What Is Tracy Chapman Doing Now? Inside Her Super-Private Life Before Her Grammys Performance

All eyes were on Tracy Chapman as she made a rare public appearance at the 2024 Grammy Awards.

After the incredible success of Luke Combs’ 1988 cover of her song “Fast Car,” the musicians shared the stage for a moving performance of the song.

Combs first released his lush cover of the song in April 2023, and the song raced to the top of the country music charts, as well as peaking at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. It also earned a nomination for Best Country Solo Performance at this year’s Grammy Awards.

Chapman was just 24 years old when the song was first released as the lead single from her self-titled debut album. After performing the song at Mandela’s concert at Wembley Stadium in London, it received a huge boost and helped it become a commercial success.

While Chapman has spoken highly of Combs’ version since its release, she has largely stayed out of the spotlight lately; her last public performance was in 2020.

After her performance at the Grammys, here’s everything you need to know about what Chapman has been up to in recent years.

The best moments from the 2024 Grammy Awards

Is Tracy Chapman Married?

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Ever since she stepped onto the music scene in the late 80s, Chapman has kept her personal life completely separate from her professional life.

“Being in the public eye and in the spotlight was and still is somewhat uncomfortable for me, but there are some ways that everything that has happened in my life has prepared me for this career.” Chapman said The Irish Times 2015. “But I’m a little shy.”

Although she’s been linked to various people over the years (including Alice Walker, who previously said they were in a relationship in the 1990s), Chapman has never personally commented on her relationship status, and it’s unclear if she’s married.

Has Tracy Chapman released new music?

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Following the success of her debut studio album in 1988, Chapman released seven additional studio albums. Her last album was Our bright future in 2008. The album received critical acclaim, including a nomination for Best Contemporary Folk Album at the 2010 Grammys.

In promotion of the album, Chapman toured Europe from November to December 2008. Chapman later returned to Europe for a reunion tour with the album in the summer of 2009, her last tour to date.

When was Tracy Chapman last seen in public?

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Although Chapman’s last album was released almost 15 years ago, she has made a handful of public appearances since then. In May 2010, she appeared alongside Bette Midler, Oprah Winfrey, Gayle King, Jennifer Hudson and others while attending Oh, Oprah magazine10th anniversary with the Walk for the Best Life in New York.

In December 2012, she attended the 35th Kennedy Center Honors in Washington, DC, and in January 2014, she attended the Sundance Film Festival, appearing on stage during the evening’s awards ceremony.

After spending many years out of the limelight, in November 2020 she rarely appeared in public with a specific goal. During Late Night with Seth Meyersperformed her 1988 song “Talkin’ ‘Bout a Revolution,” encouraging viewers to get out and vote in the presidential election.

The 2024 Grammy Awards on February 4, 2024 marked Chapman’s first public appearance in three years. She joined Combs for a special duet of “Fast Car,” a cover of which was nominated for Best Country Solo Performance. (Her original performance also received three nominations, back in 1988.)

What did Tracy Chapman say about her cover of Luke Combs’ song?

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Following the success of Combs’ cover of “Fast Cars,” which climbed all the way to No. 1 on Billboard’s US Country Airplay chart, Chapman had kind words.

“I never expected to be on the country charts, but it’s an honor to be there,” he said in an exclusive statement to Board in July 2023. She also praised Combs, saying, “I’m happy for Luke and his success and grateful that new fans have found and embraced ‘Fast Car.'”

In November 2023, Chapman spoke again about the cover that took home Song of the Year at the CMA Awards, making Chapman the first black artist to ever win Song of the Year at the CMA Awards, according to Rolling stone.

Although the musician was unable to attend the ceremony held at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, she shared a pre-written statement that was read in her absence by host Sara Evans, who announced the win alongside country legend Bill Anderson.

“I’m sorry I couldn’t join you all tonight. It is truly an honor for my song to be recognized again 35 years after its debut,” Chapman wrote in a statement. “Thanks to the CMAs and special thanks to Luke and all the ‘Fast Car’ fans.”

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Source: HIS Education