Tracy Chapman wins CMA “song of the year” for “Fast Car”

[Anonymous]

So this was an accidental hit. It is a song he liked to sing that they added to the album that got picked up. Which is really cool for both Luke Combs and Tracy Chapman. Its a great song - win win win.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't get this how do you win an award in 2023 for an older non-country song? What am I missing here?

She wins as the songwriter. The song is eligible based on his cover being released this year, but this particular award goes to the person who wrote the song. Like Willie Nelson's version of "You Were Always on My Mind" won the same award in the 80s and that award (and the analogous categories at the Grammys) went to the songwriters, even though that song has been recorded probably dozens of times before Willie got to it.

This is even more confusing. Who is "he?" What cover are you talking about?

Luke Combs's cover.

THANK YOU, I didn't know who Luke Comb is since I don't listen to country music so I looked it up. What a beautiful voice and remake. Amazing, song he did an wonderful job, It might be better as a country song if that's even possible...

said no one ever before this moment in time

Pretty much the whole thread thinks he did a great job, which thread are you reading PP?

No one has said the song is better as a Luke Combs country hit.

[Anonymous]

ok but Luke Combs could sing the ABC's and country radio and fans would zoom it to the top of the charts. He's in that phase of his career that every single he puts out will go #1.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:ok but Luke Combs could sing the ABC's and country radio and fans would zoom it to the top of the charts. He's in that phase of his career that every single he puts out will go #1.

Plus his songs are good. He has a good voice and is self-made. These are good things, not bad things.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Chapman’s one album was a huge hit because of that one song. Had she not released Give Me One Reason, she would have been a one hit wonder (albeit a big one).

Her net worth is $8M.

She isn’t the musical genius everyone thinks she is. She made one fabulous song that transcends age and race…and another so-so song that you sometimes hear in the grocery store.

I’m sure she’s thrilled that Combs covered her song and she’s getting money and relevance.

If you knew the album, you would also know that there is a song called Mountains o’ Things on it. It outlines the perils of using things as a marker of significance in life. Between that song, Fast Car and Talking bout a revolution which was written in response Regan’s portraying black women as welfare queens. It is fairly clear her motives for the entire record far transcend the money she is pulling in.

Shy many not be a musical genius, but her using her musical ability for political commentary is something that most singers don’t have these days.
Even the song going from being sung by and about black people to a country song with a majority white listening population is art following politics. More and more whites are feeling unemployed and displaced as our economy shifts to service based industries. It is still a politically charged song, even in its reuse.

I’m Gen X.

I know the album and the political climate at the time.

Talkin Bout a Revolution was played on repeat at the coffee houses back in the day.

It only made it to 75 on the music charts. It wasn’t a hit. Not even close.

And I also remember the backlash Chapman encountered when she bought herself a nice home and a fancy car after making money from the album. She was labeled a sellout and hypocrite. I don’t think that was fair, but it happened…and this was long before social media or TMZ.

What’s she been doing for the last 30 years? Made any great music?

She made one amazing song that transcends race and age. And she made another catchy song. Plus some other songs that were played in coffee houses and venues that hosted poetry slams. That’s not bad. In fact, it’s quite an accomplishment.

But she was never Dylan. I’m not sure she was really trying to be. I applaud her efforts to shine a light on issues in a positive way. I wish others would.

Ok- I didn’t realize people thought she was Dylan. Had no clue anyone thought of her in that way. But I agree that she doesn’t want to be. She wanted creative freedom, not Beyoncé, Taylor, madonna level of stardom.

I personally respect that a whole lot more than if a song is catchy and a ‘hit.” Because she stood for something and took her own risks, not the record labels determined steps.

https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/music/tracy-chapman-being-in-the-public-eye-is-uncomfortable-for-me-1.2433200

Nobody thinks she is Dylan.

Rather, she seemingly tried to be Dylan. Her catalog is heavy on politics and social justice. But her songs just don’t resonate. Go listen to Subcity and read the lyrics. She’s trying really hard to make a political statement, but she falls short.

Sure, her overnight success afforded her the freedom to do whatever she wanted to do. And her legacy is Fast Car and Talkin Bout a Revolution. Those two songs earned her perpetual invites to any and all social justice gigs.

She went to a private prep school and graduated from Tufts. Her father connected her to Elektra Records and her first single made her a global star. Quick and easy success followed by what, exactly?

I’m actually going to listen to her entire catalog of music this weekend. I’ll see if there are any hidden gems. The songs I’ve listened to for the last 30 minutes are completely forgettable.

Ok- enjoy it if you can. Honestly, I don’t care about her fame or what you think of her as a singer.

Her songs spoke to me when I was deciding on a career, and helped me shape what I decided to do. Because of her I was aware of social (particularly racial) injustices even though I grew up in an all white area.

I also had a rough childhood so the idea that you can call the police, have them do nothing when your dad is hitting you was my lived experience. That other people had that experience and that Tracy sang about that was comforting to me. No, I didn’t die/disappear as the person did in her song, but it made me feel a little less alone.

It is okay if you can’t find any hidden gems for you, I play the ones I like. If she was born with the same privilege as Taylor Swift and she became Tracy Chapman instead of Taylor/Beyoncé more power to her. Maybe you grew up like Taylor Swift and she resonates with you, but Tracy resonated with me because I grew up in a messy messy household. To each her own.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Chapman’s one album was a huge hit because of that one song. Had she not released Give Me One Reason, she would have been a one hit wonder (albeit a big one).

Her net worth is $8M.

She isn’t the musical genius everyone thinks she is. She made one fabulous song that transcends age and race…and another so-so song that you sometimes hear in the grocery store.

I’m sure she’s thrilled that Combs covered her song and she’s getting money and relevance.

If you knew the album, you would also know that there is a song called Mountains o’ Things on it. It outlines the perils of using things as a marker of significance in life. Between that song, Fast Car and Talking bout a revolution which was written in response Regan’s portraying black women as welfare queens. It is fairly clear her motives for the entire record far transcend the money she is pulling in.

Shy many not be a musical genius, but her using her musical ability for political commentary is something that most singers don’t have these days.
Even the song going from being sung by and about black people to a country song with a majority white listening population is art following politics. More and more whites are feeling unemployed and displaced as our economy shifts to service based industries. It is still a politically charged song, even in its reuse.

I’m Gen X.

I know the album and the political climate at the time.

Talkin Bout a Revolution was played on repeat at the coffee houses back in the day.

It only made it to 75 on the music charts. It wasn’t a hit. Not even close.

And I also remember the backlash Chapman encountered when she bought herself a nice home and a fancy car after making money from the album. She was labeled a sellout and hypocrite. I don’t think that was fair, but it happened…and this was long before social media or TMZ.

What’s she been doing for the last 30 years? Made any great music?

She made one amazing song that transcends race and age. And she made another catchy song. Plus some other songs that were played in coffee houses and venues that hosted poetry slams. That’s not bad. In fact, it’s quite an accomplishment.

But she was never Dylan. I’m not sure she was really trying to be. I applaud her efforts to shine a light on issues in a positive way. I wish others would.

Ok- I didn’t realize people thought she was Dylan. Had no clue anyone thought of her in that way. But I agree that she doesn’t want to be. She wanted creative freedom, not Beyoncé, Taylor, madonna level of stardom.

I personally respect that a whole lot more than if a song is catchy and a ‘hit.” Because she stood for something and took her own risks, not the record labels determined steps.

https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/music/tracy-chapman-being-in-the-public-eye-is-uncomfortable-for-me-1.2433200

Nobody thinks she is Dylan.

Rather, she seemingly tried to be Dylan. Her catalog is heavy on politics and social justice. But her songs just don’t resonate. Go listen to Subcity and read the lyrics. She’s trying really hard to make a political statement, but she falls short.

Sure, her overnight success afforded her the freedom to do whatever she wanted to do. And her legacy is Fast Car and Talkin Bout a Revolution. Those two songs earned her perpetual invites to any and all social justice gigs.

She went to a private prep school and graduated from Tufts. Her father connected her to Elektra Records and her first single made her a global star. Quick and easy success followed by what, exactly?

I’m actually going to listen to her entire catalog of music this weekend. I’ll see if there are any hidden gems. The songs I’ve listened to for the last 30 minutes are completely forgettable.

Ok- enjoy it if you can. Honestly, I don’t care about her fame or what you think of her as a singer.

Her songs spoke to me when I was deciding on a career, and helped me shape what I decided to do. Because of her I was aware of social (particularly racial) injustices even though I grew up in an all white area.

I also had a rough childhood so the idea that you can call the police, have them do nothing when your dad is hitting you was my lived experience. That other people had that experience and that Tracy sang about that was comforting to me. No, I didn’t die/disappear as the person did in her song, but it made me feel a little less alone.

It is okay if you can’t find any hidden gems for you, I play the ones I like. If she was born with the same privilege as Taylor Swift and she became Tracy Chapman instead of Taylor/Beyoncé more power to her. Maybe you grew up like Taylor Swift and she resonates with you, but Tracy resonated with me because I grew up in a messy messy household. To each her own.

I’m not denigrating you, your lived experience, or your musical taste…so please extend me the same courtesy.

You might be surprised to know that I enjoyed her music when I was young (her eponymous album). I went to law school and did street outreach on my path to a career in social justice. And ftr, I’m not a big fan of Taylor Swift…or Beyoncé. Having said that, they each have made an impressive impact in music that can’t be disregarded.

If you are the person hating on Luke Combs and country music and country music fans, I encourage you to open your mind instead of attributing stereotypes. If Tracy appreciates Luke and his cover, then it’s silly to be outraged on her behalf. Plus, that’s not being a good feminist.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Chapman’s one album was a huge hit because of that one song. Had she not released Give Me One Reason, she would have been a one hit wonder (albeit a big one).

Her net worth is $8M.

She isn’t the musical genius everyone thinks she is. She made one fabulous song that transcends age and race…and another so-so song that you sometimes hear in the grocery store.

I’m sure she’s thrilled that Combs covered her song and she’s getting money and relevance.

If you knew the album, you would also know that there is a song called Mountains o’ Things on it. It outlines the perils of using things as a marker of significance in life. Between that song, Fast Car and Talking bout a revolution which was written in response Regan’s portraying black women as welfare queens. It is fairly clear her motives for the entire record far transcend the money she is pulling in.

Shy many not be a musical genius, but her using her musical ability for political commentary is something that most singers don’t have these days.
Even the song going from being sung by and about black people to a country song with a majority white listening population is art following politics. More and more whites are feeling unemployed and displaced as our economy shifts to service based industries. It is still a politically charged song, even in its reuse.

I’m Gen X.

I know the album and the political climate at the time.

Talkin Bout a Revolution was played on repeat at the coffee houses back in the day.

It only made it to 75 on the music charts. It wasn’t a hit. Not even close.

And I also remember the backlash Chapman encountered when she bought herself a nice home and a fancy car after making money from the album. She was labeled a sellout and hypocrite. I don’t think that was fair, but it happened…and this was long before social media or TMZ.

What’s she been doing for the last 30 years? Made any great music?

She made one amazing song that transcends race and age. And she made another catchy song. Plus some other songs that were played in coffee houses and venues that hosted poetry slams. That’s not bad. In fact, it’s quite an accomplishment.

But she was never Dylan. I’m not sure she was really trying to be. I applaud her efforts to shine a light on issues in a positive way. I wish others would.

Ok- I didn’t realize people thought she was Dylan. Had no clue anyone thought of her in that way. But I agree that she doesn’t want to be. She wanted creative freedom, not Beyoncé, Taylor, madonna level of stardom.

I personally respect that a whole lot more than if a song is catchy and a ‘hit.” Because she stood for something and took her own risks, not the record labels determined steps.

https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/music/tracy-chapman-being-in-the-public-eye-is-uncomfortable-for-me-1.2433200

Nobody thinks she is Dylan.

Rather, she seemingly tried to be Dylan. Her catalog is heavy on politics and social justice. But her songs just don’t resonate. Go listen to Subcity and read the lyrics. She’s trying really hard to make a political statement, but she falls short.

Sure, her overnight success afforded her the freedom to do whatever she wanted to do. And her legacy is Fast Car and Talkin Bout a Revolution. Those two songs earned her perpetual invites to any and all social justice gigs.

She went to a private prep school and graduated from Tufts. Her father connected her to Elektra Records and her first single made her a global star. Quick and easy success followed by what, exactly?

I’m actually going to listen to her entire catalog of music this weekend. I’ll see if there are any hidden gems. The songs I’ve listened to for the last 30 minutes are completely forgettable.

Ok- enjoy it if you can. Honestly, I don’t care about her fame or what you think of her as a singer.

Her songs spoke to me when I was deciding on a career, and helped me shape what I decided to do. Because of her I was aware of social (particularly racial) injustices even though I grew up in an all white area.

I also had a rough childhood so the idea that you can call the police, have them do nothing when your dad is hitting you was my lived experience. That other people had that experience and that Tracy sang about that was comforting to me. No, I didn’t die/disappear as the person did in her song, but it made me feel a little less alone.

It is okay if you can’t find any hidden gems for you, I play the ones I like. If she was born with the same privilege as Taylor Swift and she became Tracy Chapman instead of Taylor/Beyoncé more power to her. Maybe you grew up like Taylor Swift and she resonates with you, but Tracy resonated with me because I grew up in a messy messy household. To each her own.

I’m not denigrating you, your lived experience, or your musical taste…so please extend me the same courtesy.

You might be surprised to know that I enjoyed her music when I was young (her eponymous album). I went to law school and did street outreach on my path to a career in social justice. And ftr, I’m not a big fan of Taylor Swift…or Beyoncé. Having said that, they each have made an impressive impact in music that can’t be disregarded.

If you are the person hating on Luke Combs and country music and country music fans, I encourage you to open your mind instead of attributing stereotypes. If Tracy appreciates Luke and his cover, then it’s silly to be outraged on her behalf. Plus, that’s not being a good feminist.

DP to this PP: Such a measured and thoughtful response. I would guess you are very good at your job in social justice. It's responses like this (on any subject) that gives me faith that we all can do better.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Chapman’s one album was a huge hit because of that one song. Had she not released Give Me One Reason, she would have been a one hit wonder (albeit a big one).

Her net worth is $8M.

She isn’t the musical genius everyone thinks she is. She made one fabulous song that transcends age and race…and another so-so song that you sometimes hear in the grocery store.

I’m sure she’s thrilled that Combs covered her song and she’s getting money and relevance.

If you knew the album, you would also know that there is a song called Mountains o’ Things on it. It outlines the perils of using things as a marker of significance in life. Between that song, Fast Car and Talking bout a revolution which was written in response Regan’s portraying black women as welfare queens. It is fairly clear her motives for the entire record far transcend the money she is pulling in.

Shy many not be a musical genius, but her using her musical ability for political commentary is something that most singers don’t have these days.
Even the song going from being sung by and about black people to a country song with a majority white listening population is art following politics. More and more whites are feeling unemployed and displaced as our economy shifts to service based industries. It is still a politically charged song, even in its reuse.

I’m Gen X.

I know the album and the political climate at the time.

Talkin Bout a Revolution was played on repeat at the coffee houses back in the day.

It only made it to 75 on the music charts. It wasn’t a hit. Not even close.

And I also remember the backlash Chapman encountered when she bought herself a nice home and a fancy car after making money from the album. She was labeled a sellout and hypocrite. I don’t think that was fair, but it happened…and this was long before social media or TMZ.

What’s she been doing for the last 30 years? Made any great music?

She made one amazing song that transcends race and age. And she made another catchy song. Plus some other songs that were played in coffee houses and venues that hosted poetry slams. That’s not bad. In fact, it’s quite an accomplishment.

But she was never Dylan. I’m not sure she was really trying to be. I applaud her efforts to shine a light on issues in a positive way. I wish others would.

Ok- I didn’t realize people thought she was Dylan. Had no clue anyone thought of her in that way. But I agree that she doesn’t want to be. She wanted creative freedom, not Beyoncé, Taylor, madonna level of stardom.

I personally respect that a whole lot more than if a song is catchy and a ‘hit.” Because she stood for something and took her own risks, not the record labels determined steps.

https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/music/tracy-chapman-being-in-the-public-eye-is-uncomfortable-for-me-1.2433200

Nobody thinks she is Dylan.

Rather, she seemingly tried to be Dylan. Her catalog is heavy on politics and social justice. But her songs just don’t resonate. Go listen to Subcity and read the lyrics. She’s trying really hard to make a political statement, but she falls short.

Sure, her overnight success afforded her the freedom to do whatever she wanted to do. And her legacy is Fast Car and Talkin Bout a Revolution. Those two songs earned her perpetual invites to any and all social justice gigs.

She went to a private prep school and graduated from Tufts. Her father connected her to Elektra Records and her first single made her a global star. Quick and easy success followed by what, exactly?

I’m actually going to listen to her entire catalog of music this weekend. I’ll see if there are any hidden gems. The songs I’ve listened to for the last 30 minutes are completely forgettable.

Ok- enjoy it if you can. Honestly, I don’t care about her fame or what you think of her as a singer.

Her songs spoke to me when I was deciding on a career, and helped me shape what I decided to do. Because of her I was aware of social (particularly racial) injustices even though I grew up in an all white area.

I also had a rough childhood so the idea that you can call the police, have them do nothing when your dad is hitting you was my lived experience. That other people had that experience and that Tracy sang about that was comforting to me. No, I didn’t die/disappear as the person did in her song, but it made me feel a little less alone.

It is okay if you can’t find any hidden gems for you, I play the ones I like. If she was born with the same privilege as Taylor Swift and she became Tracy Chapman instead of Taylor/Beyoncé more power to her. Maybe you grew up like Taylor Swift and she resonates with you, but Tracy resonated with me because I grew up in a messy messy household. To each her own.

I’m not denigrating you, your lived experience, or your musical taste…so please extend me the same courtesy.

You might be surprised to know that I enjoyed her music when I was young (her eponymous album). I went to law school and did street outreach on my path to a career in social justice. And ftr, I’m not a big fan of Taylor Swift…or Beyoncé. Having said that, they each have made an impressive impact in music that can’t be disregarded.

If you are the person hating on Luke Combs and country music and country music fans, I encourage you to open your mind instead of attributing stereotypes. If Tracy appreciates Luke and his cover, then it’s silly to be outraged on her behalf. Plus, that’s not being a good feminist.

DP to this PP: Such a measured and thoughtful response. I would guess you are very good at your job in social justice. It's responses like this (on any subject) that gives me faith that we all can do better.

Thank you, pp!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:ok but Luke Combs could sing the ABC's and country radio and fans would zoom it to the top of the charts. He's in that phase of his career that every single he puts out will go #1.

Plus his songs are good. He has a good voice and is self-made. These are good things, not bad things.

not saying it's good or bad - just a fact that non-country fans would probably not know

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Chapman’s one album was a huge hit because of that one song. Had she not released Give Me One Reason, she would have been a one hit wonder (albeit a big one).

Her net worth is $8M.

She isn’t the musical genius everyone thinks she is. She made one fabulous song that transcends age and race…and another so-so song that you sometimes hear in the grocery store.

I’m sure she’s thrilled that Combs covered her song and she’s getting money and relevance.

If you knew the album, you would also know that there is a song called Mountains o’ Things on it. It outlines the perils of using things as a marker of significance in life. Between that song, Fast Car and Talking bout a revolution which was written in response Regan’s portraying black women as welfare queens. It is fairly clear her motives for the entire record far transcend the money she is pulling in.

Shy many not be a musical genius, but her using her musical ability for political commentary is something that most singers don’t have these days.
Even the song going from being sung by and about black people to a country song with a majority white listening population is art following politics. More and more whites are feeling unemployed and displaced as our economy shifts to service based industries. It is still a politically charged song, even in its reuse.

I’m Gen X.

I know the album and the political climate at the time.

Talkin Bout a Revolution was played on repeat at the coffee houses back in the day.

It only made it to 75 on the music charts. It wasn’t a hit. Not even close.

And I also remember the backlash Chapman encountered when she bought herself a nice home and a fancy car after making money from the album. She was labeled a sellout and hypocrite. I don’t think that was fair, but it happened…and this was long before social media or TMZ.

What’s she been doing for the last 30 years? Made any great music?

She made one amazing song that transcends race and age. And she made another catchy song. Plus some other songs that were played in coffee houses and venues that hosted poetry slams. That’s not bad. In fact, it’s quite an accomplishment.

But she was never Dylan. I’m not sure she was really trying to be. I applaud her efforts to shine a light on issues in a positive way. I wish others would.

Ok- I didn’t realize people thought she was Dylan. Had no clue anyone thought of her in that way. But I agree that she doesn’t want to be. She wanted creative freedom, not Beyoncé, Taylor, madonna level of stardom.

I personally respect that a whole lot more than if a song is catchy and a ‘hit.” Because she stood for something and took her own risks, not the record labels determined steps.

https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/music/tracy-chapman-being-in-the-public-eye-is-uncomfortable-for-me-1.2433200

Nobody thinks she is Dylan.

Rather, she seemingly tried to be Dylan. Her catalog is heavy on politics and social justice. But her songs just don’t resonate. Go listen to Subcity and read the lyrics. She’s trying really hard to make a political statement, but she falls short.

Sure, her overnight success afforded her the freedom to do whatever she wanted to do. And her legacy is Fast Car and Talkin Bout a Revolution. Those two songs earned her perpetual invites to any and all social justice gigs.

She went to a private prep school and graduated from Tufts. Her father connected her to Elektra Records and her first single made her a global star. Quick and easy success followed by what, exactly?

I’m actually going to listen to her entire catalog of music this weekend. I’ll see if there are any hidden gems. The songs I’ve listened to for the last 30 minutes are completely forgettable.

Your facts are wrong. It was not her father that connected her to Elektra. It was a classmate she didn’t know before who became fascinated with her music and convinced her to meet with his father.

You’ve implied she’s a child of privilege who had her path cleared for her by her family. In fact, she was raised by her mom after her father walked out when she was four. You don’t have to like her music, but you don’t get to reinvent her life.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Chapman’s one album was a huge hit because of that one song. Had she not released Give Me One Reason, she would have been a one hit wonder (albeit a big one).

Her net worth is $8M.

She isn’t the musical genius everyone thinks she is. She made one fabulous song that transcends age and race…and another so-so song that you sometimes hear in the grocery store.

I’m sure she’s thrilled that Combs covered her song and she’s getting money and relevance.

If you knew the album, you would also know that there is a song called Mountains o’ Things on it. It outlines the perils of using things as a marker of significance in life. Between that song, Fast Car and Talking bout a revolution which was written in response Regan’s portraying black women as welfare queens. It is fairly clear her motives for the entire record far transcend the money she is pulling in.

Shy many not be a musical genius, but her using her musical ability for political commentary is something that most singers don’t have these days.
Even the song going from being sung by and about black people to a country song with a majority white listening population is art following politics. More and more whites are feeling unemployed and displaced as our economy shifts to service based industries. It is still a politically charged song, even in its reuse.

I’m Gen X.

I know the album and the political climate at the time.

Talkin Bout a Revolution was played on repeat at the coffee houses back in the day.

It only made it to 75 on the music charts. It wasn’t a hit. Not even close.

And I also remember the backlash Chapman encountered when she bought herself a nice home and a fancy car after making money from the album. She was labeled a sellout and hypocrite. I don’t think that was fair, but it happened…and this was long before social media or TMZ.

What’s she been doing for the last 30 years? Made any great music?

She made one amazing song that transcends race and age. And she made another catchy song. Plus some other songs that were played in coffee houses and venues that hosted poetry slams. That’s not bad. In fact, it’s quite an accomplishment.

But she was never Dylan. I’m not sure she was really trying to be. I applaud her efforts to shine a light on issues in a positive way. I wish others would.

Ok- I didn’t realize people thought she was Dylan. Had no clue anyone thought of her in that way. But I agree that she doesn’t want to be. She wanted creative freedom, not Beyoncé, Taylor, madonna level of stardom.

I personally respect that a whole lot more than if a song is catchy and a ‘hit.” Because she stood for something and took her own risks, not the record labels determined steps.

https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/music/tracy-chapman-being-in-the-public-eye-is-uncomfortable-for-me-1.2433200

Nobody thinks she is Dylan.

Rather, she seemingly tried to be Dylan. Her catalog is heavy on politics and social justice. But her songs just don’t resonate. Go listen to Subcity and read the lyrics. She’s trying really hard to make a political statement, but she falls short.

Sure, her overnight success afforded her the freedom to do whatever she wanted to do. And her legacy is Fast Car and Talkin Bout a Revolution. Those two songs earned her perpetual invites to any and all social justice gigs.

She went to a private prep school and graduated from Tufts. Her father connected her to Elektra Records and her first single made her a global star. Quick and easy success followed by what, exactly?

I’m actually going to listen to her entire catalog of music this weekend. I’ll see if there are any hidden gems. The songs I’ve listened to for the last 30 minutes are completely forgettable.

Ok- enjoy it if you can. Honestly, I don’t care about her fame or what you think of her as a singer.

Her songs spoke to me when I was deciding on a career, and helped me shape what I decided to do. Because of her I was aware of social (particularly racial) injustices even though I grew up in an all white area.

I also had a rough childhood so the idea that you can call the police, have them do nothing when your dad is hitting you was my lived experience. That other people had that experience and that Tracy sang about that was comforting to me. No, I didn’t die/disappear as the person did in her song, but it made me feel a little less alone.

It is okay if you can’t find any hidden gems for you, I play the ones I like. If she was born with the same privilege as Taylor Swift and she became Tracy Chapman instead of Taylor/Beyoncé more power to her. Maybe you grew up like Taylor Swift and she resonates with you, but Tracy resonated with me because I grew up in a messy messy household. To each her own.

I’m not denigrating you, your lived experience, or your musical taste…so please extend me the same courtesy.

You might be surprised to know that I enjoyed her music when I was young (her eponymous album). I went to law school and did street outreach on my path to a career in social justice. And ftr, I’m not a big fan of Taylor Swift…or Beyoncé. Having said that, they each have made an impressive impact in music that can’t be disregarded.

If you are the person hating on Luke Combs and country music and country music fans, I encourage you to open your mind instead of attributing stereotypes. If Tracy appreciates Luke and his cover, then it’s silly to be outraged on her behalf. Plus, that’s not being a good feminist.

No I am not denigrating you or your experience hence the words to each her own.I mean that, music is meant to be appreciated by the listener, and not necessarily to make money and “catch” songs.

I am not the person hating Luke Combs, as far as I am concerned, he did the right thing by giving Tracy her due in recognition and money and by using his voice to the cause.

I am merely stating that your opinion that Tracy Chapmen did nothing for 30 years is your opinion. To me, she lived on and her voice lived on in me. So for 30 years, I (and maybe you?) have been touched by her words. We can each have those thoughts.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why didn't she win the prize? His cover sounds very much like her version. Seems like she should have won. Doesn't seem fair. Yes, at least she gets some money, but her name isn't on the prize. I feel like it would be similar to a situation where I did all of the work for a project, and a colleague took all of the credit and everyone knew it and they patted me on the head.

She...did win the prize for writing the song. You sound dumb.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:I don't get this how do you win an award in 2023 for an older non-country song? What am I missing here?

She wins as the songwriter. The song is eligible based on his cover being released this year, but this particular award goes to the person who wrote the song. Like Willie Nelson's version of "You Were Always on My Mind" won the same award in the 80s and that award (and the analogous categories at the Grammys) went to the songwriters, even though that song has been recorded probably dozens of times before Willie got to it.

This is even more confusing. Who is "he?" What cover are you talking about?

Luke Combs's cover.

THANK YOU, I didn't know who Luke Comb is since I don't listen to country music so I looked it up. What a beautiful voice and remake. Amazing, song he did an wonderful job, It might be better as a country song if that's even possible...

said no one ever before this moment in time

Pretty much the whole thread thinks he did a great job, which thread are you reading PP?

No one has said the song is better as a Luke Combs country hit.

I actually like his version more

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I enjoy both the original and the cover.

Really enjoyed both equally

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why didn't she win the prize? His cover sounds very much like her version. Seems like she should have won. Doesn't seem fair. Yes, at least she gets some money, but her name isn't on the prize. I feel like it would be similar to a situation where I did all of the work for a project, and a colleague took all of the credit and everyone knew it and they patted me on the head.

She did win. For writing the song. First black female to win the award.

But he took the big prize of single of the year. For a version that's VERY much the same. She gets the pat-on-the-head prize.