Tracy Chapman

Tracy Chapman is an American singer-songwriter, born in Cleveland, Ohio, on March 30, 1964. Her music is usually described as folk, folk rock, pop rock, and singer-songwriter, with strong social and political themes. She became internationally known with her 1988 debut album Tracy Chapman, especially through the songs “Fast Car,” “Talkin’ Bout a Revolution,” and “Baby Can I Hold You.” Apple Music also lists these among her most popular songs.

Her most important albums include Tracy Chapman from 1988, Crossroads from 1989, New Beginning from 1995, Telling Stories from 2000, and Our Bright Future from 2008. New Beginning contains the major hit “Give Me One Reason,” which won the Grammy Award for Best Rock Song.

Chapman is known for her warm, expressive voice, acoustic guitar style, and emotionally direct songwriting. “Fast Car” remains her signature song and returned strongly to public attention after Luke Combs covered it; Chapman later became the first Black woman to win the CMA Award for Song of the Year for that composition.