and DJ’s spinning all night!
The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Musical) - At The NED - 314 E Main St
Thursday - Sunday June 26-29 (times vary)
Don’t miss this dramatic, local prodution of the beloved stage musical, bringing Victor Hugo’s tale to life. EVENT DETAILS
So Much The Same - an original story - HomeLife Academy Theatre
June 26 - 29th, for information: HomeLife Academy 877-799-6808
Made in Jackson Celebration - 731DAY - 2025 at Hub City Brewing, 250 W Main
Thursday July 31 Doors open at 6:00pm - presented by Leaders Credit Union
Music by Adam Johnson - Carita Cole
Food by Jackson’s Kitchen & Catering - Seb’s Shaved Ice
All-Day Dance Shindig - Jackson Ballroom Dance.org 2:30PM - 6:30pm,
Saturday June 28th, Dance Party - 7:00pm
First Presbyterian Church activity center, 1573 Highland Ave.
Thank You & Invitation
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