Today is the 35th anniversary of Tracy Chapman's debut album!
On April 4, 1990, singer-songwriter Tracy Chapman's self-titled album was shared with the world. 35 years later, Chapman's debut album is being reissued on vinyl for both new and existing fans.
To celebrate this milestone, Out presents a list of our favorite live performances from the Grammy Award winner, ranging from 1988 to the present day.
Scroll through to relive some beautiful moments from the one and only Tracy Chapman.
"Fast Car" (1988)
The performance that put her on the map, Chapman was new to the public eye when she took the stage at the Wembley Stadium in London for the Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute Concert, a televised event called for Mandela's freedom and the ending of apartheid. This set made Chapman an artist to watch.
"Baby Can I Hold You" (1998)
This particular video of Chapman performing "Baby Can I Hold You" at the Amnesty International event in Paris in December 1998 has over 209 million views on YouTube.
"Stand By Me" (2015)
This moving Chapman performance marks her as one of the last performances on David Latterman's late night show.
"Give Me One Reason" (1999)
Chapman and Eric Clapton performed "Give Me One Reason" at the Special Olympics Gala in Washington, DC on December 17, 1998. The song went on to peak at No. 3 on the Billbaord Hot 100.
"Across the Lines" (1988)
"Across the Lines" is just one of the songs Chapman performed at her beloved Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute Concert set.
"Sweet Home Chicago" (2012)
Chapman, Bonnie Raitt, Jeff Beck, and Beth Hart performed "Sweet Home Chicago" together in honor of Buddy Guy at the 35th annual Kennedy Center Honors in 2012.
"Freedom Now" (1988)
This performance was broadcast live from Buenos Aires in 1988 for Amnesty International. "This next song is for all those who have been unjustly tried," Chapman said on stage, "for all those who are now in prison. This song is for Nelson Mandela."
"My Hometown" (2004)
This fan video of Chapman and Bruce Springsteen performing "My Hometown" on stage has over 5 million views.
"Don't Give Up" (1990)
Chapman performed alongside Peter Grabriel at a Nelson Mandela event on April 16, 1990, an International tribute to free South Africa at Wembley stadium in London.
"Behind The Wall" (1988)
"Behind the Wall" from Chapman's beloved Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute Concert set also made it to her debut album.
"Get Up, Stand Up" (1998)
Chapman performed "Get Up, Stand Up" live alongside Bruce Springsteen, Peter Gabriel & Youssou N'Dour at the Paris Concert for Amnesty International in 1998.
"Fast Car" (2024)
Chapman's most recently televised performance was at the 66th Grammy Awards ceremony in 2024, where she performed "Fast Car" alongside Luke Combs, whose cover of her song reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.
