For the first time, this new collection brings together classic tracks from Chapman’s celebrated career that now spans four decades and includes eight best-selling studio albums. Compiled by Chapman herself, the featured songs have also been newly remastered. Since her eponymous debut in 1988, Chapman has captivated audiences around the globe with her pure voice, evocative songs and intense spirit, and her ear for authenticity infuses these 18 tracks with a visceral and emotional resonance.
Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Tracy’s first musical instrument was a ukulele which her mother bought her at the age of three. She began playing guitar and writing songs at eight. Later, Chapman signed to Elektra by the legendary Bob Krasnow in 1987 with her seminal debut album following in 1988, including the singles ‘Fast Car’, ‘Baby Can I Hold You’ and ‘Talkin’ Bout About A Revolution’. The album became a multi-platinum selling instant classic, and established an artist loved by both the public and media.
1989 saw her nominated for and win 2 Brit Awards for International break out and International female. Since then Tracy has continued to release albums to great acclaim with her fourth album New Beginning (1995) selling over 3 million copies in the US.
After her breakthrough performance at Nelson Mandela’s 70th birthday concert in London in 1988, Chapman has appeared frequently in support of social and humanitarian causes, including Amnesty International’s Human Rights Now! Tour, the annual Bridge School benefit concerts, the Nelson Mandela Free South Africa Concert, Farm Aid, Tibetan Freedom Festival, Vote for Change, the Driving Votes tour, San Francisco AIDS Foundation, and many more. In 2015, she was invited by David Letterman to sing ‘Stand By Me’ during his final season hosting The Late Show, commanding a stage entirely on her own for a performance – now included on this album – that demonstrated her enduring appeal and relevance.
The music of Tracy Chapman continues to be both relevant and instantly recognisable due in part to Fast Car being covered on the X-Factor and Sam Smith covering it on the BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge.
This Greatest Hits album is the first new ‘best of’ since 2001’s The Collection, and has been totally refreshed including a brand new exclusive track which is Tracy’s amazing cover of the Ben E King classic ‘Stand By Me’. Originally performed earlier this year on The David Letterman Show, the track has become a YouTube favourite.
Tracy will be promoting this record and we are hopeful of further covers of her tracks on this year’s X-Factor.
