Chafin was from Wayne County, West Virginia, the son of Alice Adkins and Bob Chafin. He first recorded a solo session in Richmond, Indiana for Gennett Records on November 16, 1927, but the recordings were never issued.
Chafin was a native of Wayne County, West Virginia, born to Alice Adkins and Bob Chafin. His first solo recording session occurred in Richmond, Indiana for Gennett Records on November 16, 1927, although the recordings were ultimately not made public.