Tracy Chapman
Encyclopedia
Tracy Chapman is an American
singer-songwriter
, best known for her singles "Fast Car
", "Talkin' 'bout a Revolution
", "Baby Can I Hold You
", "Give Me One Reason
" and "Telling Stories
". She is a multi-platinum and four-time Grammy Award
-winning artist.
, where she was raised by her mother. Despite not having much money, her mother recognized Tracy's love of music and bought her a ukulele
when Tracy was just three. Tracy Chapman began playing guitar
and writing songs at the age of eight. She says that she may have been first inspired to play the guitar by the television show Hee Haw
.
Chapman was raised Baptist and went to an Episcopal high school. She was accepted into the program "A Better Chance", which helps minority students attend private schools. She graduated from Wooster School
in Connecticut
and subsequently attended Tufts University
. She graduated with a B.A. degree in anthropology
and African studies
.
In the mid-1990s Chapman dated author Alice Walker
. Chapman maintains a strong separation between her personal and professional lives. “I have a public life that’s my work life and I have my personal life,” she said. “In some ways, the decision to keep the two things separate relates to the work I do."
Chapman often performs at and attends charity events such as Make Poverty History
, amfAR
and AIDS/LifeCycle, to support social causes. She currently lives in San Francisco. She says she enjoys going to the beach, going to the woods, a really good meal with friends, and fresh organic food.
in Harvard Square
and playing guitar in Club Passim
and within other coffeehouse
s in Cambridge, Massachusetts
. Another Tufts student, Brian Koppelman
, heard Chapman playing and brought her to the attention of his father, Charles Koppelman
. Koppelman, who ran SBK Publishing
, signed Chapman in 1986. After Chapman graduated from Tufts in 1987, he helped her to sign a contract with Elektra Records
.
At Elektra, she released Tracy Chapman
(1988). The album was critically acclaimed, and she began touring and building a fanbase. Soon after she performed it at the televised Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute
concert in June 1988, Chapman's "Fast Car" began its rise on the US charts; it became a Number 6 pop hit on the Billboard Hot 100
for the week ending August 27, 1988. "Talkin' 'bout a Revolution", the follow-up, charted at Number 75 and was followed by "Baby Can I Hold You", which peaked at Number 48. The album sold well, going multi-platinum
and winning three Grammy Award
s, including an honor for Chapman as Best New Artist. Later in 1988, Chapman was a featured performer on the worldwide Amnesty International
Human Rights Now! Tour
. According to the VH1
website, "her album helped usher in the era of political correctness — along with 10,000 Maniacs
and R.E.M.
, Chapman's liberal politics proved enormously influential on American college campuses in the late '80s".
Her follow-up album Crossroads (1989) was less commercially successful, but still achieved platinum status. By 1992's Matters of the Heart, Chapman was playing to a small and devoted audience. Her fourth album, New Beginning (1995) proved successful, selling over three million copies in the U.S. The album included the hit single "Give Me One Reason
", which won the 1997 Grammy for Best Rock Song
and became Chapman's most successful single to date, peaking at Number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. Her Telling Stories
(2000) featured more of a rock
sound than folk
. Its hit single, "Telling Stories
", received heavy airplay on European radio stations and on Adult Alternative
and Hot AC stations in the United States. Chapman toured Europe and the US in 2003 in support of her sixth album, Let It Rain (2002).
To support her seventh studio album, Where You Live
(2005), Chapman toured major US cities in October and throughout Europe over the remainder of the year. The "Where You Live" tour was extended into 2006; the 28-date European tour featured summer concerts in Germany, Italy, France, Sweden, Finland, Norway, the UK, Russia and more. On June 5, 2006, she performed at the 5th Gala of Jazz in Lincoln Center, New York, and in a session at the 2007 TED
(Technology Entertainment Design) conference in Monterey, California
.
Chapman was commissioned by the American Conservatory Theater
to compose music for its production of Athol Fugard
's Blood Knot
, a play on apartheid in South Africa
, staged in early 2008.
Atlantic Records released Chapman's eighth studio album, Our Bright Future
(2008). Chapman made a 26-date solo tour of Europe. She returned to tour Europe and selected North American cities during the summer of 2009. She was backed by Joe Gore on guitars, Patrick Warren on keyboards, and Dawn Richardson on percussion.
, Chapman is quoted as saying: "I'm approached by lots of organizations and lots of people who want me to support their various charitable efforts in some way. And I look at those requests and I basically try to do what I can. And I have certain interests of my own, generally an interest in human rights…". This interest in human rights can be seen lyrically in her music. Songs such as 1988’s "Talkin' bout a Revolution" highlight the importance of speaking up against injustice. An example of a lyric from "Talkin' bout a Revolution":
Chapman’s song "Fast Car
" also brings awareness to the struggles of poverty, with lyrics such as:
Chapman’s activism extends further than her lyrics. She has performed at numerous socially aware events, and continues to do so. In 1988, Tracy Chapman performed in London as part of a worldwide concert tour to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights with Amnesty International. The same year Chapman also performed in the Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute, an event which raised money for South Africa's Anti-Apartheid Movement and seven children's charities. More recently, in 2004 Chapman performed (and rode) in the AIDSLifeCycle event.
Chapman has also been involved with Cleveland’s elementary schools. A music video produced by Chapman that highlights significant achievements in African-American history has become an important teaching tool in Cleveland Public Schools. Chapman also agreed to sponsor a "Crossroads in Black History" essay contest for high school students in Cleveland and other cities.
In 2004, Tracy Chapman was given an honorary doctorate in Fine Arts by her alma mater, Tufts University, recognizing her commitment to Social Activism.
"I'm fortunate that I've been able to do my work and be involved in certain organisations, certain endeavours, and offered some assistance in some way. Whether that is about raising money or helping to raise awareness, just being another body to show some force and conviction for a particular idea. Finding out where the need is - and if someone thinks you're going to be helpful, then helping."~ Tracy Chapman
Covered songs:
History
Other Awards
People of the United States
The people of the United States, also known as simply Americans or American people, are the inhabitants or citizens of the United States. The United States is a multi-ethnic nation, home to people of different ethnic and national backgrounds...
singer-songwriter
Singer-songwriter
Singer-songwriters are musicians who write, compose and sing their own musical material including lyrics and melodies. As opposed to contemporary popular music singers who write their own songs, the term singer-songwriter describes a distinct form of artistry, closely associated with the...
, best known for her singles "Fast Car
Fast Car
"Fast Car" is a song written and recorded by American singer-songwriter Tracy Chapman. It was released as a single in April 1988 from her self-titled 1988 debut album Tracy Chapman...
", "Talkin' 'bout a Revolution
Talkin' 'bout a Revolution
"Talkin' 'Bout a Revolution" is the second single from African American contemporary folk artist Tracy Chapman. The politically aware song failed to replicate the success of its predecessor, "Fast Car", and peaked at #75 in the United States...
", "Baby Can I Hold You
Baby Can I Hold You
"Baby Can I Hold You" is the third single from American contemporary folk artist Tracy Chapman, released in late 1988. The song succeeded in reaching the top fifty in the United States, unlike its predecessor, "Talkin' 'bout a Revolution", but it failed to become Chapman's second top forty hit,...
", "Give Me One Reason
Give Me One Reason
"Give Me One Reason" is a song by the American singer-songwriter Tracy Chapman. It was released on her 1995 album New Beginning. It is also Chapman's biggest US hit to date, reaching #3 on the US Hot 100. Chapman also performed the song six years before its release, on the December 16, 1989...
" and "Telling Stories
Telling Stories
Telling Stories is the fifth album by American singer/songwriter Tracy Chapman, released in 2000 , five years after her previous album, New Beginning...
". She is a multi-platinum and four-time Grammy Award
Grammy Award
A Grammy Award — or Grammy — is an accolade by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences of the United States to recognize outstanding achievement in the music industry...
-winning artist.
Biography
Tracy Chapman was born in Cleveland, OhioOhio
Ohio is a Midwestern state in the United States. The 34th largest state by area in the U.S.,it is the 7th‑most populous with over 11.5 million residents, containing several major American cities and seven metropolitan areas with populations of 500,000 or more.The state's capital is Columbus...
, where she was raised by her mother. Despite not having much money, her mother recognized Tracy's love of music and bought her a ukulele
Ukulele
The ukulele, ; from ; it is a subset of the guitar family of instruments, generally with four nylon or gut strings or four courses of strings....
when Tracy was just three. Tracy Chapman began playing guitar
Guitar
The guitar is a plucked string instrument, usually played with fingers or a pick. The guitar consists of a body with a rigid neck to which the strings, generally six in number, are attached. Guitars are traditionally constructed of various woods and strung with animal gut or, more recently, with...
and writing songs at the age of eight. She says that she may have been first inspired to play the guitar by the television show Hee Haw
Hee Haw
Hee Haw is an American television variety show featuring country music and humor with fictional rural Kornfield Kounty as a backdrop. It aired on CBS-TV from 1969–1971 before a 20-year run in local syndication. The show was inspired by Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In, the major difference being...
.
Chapman was raised Baptist and went to an Episcopal high school. She was accepted into the program "A Better Chance", which helps minority students attend private schools. She graduated from Wooster School
Wooster School
Wooster School is a private, co-educational, college-preparatory Pre-K-12 school in Danbury, Connecticut, in the United States. Wooster was founded in 1926 by Aaron Coburn and is named after General David Wooster, a Revolutionary War hero. Wooster's four cardinal principles are simplicity,...
in Connecticut
Connecticut
Connecticut is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States. It is bordered by Rhode Island to the east, Massachusetts to the north, and the state of New York to the west and the south .Connecticut is named for the Connecticut River, the major U.S. river that approximately...
and subsequently attended Tufts University
Tufts University
Tufts University is a private research university located in Medford/Somerville, near Boston, Massachusetts. It is organized into ten schools, including two undergraduate programs and eight graduate divisions, on four campuses in Massachusetts and on the eastern border of France...
. She graduated with a B.A. degree in anthropology
Anthropology
Anthropology is the study of humanity. It has origins in the humanities, the natural sciences, and the social sciences. The term "anthropology" is from the Greek anthrōpos , "man", understood to mean mankind or humanity, and -logia , "discourse" or "study", and was first used in 1501 by German...
and African studies
African studies
African studies is the study of Africa, especially the cultures and societies of Africa .The field includes the study of:Culture of Africa, History of Africa , Anthropology of Africa , Politics of Africa, Economy of Africa African studies is the study of Africa, especially the cultures and...
.
In the mid-1990s Chapman dated author Alice Walker
Alice Walker
Alice Malsenior Walker is an American author, poet, and activist. She has written both fiction and essays about race and gender...
. Chapman maintains a strong separation between her personal and professional lives. “I have a public life that’s my work life and I have my personal life,” she said. “In some ways, the decision to keep the two things separate relates to the work I do."
Chapman often performs at and attends charity events such as Make Poverty History
Make Poverty History
Make Poverty History is the name of a campaign that exists in a number of countries, including Australia, Canada, Denmark , Finland, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Romania, the United Arab Emirates, Great Britain and Ireland...
, amfAR
AmfAR
amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to the support of AIDS research, HIV prevention, treatment education, and the advocacy of sound AIDS-related public policy.-History:...
and AIDS/LifeCycle, to support social causes. She currently lives in San Francisco. She says she enjoys going to the beach, going to the woods, a really good meal with friends, and fresh organic food.
Career
During college, Chapman began buskingBusking
Street performance or busking is the practice of performing in public places, for gratuities, which are generally in the form of money and edibles...
in Harvard Square
Harvard Square
Harvard Square is a large triangular area in the center of Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States, at the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue, Brattle Street, and John F. Kennedy Street. It is the historic center of Cambridge...
and playing guitar in Club Passim
Club Passim
Club Passim is a folk music club in the Harvard Square area of Cambridge, Massachusetts. It was opened by Joyce Kalina and Paula Kelley in 1958, when it was known as Club 47 , and changed its name to simply Passim in 1969...
and within other coffeehouse
Coffeehouse
A coffeehouse or coffee shop is an establishment which primarily serves prepared coffee or other hot beverages. It shares some of the characteristics of a bar, and some of the characteristics of a restaurant, but it is different from a cafeteria. As the name suggests, coffeehouses focus on...
s in Cambridge, Massachusetts
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Cambridge is a city in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, United States, in the Greater Boston area. It was named in honor of the University of Cambridge in England, an important center of the Puritan theology embraced by the town's founders. Cambridge is home to two of the world's most prominent...
. Another Tufts student, Brian Koppelman
Brian Koppelman
Brian Koppelman is an American screenwriter, novelist, director, and producer. Best known as the co-writer of Ocean's Thirteen, and Rounders, Koppelman has also produced films such as The Illusionist and The Lucky Ones as well as directed films such as Solitary Man.His writing partner is David Levien...
, heard Chapman playing and brought her to the attention of his father, Charles Koppelman
Charles Koppelman
Charles Koppelman is the chairman of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, and was Martha Stewart's right-hand man on NBC's The Apprentice: Martha Stewart in 2005.-Career:...
. Koppelman, who ran SBK Publishing
SBK Records
SBK Records was a record label of the EMI Group that was founded in 1988.Stephen Swid, Martin Bandier, and Charles Koppelman formed the production company SBK in 1989 after they purchased the music publishing division of CBS Records in 1986....
, signed Chapman in 1986. After Chapman graduated from Tufts in 1987, he helped her to sign a contract with Elektra Records
Elektra Records
Elektra Records is an American record label owned by Warner Music Group. In 2004, it was consolidated into WMG's Atlantic Records Group. After five years of dormancy, the label was revived by Atlantic in 2009....
.
At Elektra, she released Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman (album)
Tracy Chapman is the self-titled debut album by singer-songwriter Tracy Chapman, released in 1988.-History:Tracy Chapman hit #1 on both the US & UK album charts. The album was critically acclaimed and helped to launch the 1990s female singer-songwriter movement, which included artists like Tori...
(1988). The album was critically acclaimed, and she began touring and building a fanbase. Soon after she performed it at the televised Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute
Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute
The Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute was a popular-music concert staged on June 11, 1988 at Wembley Stadium, London and broadcast to 67 countries and an audience of 600 million. It was also referred to as Freedomfest, Free Nelson Mandela Concert and Mandela Day...
concert in June 1988, Chapman's "Fast Car" began its rise on the US charts; it became a Number 6 pop hit on the Billboard Hot 100
Billboard Hot 100
The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday...
for the week ending August 27, 1988. "Talkin' 'bout a Revolution", the follow-up, charted at Number 75 and was followed by "Baby Can I Hold You", which peaked at Number 48. The album sold well, going multi-platinum
RIAA certification
In the United States, the Recording Industry Association of America awards certification based on the number of albums and singles sold through retail and other ancillary markets. Other countries have similar awards...
and winning three Grammy Award
Grammy Award
A Grammy Award — or Grammy — is an accolade by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences of the United States to recognize outstanding achievement in the music industry...
s, including an honor for Chapman as Best New Artist. Later in 1988, Chapman was a featured performer on the worldwide Amnesty International
Amnesty International
Amnesty International is an international non-governmental organisation whose stated mission is "to conduct research and generate action to prevent and end grave abuses of human rights, and to demand justice for those whose rights have been violated."Following a publication of Peter Benenson's...
Human Rights Now! Tour
Human Rights Now! Tour
Human Rights Now! was a worldwide tour of twenty benefit concerts on behalf of Amnesty International that took place over six weeks in 1988. Held not to raise funds but to increase awareness of both the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on its 40th anniversary and the work of Amnesty...
. According to the VH1
VH1
VH1 or Vh1 is an American cable television network based in New York City. Launched on January 1, 1985 in the old space of Turner Broadcasting's short-lived Cable Music Channel, the original purpose of the channel was to build on the success of MTV by playing music videos, but targeting a slightly...
website, "her album helped usher in the era of political correctness — along with 10,000 Maniacs
10,000 Maniacs
10,000 Maniacs is a United States-based alternative rock band, which formed in 1981 and continues to be active with various line-ups.-1981–1993:...
and R.E.M.
R.E.M.
R.E.M. was an American rock band formed in Athens, Georgia, in 1980 by singer Michael Stipe, guitarist Peter Buck, bassist Mike Mills and drummer Bill Berry. One of the first popular alternative rock bands, R.E.M. gained early attention due to Buck's ringing, arpeggiated guitar style and Stipe's...
, Chapman's liberal politics proved enormously influential on American college campuses in the late '80s".
Her follow-up album Crossroads (1989) was less commercially successful, but still achieved platinum status. By 1992's Matters of the Heart, Chapman was playing to a small and devoted audience. Her fourth album, New Beginning (1995) proved successful, selling over three million copies in the U.S. The album included the hit single "Give Me One Reason
Give Me One Reason
"Give Me One Reason" is a song by the American singer-songwriter Tracy Chapman. It was released on her 1995 album New Beginning. It is also Chapman's biggest US hit to date, reaching #3 on the US Hot 100. Chapman also performed the song six years before its release, on the December 16, 1989...
", which won the 1997 Grammy for Best Rock Song
Grammy Awards of 1997
The 39th Grammy Awards were held on February 26, 1997. They recognized accomplishments by musicians from the previous year.- Award winners :*Record of the Year**Babyface & Eric Clapton for "Change the World"*Album of the Year...
and became Chapman's most successful single to date, peaking at Number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. Her Telling Stories
Telling Stories
Telling Stories is the fifth album by American singer/songwriter Tracy Chapman, released in 2000 , five years after her previous album, New Beginning...
(2000) featured more of a rock
Rock music
Rock music is a genre of popular music that developed during and after the 1960s, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. It has its roots in 1940s and 1950s rock and roll, itself heavily influenced by rhythm and blues and country music...
sound than folk
Folk music
Folk music is an English term encompassing both traditional folk music and contemporary folk music. The term originated in the 19th century. Traditional folk music has been defined in several ways: as music transmitted by mouth, as music of the lower classes, and as music with unknown composers....
. Its hit single, "Telling Stories
Telling Stories
Telling Stories is the fifth album by American singer/songwriter Tracy Chapman, released in 2000 , five years after her previous album, New Beginning...
", received heavy airplay on European radio stations and on Adult Alternative
Adult alternative
Adult alternative may refer to:*Adult album alternative, a radio format*Modern adult contemporary, a radio format*Smooth jazz, a radio format...
and Hot AC stations in the United States. Chapman toured Europe and the US in 2003 in support of her sixth album, Let It Rain (2002).
To support her seventh studio album, Where You Live
Where You Live
Where You Live is Tracy Chapman's seventh studio album and was released September 13, 2005. The album was co-produced by Tchad Blake.-Track listing:All songs written by Tracy Chapman.#"Change" – 5:06#"Talk to You" – 4:27#"3,000 Miles" – 5:58...
(2005), Chapman toured major US cities in October and throughout Europe over the remainder of the year. The "Where You Live" tour was extended into 2006; the 28-date European tour featured summer concerts in Germany, Italy, France, Sweden, Finland, Norway, the UK, Russia and more. On June 5, 2006, she performed at the 5th Gala of Jazz in Lincoln Center, New York, and in a session at the 2007 TED
TED (conference)
TED is a global set of conferences owned by the private non-profit Sapling Foundation, formed to disseminate "ideas worth spreading"....
(Technology Entertainment Design) conference in Monterey, California
Monterey, California
The City of Monterey in Monterey County is located on Monterey Bay along the Pacific coast in Central California. Monterey lies at an elevation of 26 feet above sea level. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 27,810. Monterey is of historical importance because it was the capital of...
.
Chapman was commissioned by the American Conservatory Theater
American Conservatory Theater
American Conservatory Theater is a large non-profit theater company in San Francisco, California, that offers both classical and contemporary theater productions. A.C.T. was founded in 1965 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in conjunction with the Pittsburgh Playhouse and Carnegie Tech by theatre and...
to compose music for its production of Athol Fugard
Athol Fugard
Athol Fugard is a South African playwright, novelist, actor, and director who writes in English, best known for his political plays opposing the South African system of apartheid and for the 2005 Academy-Award winning film of his novel Tsotsi, directed by Gavin Hood...
's Blood Knot
Blood Knot
Blood Knot is an early play by South African playwright, actor, and director Athol Fugard, performed first, but only one time, in Johannesburg, South Africa, in 1961, with the playwright Fugard and Zakes Mokae playing the brothers Morris and Zachariah....
, a play on apartheid in South Africa
South Africa
The Republic of South Africa is a country in southern Africa. Located at the southern tip of Africa, it is divided into nine provinces, with of coastline on the Atlantic and Indian oceans...
, staged in early 2008.
Atlantic Records released Chapman's eighth studio album, Our Bright Future
Our Bright Future
Our Bright Future is Tracy Chapman's eighth studio album and was released on November 11, 2008. The album was co-produced by Larry Klein. The album's first single "Sing For You" was released digitally on October 31. In promotion for this album Chapman appeared on radio stations across Europe with...
(2008). Chapman made a 26-date solo tour of Europe. She returned to tour Europe and selected North American cities during the summer of 2009. She was backed by Joe Gore on guitars, Patrick Warren on keyboards, and Dawn Richardson on percussion.
Social Activism
Chapman is widely regarded as a politically and socially active musician. In a 2009 interview with American radio network NPRNPR
NPR, formerly National Public Radio, is a privately and publicly funded non-profit membership media organization that serves as a national syndicator to a network of 900 public radio stations in the United States. NPR was created in 1970, following congressional passage of the Public Broadcasting...
, Chapman is quoted as saying: "I'm approached by lots of organizations and lots of people who want me to support their various charitable efforts in some way. And I look at those requests and I basically try to do what I can. And I have certain interests of my own, generally an interest in human rights…". This interest in human rights can be seen lyrically in her music. Songs such as 1988’s "Talkin' bout a Revolution" highlight the importance of speaking up against injustice. An example of a lyric from "Talkin' bout a Revolution":
-
- "Don't you know, talking 'bout a revolution sounds like a whisper/when they're standing in the welfare lines."
- "Don't you know, talking 'bout a revolution sounds like a whisper/when they're standing in the welfare lines."
Chapman’s song "Fast Car
Fast Car
"Fast Car" is a song written and recorded by American singer-songwriter Tracy Chapman. It was released as a single in April 1988 from her self-titled 1988 debut album Tracy Chapman...
" also brings awareness to the struggles of poverty, with lyrics such as:
-
- "I know things will get better /you’ll find work and I'll get promoted /we’ll move out of the shelter/buy a big house and live in the suburbs"
Chapman’s activism extends further than her lyrics. She has performed at numerous socially aware events, and continues to do so. In 1988, Tracy Chapman performed in London as part of a worldwide concert tour to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights with Amnesty International. The same year Chapman also performed in the Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute, an event which raised money for South Africa's Anti-Apartheid Movement and seven children's charities. More recently, in 2004 Chapman performed (and rode) in the AIDSLifeCycle event.
Chapman has also been involved with Cleveland’s elementary schools. A music video produced by Chapman that highlights significant achievements in African-American history has become an important teaching tool in Cleveland Public Schools. Chapman also agreed to sponsor a "Crossroads in Black History" essay contest for high school students in Cleveland and other cities.
In 2004, Tracy Chapman was given an honorary doctorate in Fine Arts by her alma mater, Tufts University, recognizing her commitment to Social Activism.
"I'm fortunate that I've been able to do my work and be involved in certain organisations, certain endeavours, and offered some assistance in some way. Whether that is about raising money or helping to raise awareness, just being another body to show some force and conviction for a particular idea. Finding out where the need is - and if someone thinks you're going to be helpful, then helping."~ Tracy Chapman
Discography
- 1988: Tracy ChapmanTracy Chapman (album)Tracy Chapman is the self-titled debut album by singer-songwriter Tracy Chapman, released in 1988.-History:Tracy Chapman hit #1 on both the US & UK album charts. The album was critically acclaimed and helped to launch the 1990s female singer-songwriter movement, which included artists like Tori...
- 1989: Crossroads
- 1992: Matters of the Heart
- 1995: New Beginning
- 2000: Telling StoriesTelling StoriesTelling Stories is the fifth album by American singer/songwriter Tracy Chapman, released in 2000 , five years after her previous album, New Beginning...
- 2002: Let It Rain
- 2005: Where You LiveWhere You LiveWhere You Live is Tracy Chapman's seventh studio album and was released September 13, 2005. The album was co-produced by Tchad Blake.-Track listing:All songs written by Tracy Chapman.#"Change" – 5:06#"Talk to You" – 4:27#"3,000 Miles" – 5:58...
- 2008: Our Bright FutureOur Bright FutureOur Bright Future is Tracy Chapman's eighth studio album and was released on November 11, 2008. The album was co-produced by Larry Klein. The album's first single "Sing For You" was released digitally on October 31. In promotion for this album Chapman appeared on radio stations across Europe with...
Contributions
Duet songs:- "The Thrill Is Gone" with BB King from his album Deuces WildDeuces Wild (album)Deuces Wild is a celebrity duet album by B. B. King, released on November 4, 1997.- Track listing :#"If You Love Me" - 5:48#"The Thrill Is Gone" - 5:00#"Rock Me Baby" - 6:38...
- "Give Me One Reason" with Eric ClaptonEric ClaptonEric Patrick Clapton, CBE, is an English guitarist and singer-songwriter. Clapton is the only three-time inductee to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: once as a solo artist, and separately as a member of The Yardbirds and Cream. Clapton has been referred to as one of the most important and...
from the album A Very Special Christmas LiveA Very Special Christmas LiveA Very Special Christmas Live is the fourth in a series of Christmas music-themed compilation albums produced to benefit Special Olympics. The album was recorded live in Washington, D.C. in December 1998 at a benefit party held by then-President Bill Clinton and First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton to... - "Baby Can I Hold You" with Pavarotti from the DVD/Album Pavarotti and Friends for Cambodia and Tibet
- "Ain't No Sunshine" with Buddy GuyBuddy GuyGeorge "Buddy" Guy is an American blues and jazz guitarist and singer. He is a critically acclaimed artist who has established himself as a pioneer of the Chicago blues sound, and has served as an influence to some of the most notable musicians of his generation...
from his album Bring 'Em InBring 'Em In (Buddy Guy album)Bring 'Em In is a 2005 album released by Buddy Guy. He has since released a box set consisting of three CDs and a DVD of music spanning his career... - "Trench Town Rock" with Stephen and Ziggy MarleyZiggy MarleyDavid "Ziggy" Marley is a Jamaican musician and leader of the band Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers. He is the oldest son of famed reggae musician Bob Marley...
at the One Love Bob MarleyBob MarleyRobert Nesta "Bob" Marley, OM was a Jamaican singer-songwriter and musician. He was the rhythm guitarist and lead singer for the ska, rocksteady and reggae band Bob Marley & The Wailers...
All Star Tribute - "The Maker" with Dave MatthewsDave MatthewsDavid John "Dave" Matthews is a South African–born American musician and occasional actor, best known as the lead vocalist, songwriter, and guitarist for the Dave Matthews Band...
on October 21, 2001 at the Bridge School BenefitBridge School BenefitThe Bridge School Benefit is an annual non-profit charity concert held in Mountain View, California, every October at the Shoreline Amphitheatre. The concerts are all organized by musician Neil Young and his wife, Pegi....
Covered songs:
- "The House of the Rising SunThe House of the Rising Sun"The House of the Rising Sun" is a folk song from the United States. Also called "House of the Rising Sun" or occasionally "Rising Sun Blues", it tells of a life gone wrong in New Orleans...
" – RubáiyátRubáiyátRubáiyát is a compilation album, released in 1990 to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Elektra Records record label. The concept was to feature present-day Elektra artists covering songs from the historic catalogue of recordings of Elektra Records and its sister label Asylum Records.Two...
(LP) - "The Times They Are A ChanginThe Times They Are a-Changin' (song)"The Times They Are a-Changin" is a song written by Bob Dylan and released as the title track of his 1964 album, The Times They Are a-Changin. The song was ranked #59 on Rolling Stones 2004 list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time....
" – Bob Dylan 30th Anniversary CelebrationThe 30th Anniversary Concert CelebrationThe 30th Anniversary Concert Celebration is a live double-album release in recognition of Bob Dylan's 30 years as a recording artist. Recorded on October 16, 1992 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, it captures most of the concert, which featured many artists performing classic Dylan songs,...
(LP) - "O Holy Night" – A Very Special Christmas 3 (LP) and A Very Special Christmas Live (LP)
- "Three Little BirdsThree Little Birds"Three Little Birds" is a song by Bob Marley & The Wailers. It is the fourth track on side two of their 1977 album Exodus and was released as a single in 1980. The song reached the Top 20 in the UK, peaking at number 17. It is one of Bob Marley's most popular songs. The song has been covered by...
" – Live at the One Love Bob MarleyBob MarleyRobert Nesta "Bob" Marley, OM was a Jamaican singer-songwriter and musician. He was the rhythm guitarist and lead singer for the ska, rocksteady and reggae band Bob Marley & The Wailers...
All Star Tribute - "Get Up Stand Up" – by Bob MarleyBob MarleyRobert Nesta "Bob" Marley, OM was a Jamaican singer-songwriter and musician. He was the rhythm guitarist and lead singer for the ska, rocksteady and reggae band Bob Marley & The Wailers...
featured on the Let It Rain tour edition CD2 (LP) - "Stand By MeStand by Me (song)"Stand by Me" is the title of a song originally performed by Ben E. King and written by King, Jerry Leiber, and Mike Stoller, based on the spiritual "Lord Stand by Me,", plus two lines rooted in Psalms 46:2-3...
" – by Ben E. KingBen E. KingBenjamin Earl King , better known as Ben E. King, is an American soul singer. He is perhaps best known as the singer and co-composer of "Stand by Me", a U.S...
on the XM Hear Music Radio Sessions Volume 1 (LP)
Awards and nominations
Grammy AwardGrammy Award
A Grammy Award — or Grammy — is an accolade by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences of the United States to recognize outstanding achievement in the music industry...
History
-
- Best New Artist (Won)
- Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for "Fast CarFast Car"Fast Car" is a song written and recorded by American singer-songwriter Tracy Chapman. It was released as a single in April 1988 from her self-titled 1988 debut album Tracy Chapman...
" (Won) - Best Contemporary Folk Recording for Tracy Chapman (Won)
- Album of the YearAlbum of the YearAlbum of the Year may refer to:* Grammy Award for Album of the Year* Latin Grammy Award for Album of the Year* Juno Award for Album of the Year* Album of the Year * Album of the Year...
for Tracy Chapman (Nominated) - Record of the YearRecord Of The YearRecord of the Year may refer to:*Grammy Award for Record of the Year*The Record of the Year, a British award based on public polling...
for "Fast Car" (Nominated) - Song of the YearSong of the YearSong of the Year may refer to:* Dove Award for Song of the Year* Grammis Song of the Year* Grammy Award for Song of the Year* Latin Grammy Award for Song of the Year* Singing News Fan Awards for Song of the Year...
for "Fast Car" (Nominated) - Best Contemporary Folk Recording for Crossroads (Nominated)
- Best Rock Song for "Give Me One ReasonGive Me One Reason"Give Me One Reason" is a song by the American singer-songwriter Tracy Chapman. It was released on her 1995 album New Beginning. It is also Chapman's biggest US hit to date, reaching #3 on the US Hot 100. Chapman also performed the song six years before its release, on the December 16, 1989...
" (Won) - Best Female Rock Vocal Performance for "Give Me One Reason" (Nominated)
- Record of the YearRecord Of The YearRecord of the Year may refer to:*Grammy Award for Record of the Year*The Record of the Year, a British award based on public polling...
for "Give Me One Reason" (Nominated) - Song of the YearSong of the YearSong of the Year may refer to:* Dove Award for Song of the Year* Grammis Song of the Year* Grammy Award for Song of the Year* Latin Grammy Award for Song of the Year* Singing News Fan Awards for Song of the Year...
for "Give Me One Reason" (Nominated) - Best Pop Album for New Beginning
Other Awards
| Year | Ceremony | Award | Nominated Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 | Billboard Music Awards | Best Female Video | "Tracy Chapman" | |
| 1989 | Soul Train Music Awards | Best R&B/Urban Contemporary Album of the Year, Female | Herself | |
| Grammy Awards | New Artist | Herself | ||
| Best Female Pop Vocal Performance | Herself | |||
| Song of the Year | "Fast Car" | |||
| Best Contemporary Folk Recording | "Tracy Chapman" | |||
| Album of the Year | "Tracy Chapman" | |||
| Record of the Year | "Fast Car" | |||
| BRIT Awards Brit Awards The Brit Awards are the British Phonographic Industry's annual pop music awards. The name was originally a shortened form of "British", "Britain" or "Britannia", but subsequently became a backronym for British Record Industry Trust... |
International Breakout | Herself | ||
| International Female | Herself | |||
| MTV Video Music Awards MTV Video Music Awards An MTV Video Music Award , is an award presented by the cable channel MTV to honor the best in music videos... |
Best Female Video | "Fast Car" | ||
| American Music Awards American Music Awards -Conception:The AMAs were created by Dick Clark in 1973 to compete with the Grammys after the move of that year's show to Nashville, Tennessee led to CBS picking up the Grammy telecasts after its first two in 1971 and 1972 were broadcast on ABC... |
Favorite Pop Rock New Artist | Herself | ||
| Favorite Pop Rock Female Artist | Herself | |||
| 1990 | Grammy Awards | Best Contemporary Folk Recording | "Crossroads" | |
| 1996 | MTV Video Music Awards | Best Female Video | "Give Me One Reason" | |
| 1997 | Grammy Awards | Best Pop Album | "New Beginning" | |
| Best Rock Vocal Performance Female | Herself | |||
| Best Rock Song | "Give Me One Reason" | |||
| Song of the Year | "Give Me One Reason" | |||
| Record of the Year | "Give Me One Reason" | |||
| 2002 | IFPI Platinum Europe Music Awards | Album Title | "Collection" | |
| 2006 | Meteor Ireland Music Awards | Best International Female | Herself | |
| 2009 | SXSWi: Web Awards Honor | Pop Music | Herself | |
| 2010 | Grammy Awards | Best Contemporary Folk Recording | "Our Bright Future" |
External links
- Tracy Chapman, Official website
- "Tracy Chapman", Atlantic Records
- "A Better Chance", Official Website, education program for minority students