Tracy Chapman was first noticed by the music industry when she was still in college, and her 1988 debut album exploded into the popular consciousness with multi-platinum sales, a top 40 hit, and Grammy wins.
For 20 years, Chapman's folk-tinged music attracted fans and critical acclaim with its emotional lyrics, powerful social commentary, and her entrancing voice. But after eight albums, she withdrew from the music industry in 2009 and has not recorded since and she has made only very occasional stage appearances.
But as the hit 2023 country cover of her song "Fast Car" and her subsequent performance of the song on the 2024 Grammy Awards show attest, her music remains as captivating as ever. On Thursday, June 12, Tracy Chapman will be featured as part of WYEP's Essential Artist Series. Listen for Chapman's music throughout the day and an hour-long career retrospective special at 7 p.m.