Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Tracy Chapman

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Tracy Chapman made an impact.

Tracy Chapman is an acclaimed American singer-songwriter recognized for her impactful folk and contemporary songs. Her breakthrough came with the release of her self-titled debut album in 1988, featuring the hit single "Fast Car," which addressed themes of poverty and social inequality. Chapman's music often explores social and political issues, including race, class, and injustice. She further solidified her success with the 1995 single "Give Me One Reason." Throughout her career, Chapman has maintained a low profile, letting her music speak for itself and earning her critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

May 3, 1985: Major-Stage Debut

On May 3, 1985, Tracy Chapman made her major-stage debut as an opening act for Linda Tillery at Boston's Strand Theatre.

1986: Signing with SBK Publishing

In 1986, Tracy Chapman was signed to SBK Publishing by Charles Koppelman after he heard her demo.

1987: Graduation and Elektra Contract

In 1987, Tracy Chapman graduated from Tufts and signed a contract with Elektra Records, facilitated by Charles Koppelman.

1987: Signed to Elektra Records

In 1987, Tracy Chapman was signed to Elektra Records by Bob Krasnow, marking a significant step in her music career.

June 1988: Performance at Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute concert

In June 1988, Tracy Chapman performed at the televised Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute concert at Wembley Stadium in London, which greatly accelerated sales of her single and album.

August 27, 1988: "Fast Car" Peaked on Billboard Charts

On August 27, 1988, "Fast Car" became a No. 6 pop hit on the Billboard Hot 100.

1988: Human Rights and Anti-Apartheid Concerts

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, and at a tribute concert in honor of Nelson Mandela's 70th birthday, raising money for South Africa's Anti-Apartheid Movement.

1988: Release of "Fast Car"

In 1988, Tracy Chapman released her hit single "Fast Car".

1989: Release of Crossroads

In 1989, Tracy Chapman released her follow-up album, Crossroads, which achieved platinum status in the U.S.

1992: Release of Matters of the Heart

In 1992, Tracy Chapman released Matters of the Heart.

1995: Release of New Beginning

In 1995, Tracy Chapman released her fourth album, New Beginning, which became a worldwide success and included the hit single "Give Me One Reason".

1995: Release of "Give Me One Reason"

In 1995, Tracy Chapman released her hit single "Give Me One Reason".

1997: Grammy Win for "Give Me One Reason"

In 1997, Tracy Chapman won the Grammy for Best Rock Song for "Give Me One Reason", which became her most successful single in the U.S.

December 10, 1998: Amnesty International Performance

On December 10, 1998, Tracy Chapman performed at the event to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Amnesty International held in Paris, known as "The Struggle Continues..."

June 6, 2000: Pavarotti & Friends Performance

On June 6, 2000, Tracy Chapman was one of the guest artists at Pavarotti & Friends for Cambodia and Tibet, at which she performed a duet with Luciano Pavarotti.

2000: Release of Telling Stories

In 2000, Tracy Chapman released her fifth album, Telling Stories, which later went gold.

2002: Release of Let It Rain

In 2002, Tracy Chapman released her sixth album, Let It Rain.

2004: AIDS/LifeCycle Event

In 2004, Tracy Chapman performed and rode in the AIDS/LifeCycle event.

2005: Release of Where You Live

In 2005, Tracy Chapman released her seventh album, Where You Live.

2008: Release of Our Bright Future

In 2008, Tracy Chapman released her eighth studio album, Our Bright Future.

2008: Release of Our Bright Future and Commission by ACT

In early 2008, Tracy Chapman was commissioned by the American Conservatory Theater to compose music for Athol Fugard's Blood Knot. Later in 2008, she released her eighth studio album, Our Bright Future.

2009: Views on Charitable Efforts

In a 2009 interview, Tracy Chapman discussed her approach to supporting various charitable efforts and her interest in human rights.

2014: Sundance Film Festival Jury Member

In 2014, Tracy Chapman was appointed a member of the Sundance Film Festival U.S. Documentary jury.

April 2015: Performance on the Late Show with David Letterman

In April 2015, Tracy Chapman performed Ben E. King's "Stand By Me" on the Late Show with David Letterman, which became a viral hit.

November 20, 2015: Release of Greatest Hits Album

On November 20, 2015, Tracy Chapman released Greatest Hits, her first global compilation release, consisting of 18 tracks.

2015: Release of Greatest Hits

In 2015, Tracy Chapman released Greatest Hits, a remastered compilation album she curated.

2020: Performance on Late Night with Seth Meyers

On the eve of the 2020 United States presidential election, Tracy Chapman performed "Talkin' 'bout a Revolution" on Late Night with Seth Meyers, encouraging people to vote.

July 2023: "Fast Car" Hit Number One on Country Chart

In July 2023, when Luke Combs' version of her song "Fast Car" hit number one on the Country Airplay chart, Tracy Chapman became the first Black woman to score a country number one with a solo composition.

November 2023: CMA Award for Song of the Year

In November 2023, at the 57th Annual Country Music Association Awards, Tracy Chapman became the first Black woman to ever take home a CMA Award, winning Song of the Year for "Fast Car", which also made her the first Black songwriter to win that award.

2023: Country Music Success

In 2023, Tracy Chapman became the first black person to score a country number one with a solo composition, and to win the Country Music Association Award for Song of the Year, when Luke Combs covered her song "Fast Car".