Tracy Chapman, an American singer-songwriter, was born on March 30, 1964. Her notable hits include “Fast Car” (1988) and “Give Me One Reason” (1995).
In 1987, Tracy Chapman was signed to Elektra Records by Bob Krasnow, and the following year, she released her debut album, Tracy Chapman. This album achieved commercial success, boosted by her performance at the Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute concert. It was certified 6× Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America and received six Grammy Award nominations. Among the awards won were Best New Artist, Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for “Fast Car,” and Best Contemporary Folk Album.
In 1989, Chapman released her second album, Crossroads, which also earned her a Grammy Award nomination for Best Contemporary Folk Album. Subsequently, her third album, Matters of the Heart, followed in 1992.
The release of her fourth album, New Beginning, in 1995, brought her more success and earned her another Grammy Award for Best Rock Song with the hit single “Give Me One Reason.” Her fifth album, Telling Stories (2000), was followed by Let It Rain and Where You Live in 2002 and 2005, respectively. In 2008, Chapman released her most recent studio album, Our Bright Future. Additionally, in 2015, a remastered compilation album, Greatest Hits, curated by Chapman herself, was released.
In 2023, Tracy Chapman achieved a historic milestone when Luke Combs covered her song “Fast Car,” making her the first black woman to score a country number one with a solo composition.
Tracy Chapman’s early life saw her born in Cleveland, Ohio. Her parents divorced when she was four years old, and she was raised by her mother, who gifted her a ukulele at the age of three. Chapman’s passion for music began at an early age, starting to play the guitar and write songs at eight years old. She cites the television show “Hee Haw” as a potential early inspiration for playing the guitar. During her childhood in Cleveland, Chapman endured frequent bullying and racially motivated assaults.
Having been raised Baptist, Chapman attended an Episcopal high school and later participated in the A Better Chance program, which allowed her to attend college preparatory high school away from her home community. Eventually, she graduated from Wooster School in Connecticut and pursued Anthropology at Tufts University. While at Tufts, Chapman showcased her musical talents by busking in nearby areas, including Harvard Square and MBTA Red Line platforms.