Born in New York City. He entered the Air Force Academy but dropped out in 1960. He studied filmmaking at Cornell University 1960 to 1964. Married Sandra Campbell Gaston November 28, 1968. They had five children.

He formed a band with his father, "Big Jim" Chapin and his brothers. His first single hit was Taxi in 1972.

He lobbied for a presidential commission on hunger. President Carter established the President's Commission on International, Domestic and World Hunger and appointed Chapin as a member.

Chapin's drivers license had been suspended several times for careless driving. He died in a car accident on the Long Island Expressway near Jerico, New York.

Chapin was honored with a Congressional gold medal in 1986. Dies were by John M. Mercanti.

bio: ConAut 105; NYT 81; WWWA-8 obit: NYT 7/17/81