Tracy Chapman, an acclaimed American singer-songwriter, gained fame for her chart-topping singles “Fast Car” and “Give Me One Reason.” In 1987, she was signed to Elektra Records by Bob Krasnow.
In 1987, Tracy Chapman was signed to Elektra Records by Bob Krasnow. The subsequent year saw the release of her debut album, Tracy Chapman, which achieved significant commercial success. Her appearance at the Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute concert further bolstered the album’s popularity, leading to its certification as 6× Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America.
Bio/Wiki
Age- 59 years
Height- 1.64 m
Weight- 57 kg.
Born- 30 March 1964
Birth place- Cleveland, Ohio, United States
Spouse-
Siblings: Aneta Chapman
Profession- American singer-songwriter
Nationality- American
Genre-Alternative/Indie
Instrument(s)- Vocals; guitar; harmonica
Parents
Tracy Chapman’s parents are Charles Koppelman and Hazel Chapman. Her parents separated when she was just four years old, and she was primarily raised by her mother, who gifted her a ukulele when she was three years old.
Boyfriend
While Chapman has never openly discussed her love life, author Alice Walker claimed that they were romantically involved in the mid-1990s. Despite this, Chapman remains adamant about keeping her personal and professional lives distinct.
Education
She enrolled in an Episcopal high school and later participated in the A Better Chance program, which supports students studying at college preparatory schools away from their hometowns. Tracy Chapman graduated from Wooster School in Connecticut and pursued her major in Anthropology at Tufts University. During her time at Tufts, she engaged in busking at various locations nearby, such as Harvard Square and MBTA Red Line platforms.
Career
Tracy Chapman, the renowned American singer-songwriter, started playing guitar and composing songs at the young age of eight, possibly inspired by the television show Hee Haw. Despite facing bullying and racially motivated attacks during her childhood in Cleveland, Chapman persevered in her musical journey. She made her major-stage debut in 1985, opening for Linda Tillery in Boston. Brian Koppelman, a fellow Tufts student, recognized her talent and introduced her to his father, Charles Koppelman, who signed her to SBK Publishing in 1986. After graduating from Tufts in 1987, she signed a contract with Elektra Records.
Chapman’s self-titled debut album, released in 1988, received widespread acclaim. The song “Fast Car” gained significant popularity after her performance at the Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute concert in 1988, reaching No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100. Her subsequent albums, including “Crossroads” (1989) and “New Beginning” (1995), further solidified her success. “Give Me One Reason,” from her fourth album, won the Grammy for Best Rock Song in 1997.
In 2008, Chapman composed music for the American Conservatory Theater’s production of Athol Fugard’s play “Blood Knot.” She released her eighth studio album, “Our Bright Future,” in 2008, earning a Grammy nomination the following year. Chapman continued her musical journey, and her performance of “Stand By Me” on the Late Show with David Letterman in 2015 became a viral sensation.
Chapman’s impact on the music industry persisted, and in 2023, when Luke Combs’ rendition of her song “Fast Car” reached number one on the Country Airplay chart, she became the first black woman with a solo composition to achieve a country number one. Additionally, at the 57th Annual Country Music Association Awards in 2023, Chapman made history by becoming the first Black woman to win a CMA Award, specifically the Song of the Year for “Fast Car,” making her the inaugural Black songwriter to receive this honor.
Chapman is deeply engaged in political and social causes. In a 2009 conversation with National Public Radio, she expressed her commitment: “Numerous organizations and individuals reach out to me, seeking my support for their charitable initiatives. I assess these requests and contribute where I can. I have specific personal interests, particularly in the realm of human rights.”
Songs
- Fast Car – Album: Tracy Chapman (1988)
- Baby Can I Hold You – Album: Tracy Chapman (1988)
- Give Me One Reason – Album: New Beginning (1995)
- Talkin’ Bout a Revolution – Album: Tracy Chapman (1988)
- The Promise – Album: New Beginning (1995)
- All That You Have Is Your Soul – Album: Crossroads (1989)
- Telling Stories – Album: Telling Stories (2000)
- Stand by Me – Album: Greatest Hits (2015)
- For My Lover – Album: Tracy Chapman (1988)
- Bang Bang Bang – Album: Matters of the Heart (1992)
- Crossroads – Album: Crossroads (1989)
- Behind the Wall – Album: Tracy Chapman (1988)
- Sing for You – Album: Our Bright Future (2008)
- Across the Lines – Album: Tracy Chapman (1988)
- Mountains o’ Things – Album: Tracy Chapman (1988)
- Change – Album: Where You Live (2005)
- Smoke and Ashes – Album: New Beginning (1995)
- At This Point in My Life – Album: New Beginning (1995)
- Subcity – Album: Crossroads (1989)
- She’s Got Her Ticket – Album: Tracy Chapman (1988)
- Open Arms – Album: Matters of the Heart (1992)
- Why? – Album: Tracy Chapman (1988)
- You’re the One – Album: Let It Rain (2002)
- Save Us All – Album: Our Bright Future (2008)
- Born to Fight – Album: Crossroads (1989)
- Dreaming on a World – Album: Matters of the Heart (1992)
- Wedding Song – Album: Telling Stories (2000)
- Speak the Word- Album: Telling Stories (2000)
- Heaven’s Here on Earth – Album: New Beginning (1995)
- Remember the Tinman- Album: New Beginning (1995)
- Matters of the Heart – Album: Matters of the Heart (1992)
- Unsung Psalm – Album: Telling Stories (2000)
Awards
- Country Music Association Award for Song of the Year2023
- Grammy Award for Best Rock Song1997
- Grammy Award for Best New Artist1989
- Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance1989
- Danish Music Award for International Album of the Year1989
- Brit Award for International Female Solo Artist1989
- Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Folk Album1989
- Brit Award for International Breakthrough Act1989
- American Music Award for Favorite Pop/Rock New Artist1989
Net Worth 2023
As of January 2023, Tracy Chapman’s net worth exceeds $10 million.
Tracy Chapman’s ‘Fast Car’ Wins CMA Award
At the Country Music Association awards, Luke Combs’ rendition of “Fast Car” was named the song of the year, but the original artist, Tracy Chapman, who released the song in 1988, received the award.
This recognition comes an impressive 35 years after the song’s debut, making Chapman the first Black songwriter to win the CMAs’ song of the year prize. Despite her absence at the ceremony, Chapman expressed her gratitude for the song’s enduring recognition. Combs, who also won the award for single of the year, acknowledged Chapman’s contribution, praising her for writing one of the best songs ever. “Fast Car” achieved significant acclaim upon its release, earning Chapman multiple Grammy nominations and awards, solidifying its status as a timeless classic.
