Nielsen 1

Christine Nielsen
U.S. Music and Culture 1040
Tia Jaynes
November 22, 2016

Tracy Chapman
Introduction
Being asked to choose my favorite artist is surprisingly challenging for me. Even

attempting to narrow it down by genre is difficult as I would consider my music choices to be

fairly eclectic. Although I do not have any formal or even mildly formal musical training I

resonate very strongly with music and certain artists in particular. Tracy Chapman is one of the

artists who has meant the most to me on my musical journey therefore I choose her as the subject

of this essay.

Early Life and Discovery

Tracy Chapman was born in Cleveland, Ohio on March 30th, 1964 but moved to

Connecticut at a young age. By the age of four her parents had divorced leaving her and her

sister Aneta with only their mother for support. Chapman showed an interest in music early in

life and played the ukulele, organ and clarinet. By eight years of age Tracy began learning guitar

and writing her own songs. ( Encyclopedia.com)

Having earned a Minority Placement Scholarship Tracy Chapman chose to attend Tufts

University where she studied Anthropology and African Studies. While in college Tracy found a

venue for her music in coffee shops, bars, street corners and the college radio station. (Erlewine)

This is ultimately what led to Tracys break into mainstream music.

It was during this time that another student at Tufts heard Tracys music and liking what

he heard, mentioned her to his father. His father happened to be Charles Koppelman of SBK one
 Nielsen 2

of the largest publishing and production companies in the industry. This led to Chapman signing

with SKB after graduation and ultimately in 1987 to Elecktra Records where she produced her

self-titled first album Tracy Chapman. (DeCurtis)

With Chapmans compelling lyrics, simple instrumentation and richly expressive

contralto voice she skyrocketed to fame. Tracy Chapmans first album sold millions of copies

and won three Grammy awards for Best New Artist, Best Contemporary Folk Album and Best

Female Pop Vocal Performance. (Wikipedia)

Musical Influences
Although her early musical influences include R&B artists such as Marvin Gaye, Aretha

Franklin and Gladys Knight, Tracy also grew up listening to the famous Black Gospel singer

Mahalia Jackson. ( Encyclopedia.com) However, it wasnt until college that Tracy was first

introduced too, and feel in love with, folk and political advocacy music.

While Tracy Chapmans music has been described as folk, pop, rock, indie, and blues,

she is best known for her folk advocacy music. In a time of pop, and digitized sound Chapman

brought folk music for advocacy back to the fore-front. To further cement her position in the folk

advocacy arena Tracy Chapman has performed with legends such as Bob Dylan and Neil Young.

( Encyclopedia.com)

In arguably, her best known ballad Fast Car Tracy Chapman delivers a powerful story

about alcoholism and homelessness. The ostinato guitar sets a soothing backdrop allowing

Tracys strong lyrics to shine. This song is about wanting more from life and hoping it is

possible. About living the life that was dealt to you in the best way you can, yet always yearning

for something better. It is yearning and sweet, wistful with longing and ultimately heartbreaking.

With Unsung Psalm, and All That You Have is Your Soul the early influences of

Gospel music shine through. Although there is nothing overtly religious in these songs, the
 Nielsen 3

presence of spirituality can certainly be felt. With a simple melody and the accompaniment of

ostinato guitar Tracy Chapman delivers a thought provoking message about choice and

redemption. The use of the past tense in this song coupled with lyrics such as Id be enfolded in

a celestial light and If Id lived right creates a space for quiet reflection and introspection.

While still lyric driven Crossroads has a distinctly traditional African Music sound.

With a heavy use of percussion and a rhythmic beat as a backdrop, this song is about staying

strong in the face of oppression and temptation. This song is about sacrificing in order to stay

true to who you are. To being strong in order to protect the things we most value about ourselves.

Today
Folk music for advocacy is not just a genre to Tracy Chapman but an extension of the

way she lives her life. Since the beginning of her music career Tracy has been politically active

and continues that work today. From raising money for South Africas Anti- Apartheid

Movement to childrens charities and Amnesty International Tracy Chapman continues to raise

awareness with her social activism.

Whether it is Tracys simple melodies or heartfelt lyrics, there is an authenticity to her

music that makes you think and feel. There is no fluff with this music and Chapman is unwilling

to compromise on the personal quality of what she creates. While over time this has cost her

fame and popularity, I feel tremendous respect an artist who lives in integrity.
 Nielsen 4

Works Cited
Encyclopedia.com. Tracy Chapman. 22 November 2016. Web. 22 November 2017.

DeCurtis, Anthony. Tracy Chapman's Black and White World. 30 June 1988. Web. 23 November 2016.

Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. Tracy Chapman. 2016. Web. 22 November 2016.

Wikipedia. Tracy Chapman. 8 November 2016. Web. 23 November 2016.