Born:

March 30, 1964

Birthplace:

Cleveland, Ohio

Early Years:

She learned how to play the guitar as a child and began writing her own material shortly thereafter. She graduated high school from Wooster school in Danbury, Connecticut in 1982. She then entered Tufts University in Medford, Massachusetts where she majored in African studies and anthropology. During this time, Tracy also began performing her songs at local venues and recorded demoes at WMFO (Tufts campus radio station).

Becoming Famous:

Brian Koppelman, a fellow student at Tufts, recommended Tracy to his father, Charles Koppelman. Incidentally, Charles is the president of SBK publishing. Charles then introduced Tracy to Elliot Roberts who became her manager. In 1987, Tracy signed with Elektra Records through the help of Charles and Elliot. In 1987 she recorded her debut album under Elektra, with David Kershenbaum producing. The album was released on April 5, 1988, it received 4 Grammys including Best New Artist. On August 27, 1988, "Fast Car", one of the songs in her debut album, climbed to #6.

Other Albums:

Her second album, Crossroads was released on October 3, 1989. Although not as successful as her first album, Crossorads reached platinum status later that year.

Selected Albums:

Matters of the Heart (1992)

New Beginning (1995)

Telling Stories (2000)

Let It Rain (2002)

Where You Live (2005)
Other Songs:

Aside from the highly memorable song "Fast Car", her other songs include the following: "Talking 'Bout A Revolution," "Bang Bang Bang," "Dreaming On a World," "Give Me One Reason," (the song climbed to #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and the album won a Grammy for Record of the Year) "Smoke and Ashes," "Telling Stories" and "Baby Can I Hold You."

Other Accomplishments:

Awards

Favorite New Artist (Pop/Rock) - 25th American Music Awards

Best International Newcomer - 8th BRIT Awards

Best Pop Vocal Performance, Best Contemporary Folk Recording and Best New Artist - 31st Grammy Awards

Female Vocalist, Top Song and Rock Album - 3rd SKC Boston Music Awards

Record of the Year - Grammy Award

Best Album, Outstanding Song, Best Female Vocalist, Musician of the Year - 20th Bay Area Music Awards
Interesting Facts:

In B.B King's album Deuces Wild, which was released on November 6, 1997, Tracy recorded a duet with B.B. titled "The Thrill Is Gone". The said song was a hit. Aside from performance tours, Tracy also performs to support various causes such as Human Rights Now! (1988), Amnesty International: The Struggle Continues (1998) and to honor notable figures like Nelson Mandela and Bob Dylan.

More Information:

For more on Tracy Chapman, visit her official website. Also see this video of her singing "Fast Car" from Youtube.