Tracy Chapman

A gifted storyteller with enduring appeal, Tracy Chapman's unexpected ascent from the Boston folk scene to mainstream popularity in the late 1980s proved pivotal in helping restore singer/songwriters to the spotlight. Delivered with an earthy grace, her simple melodies and affecting, often socially conscious lyrics resonated with fans around the globe, who helped turn her eponymous 1988 debut into a Grammy-winning multi-platinum success. Seemingly averse to commercial whims, Chapman has managed to avoid the pitfalls of trendiness, building on early hits like "Fast Car" and 199...