Tracy Chapman (born March 30, 1964) is an American singer-songwriter, known for her hits Fast Car and Give Me One Reason, along with other singles Talkin bout a Revolution, Baby Can I Hold You, Crossroads, New Beginning and Telling Stories. She is a multi-platinum and four-time Grammy Award-winning artist.[1]

Chapman was signed to Elektra Records by Bob Krasnow in 1987. The following year she released her critically acclaimed debut album Tracy Chapman, which became a multi-platinum worldwide hit. The album garnered Chapman six Grammy Award nominations, including Album of the Year, three of which she won, including Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for her single Fast Car, and Best New Artist. Chapman released her second album Crossroads the following year, which garnered her an additional Grammy nomination. Since then, Chapman has experienced further success with six more studio albums, which include her multi-platinum fourth album New Beginning, for which she won a fourth Grammy Award, for Best Rock Song, for its lead single Give Me One Reason. Chapmans most recent release is Our Bright Future, in 2008.

Chapman was born in Cleveland, Ohio. She was raised by her mother, who recognized Tracys love of music and, despite not having much money, bought her a ukulele when she was just three.[2] Chapman began playing guitar and writing songs at the age of eight. She says that she may have been first inspired to play the guitar by the television show Hee Haw.[3]

Raised Baptist, Chapman attended an Episcopal high school.[3] She was accepted into the program A Better Chance, which sponsors students at college-preparatory high schools away from their home community. She graduated from Wooster School in Connecticut, then attended Tufts University.[4] She graduated with a B.A. degree in anthropology and African studies.[5]

During college, Chapman began busking in Harvard Square and playing guitar in Club Passim, the Nameless Coffeehouse, and other coffeehouses in Cambridge, Massachusetts.[citation