I've watched that performance at least a dozen times now -- it still makes me tear up! I'm from Washington DC, but when I was a kid, we moved down to Dallas, GA (now Marjorie Taylor Green country) for a couple years. My best friends down there belonged to the group of humans so many affectionately call "white trash" and everyone listened to country music. I had a big crush on Billy Ray Cyrus but I digress.
As an adult, I've maintained a lot of those friendships but also run in vastly different circles as a liberal college grad who hangs out with a bunch of lawyers.
I think what's so emotional for me personally -- the debate over Luke's cover, that fell along identity politics lines on the internet, broke my heart. Obviously there's a lot to be said re: country music's history of inclusion and appropriation, but some commentators, at the heat of the argument, seemed to imply that a straight white man and his brand of listeners couldn't possibly relate to this song, that those groups are too different. But so many of us are fighting our own battles and living under similar forms of oppression and can relate to the hope and desperation in those lyrics. So many of us are united by the inherent struggle of trying to make it in this country. Isn't that how systems of slavery and racial oppression were upheld for so long, by pushing narratives that kept poor white folk and black folk apart?
I still remember my first day of second grade. The teacher told us we could all bring our own snacks for snack time, but there were certain rules -- not too much sugar or junk, etc. She had us raise our hands and give examples of what we liked to eat and what an appropriate snack might be. The white boy next to me, in dirty clothes, raised his hand and said he couldn't bring anything this week but his mama was saving up for a jar of peanut butter. I have no idea where he's at now. Maybe working at the convenience store.
Anyway, seeing Chapman and Combs together on that stage... lord, both their smiles, their pure happiness. I liked this line in the NYT Op-Ed: "The song, during Chapman and Combs’s five-minute performance, felt incredibly spacious — larger than the limitations of genre, welcoming and expansive enough to hold every single person it had ever touched, regardless of the markers of identity that so often divide us."
Thank you for all that. It is certainly true that folks of all colors feel the pain of American capitalism. And yes, country music has a record of documenting that pain for its listeners. I'm just happy that Tracy seems happy about Luke covering her song. And I'm happy that Luke is smart enough and thoughtful enough to make it clear that it is HER song and that he is honored to be able to cover it.
Watching that performance Sunday night healed me in ways I didn't even realize I needed it. Like Kelly, this song had such an impact on me as a young confused queer woman - seeing Tracy at peace and smiling like that made me see we all made it to the other side and got there.
I knew someone close to T. Chapman a gazillon years ago. My take away from that time was that she had a pretty incredible family as well as pre-fame friends and that had a lot to do with how she stays grounded & also her strength & grace walking through the world. - I heard a few stories about her mom & I swear someone could write a book or make a movie about that woman.
It was such joy to see Tracy Chapman and hear her sing Fast Car. Have her music on tape( yea, I’m that old) and on my devices. What talent.. the first time I heard Fast Car, I had tears….so moving…. Every time I hear it, it takes me back to that place in time when I first heard it…thanks Ms Chapman for the Grammy performance.. it was good to see you again.. been too long.
When that guitar started and the lights lit up her face, the tears started. My old self, my present self and the one hopeful for the future came together. It was a merging of so many things, too big to be described, so it had to be felt. America’s issues were right there singing together. That wasn’t just hope, but reality. Gender, race, class, politics, America-all of it merged together in some way on that stage. And it was also a performance that sort of turned into a gift for all of us. That all of us want to belong. Despite all the worsening of the things she sang about in the 80s, we still long to belong. We all have the feeling we can be someone. And Luke’s look was almost saying, “I am someone because of you. You are where I started.” A black queer woman breathed life into a white country boy. That is truly the power of music.
Yes to Tay Tay and Beyoncé singing Talking ‘bout a Revolution -but only if Pearl Jam can be the band with Eddie of course.
I also have a great story about her album New Beginning when it came out and the death of Princess Diana, a lesbian bar in the West Village and the first WNBA Championship game. But that can wait. Thank you so much for writing this.
I googled "black women country singers" &...would you believe:
"Tina Turner, whose hit 'Nutbush City Limits,' chronicled her upbringing in the small town of Nutbush, Tennessee, chose to make her first solo album a country album, 'Tina Turns the Country On!' in 1974. This album, made up of covers by country songs by Kris Kristofferson and Dolly Parton, was nominated for a Grammy the following year, but until recently the album was little known except by a small circle of fans, and is still out of print."
I was 12 when Fast Car came out, I couldn't even afford the whole album but I bought the tape single that I played on repeat. I didn't share her experiences at all, but the pain was universal. As we all sit on the precipice of a new election and can feel the tension in the country, that pain is universal. We were all brought to tears because we can feel the pain and division in this country, and the beauty of seeing those two share that stage and sing in harmony, it is what we long for as a country. Thank you for this piece.
And my answer for who I think should bring back Talkin' 'Bout a Revolution- Leslie Odom Jr.
Kamau - thank you soooo much for this article. To see Tracy Chapman perform was the high point of the Grammy’s. (Joni Mitchell - close second). It was powerful & emotional, & with her standing on stage with a country star, I had hope that we can heal the divisions in this broken country. Maybe a stretch, but she was amazing.
Grace. Comfortable with who and where she is. She has nothing to prove and does not feel the need to maintain (her) relevance. To me, she epitomizes confidence and self-love. I so enjoyed my goose-bumps while watching that performance (plus she is from CLE❤️)
I’m glad you wrote about this! The performance really really moved me too. I guess for me it felt like Tracy Chapman was/is a symbol of (the best version of) any of us who have been struggling for social justice since the 90s. And then Luke Combs looks like he could be a symbol of red America of the Trump era. But instead of MAGA-ing, Combs bows to Tracy and says something like “Y’all were right all along. Let’s get free together.”
And that’s the fairy tale I want to watch over and over again until we make it true. 🌈
I was just out of high school when this song came out. I grew up in a very small (under 5000) rural area. I wanted to get out of that town, away from a lot of things, really. So this song came at just the right time in my life and it still resonates with me. I have never stop listening to it. With every decade that has passed I have felt like I have more insight into that18 yo girl while listening to that song. I had a car, a Datsun 310gx to be precise, and a car meant freedom.
I got a bit emotional during the performance because her smile said everything. I am glad she gave us her music and I am also happy for her that she didn't give herself to the music industry.
I tried writing about her for my college class ‘History of American Popular Music’ back in 1993. I found nothing when I attempted my research, and loved her more for her privacy. She introduced me to my life’s work, focusing on disparity and hope. I cant watch her recent performance yet. I deeply value her voice and poetry. Gorgeously written tribute to her, Mr. Bell.
I have been a fan, with a crush, of Tracy Chapman since I first saw her all those tears ago. I watch that grammy duet over and over and try not to tear up every time. I would love to be on her friend list too, but I will just keep crushing and listening.
Great piece. It was a fabulous performance. Thanks for all the throwbacks, too. It’s been a minute since I’ve heard someone reference Terence Trent D’Arby. 😉 Again, great piece for a great artist(s)
One of my all time favorite songs. I sing it as if I can actually sing. I also cried watching her perform. (Along with Annie Lennox, Wendy & Lisa tribute to Sinead). As a teenager this song spoke to me of the many ways women can be strong. I love Tracy Chapman and she was loving being up on that stage.
I've watched that performance at least a dozen times now -- it still makes me tear up! I'm from Washington DC, but when I was a kid, we moved down to Dallas, GA (now Marjorie Taylor Green country) for a couple years. My best friends down there belonged to the group of humans so many affectionately call "white trash" and everyone listened to country music. I had a big crush on Billy Ray Cyrus but I digress.
As an adult, I've maintained a lot of those friendships but also run in vastly different circles as a liberal college grad who hangs out with a bunch of lawyers.
I think what's so emotional for me personally -- the debate over Luke's cover, that fell along identity politics lines on the internet, broke my heart. Obviously there's a lot to be said re: country music's history of inclusion and appropriation, but some commentators, at the heat of the argument, seemed to imply that a straight white man and his brand of listeners couldn't possibly relate to this song, that those groups are too different. But so many of us are fighting our own battles and living under similar forms of oppression and can relate to the hope and desperation in those lyrics. So many of us are united by the inherent struggle of trying to make it in this country. Isn't that how systems of slavery and racial oppression were upheld for so long, by pushing narratives that kept poor white folk and black folk apart?
I still remember my first day of second grade. The teacher told us we could all bring our own snacks for snack time, but there were certain rules -- not too much sugar or junk, etc. She had us raise our hands and give examples of what we liked to eat and what an appropriate snack might be. The white boy next to me, in dirty clothes, raised his hand and said he couldn't bring anything this week but his mama was saving up for a jar of peanut butter. I have no idea where he's at now. Maybe working at the convenience store.
Anyway, seeing Chapman and Combs together on that stage... lord, both their smiles, their pure happiness. I liked this line in the NYT Op-Ed: "The song, during Chapman and Combs’s five-minute performance, felt incredibly spacious — larger than the limitations of genre, welcoming and expansive enough to hold every single person it had ever touched, regardless of the markers of identity that so often divide us."
Thank you for all that. It is certainly true that folks of all colors feel the pain of American capitalism. And yes, country music has a record of documenting that pain for its listeners. I'm just happy that Tracy seems happy about Luke covering her song. And I'm happy that Luke is smart enough and thoughtful enough to make it clear that it is HER song and that he is honored to be able to cover it.
Indeed.
Absolutely.
Watching that performance Sunday night healed me in ways I didn't even realize I needed it. Like Kelly, this song had such an impact on me as a young confused queer woman - seeing Tracy at peace and smiling like that made me see we all made it to the other side and got there.
I'M NOT CRYNG! YOU'RE CRYING!😩
I knew someone close to T. Chapman a gazillon years ago. My take away from that time was that she had a pretty incredible family as well as pre-fame friends and that had a lot to do with how she stays grounded & also her strength & grace walking through the world. - I heard a few stories about her mom & I swear someone could write a book or make a movie about that woman.
That all sounds great. And I really hope those are the reasons. I just want to believe she is happy and well. Thank you for sharing this.
Like I said it was quite a while ago but she seemed down to earth then & I'm guessing still is.'
https://www.cleveland.com/pdq/2009/03/ten_minutes_with_hazel_chapman.html
Interview with her mom talking a bit about her stint as a professional football player.
It was such joy to see Tracy Chapman and hear her sing Fast Car. Have her music on tape( yea, I’m that old) and on my devices. What talent.. the first time I heard Fast Car, I had tears….so moving…. Every time I hear it, it takes me back to that place in time when I first heard it…thanks Ms Chapman for the Grammy performance.. it was good to see you again.. been too long.
It's okay. I'm old too. In fact this comment thread is filled with old fogies like us. I have to take a nap now. 😴
When that guitar started and the lights lit up her face, the tears started. My old self, my present self and the one hopeful for the future came together. It was a merging of so many things, too big to be described, so it had to be felt. America’s issues were right there singing together. That wasn’t just hope, but reality. Gender, race, class, politics, America-all of it merged together in some way on that stage. And it was also a performance that sort of turned into a gift for all of us. That all of us want to belong. Despite all the worsening of the things she sang about in the 80s, we still long to belong. We all have the feeling we can be someone. And Luke’s look was almost saying, “I am someone because of you. You are where I started.” A black queer woman breathed life into a white country boy. That is truly the power of music.
Yes to Tay Tay and Beyoncé singing Talking ‘bout a Revolution -but only if Pearl Jam can be the band with Eddie of course.
I also have a great story about her album New Beginning when it came out and the death of Princess Diana, a lesbian bar in the West Village and the first WNBA Championship game. But that can wait. Thank you so much for writing this.
I don’t know if I can wait to hear that story!!!
Cubby Hole? Henrietta Hudson? And Pearl Jam as the band is a dream.
Hi Kamau (& Kelly! I pack my lunch too! LOL)
I googled "black women country singers" &...would you believe:
"Tina Turner, whose hit 'Nutbush City Limits,' chronicled her upbringing in the small town of Nutbush, Tennessee, chose to make her first solo album a country album, 'Tina Turns the Country On!' in 1974. This album, made up of covers by country songs by Kris Kristofferson and Dolly Parton, was nominated for a Grammy the following year, but until recently the album was little known except by a small circle of fans, and is still out of print."
Found at the PBS site, https://www.pbs.org/wnet/americanmasters/black-women-have-deep-roots-in-country-music/26862/
I was 12 when Fast Car came out, I couldn't even afford the whole album but I bought the tape single that I played on repeat. I didn't share her experiences at all, but the pain was universal. As we all sit on the precipice of a new election and can feel the tension in the country, that pain is universal. We were all brought to tears because we can feel the pain and division in this country, and the beauty of seeing those two share that stage and sing in harmony, it is what we long for as a country. Thank you for this piece.
And my answer for who I think should bring back Talkin' 'Bout a Revolution- Leslie Odom Jr.
Oh man a Leslie Odom Jr. cover would make me cry, too!
Kamau - thank you soooo much for this article. To see Tracy Chapman perform was the high point of the Grammy’s. (Joni Mitchell - close second). It was powerful & emotional, & with her standing on stage with a country star, I had hope that we can heal the divisions in this broken country. Maybe a stretch, but she was amazing.
Grace. Comfortable with who and where she is. She has nothing to prove and does not feel the need to maintain (her) relevance. To me, she epitomizes confidence and self-love. I so enjoyed my goose-bumps while watching that performance (plus she is from CLE❤️)
PRRRREEEEEEEACH!
❤️
I’m glad you wrote about this! The performance really really moved me too. I guess for me it felt like Tracy Chapman was/is a symbol of (the best version of) any of us who have been struggling for social justice since the 90s. And then Luke Combs looks like he could be a symbol of red America of the Trump era. But instead of MAGA-ing, Combs bows to Tracy and says something like “Y’all were right all along. Let’s get free together.”
And that’s the fairy tale I want to watch over and over again until we make it true. 🌈
I was just out of high school when this song came out. I grew up in a very small (under 5000) rural area. I wanted to get out of that town, away from a lot of things, really. So this song came at just the right time in my life and it still resonates with me. I have never stop listening to it. With every decade that has passed I have felt like I have more insight into that18 yo girl while listening to that song. I had a car, a Datsun 310gx to be precise, and a car meant freedom.
I got a bit emotional during the performance because her smile said everything. I am glad she gave us her music and I am also happy for her that she didn't give herself to the music industry.
I tried writing about her for my college class ‘History of American Popular Music’ back in 1993. I found nothing when I attempted my research, and loved her more for her privacy. She introduced me to my life’s work, focusing on disparity and hope. I cant watch her recent performance yet. I deeply value her voice and poetry. Gorgeously written tribute to her, Mr. Bell.
I have been a fan, with a crush, of Tracy Chapman since I first saw her all those tears ago. I watch that grammy duet over and over and try not to tear up every time. I would love to be on her friend list too, but I will just keep crushing and listening.
Her applications for "new friend" is gonna have ten waiting period after this.😂
Me too.
Great piece. It was a fabulous performance. Thanks for all the throwbacks, too. It’s been a minute since I’ve heard someone reference Terence Trent D’Arby. 😉 Again, great piece for a great artist(s)
This post made me a subscriber. I've always loved what you have to say, but this made me realize I need to have access to more. Thank you!
Thank you! I contain multitudes!
One of my all time favorite songs. I sing it as if I can actually sing. I also cried watching her perform. (Along with Annie Lennox, Wendy & Lisa tribute to Sinead). As a teenager this song spoke to me of the many ways women can be strong. I love Tracy Chapman and she was loving being up on that stage.