Tracy Chapman  by Tracy Chapman

The unknown to the general public, Tracy Chapman, at the age of 34, released in 1988 one of the most remarkable albums of the 1980s, her debut titled with her name. The American songwriter and performer managed with her distinctive voice and the simple yet substantial folk rock songs of her record to "enchant" 20,000,000 people who, in one way or another, bought her first record (!)

The recordings were made in 1987 and 1988. The album seemed to be out of its time as we are talking about an era dominated by pop, glam metal, and hip-hop. Producer David Kershenbaum was immediately impressed by the songs Chapman brought him and thought the great advantage of the songs was their lyrics and that many might have been tired of the three aforementioned dominant musical trends of the time and wanted something different. He bet on her voice, which he showcased with the best possible outcome, and he came out a winner.

Tracy Chapman and her album won three Grammy awards, one for Best Contemporary Folk Album, one for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, and one for Best New Artist, while her producer, David Kershenbaum, was nominated for the Grammy for Best Producer but did not win it.