Tracy Chapman

Tracy Chapman, an American singer-songwriter, rose to prominence with her hit singles "Fast Car" and "Give Me One Reason." Her debut album, released in 1988, achieved immense commercial success, earning a 6× Platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America. Chapman's dedication to her craft has been recognized with multiple Grammy Awards, including Best New Artist, Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, and Best Contemporary Folk Album. In 2008, she released her latest studio album, "Our Bright Future."

Chapman has a history of notable achievements, such as becoming the first Black person to score a country number one with a solo composition and winning the Country Music Association Award for Song of the Year in 2023. Her performance of "Fast Car" at the televised Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute concert significantly boosted the sales of both the single and album. Her album "New Beginning" sold over five million copies in the U.S. alone and included the hit single "Give Me One Reason," which won a Grammy for Best Rock Song. Chapman's commitment to causes she cares about can be seen in her performance of "Talkin' 'bout a Revolution" on Late Night with Seth Meyers to encourage voter participation in the 2020 United States presidential election.

Apart from her music career, Chapman is also known for her political and social activism. She supports various charitable efforts and organizations focused on human rights and has received honorary doctorates from Saint Xavier University and Tufts University for her commitment to social activism. Her contribution to the fight for freedom and raising awareness of human rights violations globally was recognized by the South African Presidency, which awarded her the National Order of the Companions of O.R. Tambo. She has performed at charity events such as Make Poverty History, amfAR, and AIDS/LifeCycle, and identifies as a feminist.