



In a 2012 chat to promote third LP Storm and Grace, Presley told Rolling Stone India, "I've never met Tracy, but she's always been a huge influence on me I don't even know if she knows that. But it was the music of singer/songwriters such as Linda Ronstadt, Shelby Lynne and, in particular, Tracy Chapman (rather than the rock and roll of Elvis ) that informed her sound. The late Lisa Marie Presley took her time following in her father's footsteps, releasing her debut album, To Whom It May Concern, at the relatively late age of 35. "When I think about songwriting just how she can make you feel like you're in that moment." Chapman was also the first name that came to mind when Khalid was asked about his biggest musical inspiration in our One Take series. "For me, Tracy Chapman was just someone who inspires me in terms of songwriting," the "Talk" hitmaker revealed. " An obvious choice, perhaps, but speaking to Forbes later that same year, Khalid insisted that he was far from just a fair-weather fan. And while promoting the record on BBC Radio One's Live Lounge in 2018, the chart-topper doffed his cap to one of its major influences with an acoustic reworking of " Fast Car. Just like Chapman, Khalid racked up a glut of GRAMMY nominations with his debut album, American Teen. Here's a look at five artists who have credited the star as a formative influence on their entire careers. Of course, Chapman's modern-day cachet extends beyond the odd song. Kelly Clarkson, Black Pumas and Jamila Woods have all paid tribute by tackling different songs from Chapman's remarkably consistent oeuvre, too. From Sam Smith and Justin Bieber, to Passenger and Luke Combs, it's probably quicker to list which contemporary acts haven't covered her defining single "Fast Car" in recent years dance producer Jonas Blue even took it back into the Hot 100 In 2015. King classic "Stand By Me" in aid of David Letterman's late-night retirement.Īlthough Chapman hasn't released a studio album since 2008's Our Bright Future, her music has remained an ever-present. And the very traditional kind of artist even unwittingly became a viral sensation thanks to a powerful rendition of Ben E. A mid-'90s career resurgence, meanwhile, helped to boost her awards tally, with biggest hit "Give Me A Reason" picking up Best Rock Song.Īnd whether standing in for Stevie Wonder at Nelson Mandela's 70th Birthday Tribute Concert or performing "Talkin’ Bout a Revolution" on the eve of the 2020 presidential election, Chapman has used her earthy voice to soundtrack several key historical moments. Her self-titled debut album topped the Billboard 200 in 1988, sold 20 million copies and received six GRAMMY nominations she won three (Best Contemporary Folk Album, Best Female Pop Vocal Performance and the coveted Best New Artist).

And throughout the following two decades, the Cleveland native continued to assemble an impressive body of work that remained utterly impervious to fleeting chart trends.Ĭhapman's determination to carve out her own distinct path has undeniably reaped its rewards. The singer/songwriter emerged in the late 1980s, a period when big-voiced power balladeers and exuberant teen princesses were all the rage. In 1988, she performed in London as part of a worldwide concert tour to commemorate the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.Renowned for her stripped-back folky sound, social conscience and storytelling abilities, Tracy Chapman has never really fitted into the pop landscape. And I have certain interests of my own, generally an interest in human rights." And I look at those requests and I basically try to do what I can. In 2009, she said: "I'm approached by lots of organizations and lots of people who want me to support their various charitable efforts in some way. What social activism has Tracy Chapman been involved with?Ĭhapman is known to be a politically and socially active musician.I’ve always loved poetry, music was always in the house, and there was such a range of different music around." “I love books, I love reading, and I basically grew up in a public library. She said in 2015: “Being in the public eye and under the glare of the spotlight was, and it still is, to some extent, uncomfortable for me, but there are some ways by which everything that has happened in my life has prepared me for this career. However, she made a rare public return by appearing on Late Night with Seth Meyers in November 2020, performing 'Talkin' about a Revolution' from home. While Tracy Chapman has not retired, she has not released any original music since 2008.
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Tracy Chapman Makes Rare TV Appearance With Performance of ‘Talkin’ ‘Bout a Revolution’ | 11/3/20
