He received twelve Chicago Music Awards, including "Best Calypso," "Best Soul Calypso," and "Best Gospel/Spiritual Band," as well as a "Lifetime Achievement Award" for his contributions to the Chicago music industry and community.
Before graduating from Columbia College Chicago, Champion worked in advertising agencies and played music. He collaborated with a songwriter from Saint Kitts on a recording session at Bob Marley's Tuff Gong Studio in Kingston. In 1982, as part of the band Gypsi-Fari, he recorded his first release, "The Girls," for Obvio Records at Paul Serrano Studios in Chicago.
After leaving Gypsi-Fari in 1982, Champion returned to the private sector and joined Carlene Davis's backing band for her North American tour. Champion later wrote two songs on Davis's EP.
In December 1986, Champion formed his own band, the Roots Rock Society (RRS). They toured with reggae bands such as Steel Pulse, Third World, Culture, Burning Spear, and Gil Scott-Heron. RRS's membership changed regularly, but the project continued. With RRS, Champion created his 'Tropical Roots' sound with the release of Again, a four-song EP co-produced by David Axelbaum, which reached over 250 radio stations worldwide.
Stann Champion Radio Show
WNUR Chicago's Sound Experiment 89.3 FM
Stann Champion Show - Mondays +7:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. (Central)
Discography
Gypsi-Fari -- Hail Jah 45' (1981, Sonic Sounds)
Stann Champion Roots Rock Society Cassette (1987 RRS International)
Bass Mint Sessions Cassette (1991 RRS International)
Again Cassette (1994 RRS International)
Riddim to Riddim Cassette (2007 RRS International)
