Tracy Chapman became one of the biggest musicians in the world thanks to two critical 80s concepts—affirmative action and the diasporic mindset. Because of the diasporic mindset, many Americans thought of Africa as part of their world, as if Africa’s problems are our own, and we are not truly free until South Africans suffering under Apartheid are free. And affirmative action did nothing less than change Chapman’s life. We’ll explore how those ideas helped Chapman and how they relate to "Fast Car." We’ll also look at what Chapman’s life might have been like if she’d never been helped by affirmative action.
Guests: Jelani Cobb, Dean, Columbia Journalism School
Credits:
Tracy Chapman - Fast Car
- Label: Elektra
- Writer: Tracy Chapman
- Publisher: PURPLE RABBIT MUSIC
Tracy Chapman - Fast Car (Live Version)
- Label: Elektra
- Writer: Tracy Chapman
- Publisher: Purple Rabbit Music
Elizabeth Cotten - Freight Train
- Writer: Elizabeth Cotten, James Paul, William Frederick
- Label: Folkways Records FG 3526
- Publisher: Figs D Music
Elizabeth Cotten - Goin Down the Road Feelin Bad
- Writer: Elizabeth Cotten
- Label: Folkways Records FG 3526
- Publisher: Folkways Records FG 3526
Tracy Chapman | Rare Interview, Planet Rock Profiles
Tracy Chapman 1996, Charlie Rose
Tracy Chapman Talks Bob Dylan, Tracy Chapman Online
Elizabeth Cotten, Series Down Home
Elizabeth Cotten, Rainbow Quest TV
I Am Somebody, Jesse Jackson LP, Respect Records (1971)
Living History presents Jesse Jackson, Rutherford Living History
Popular Podcasts
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
24/7 News: The Latest
The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.
Therapy Gecko
An unlicensed lizard psychologist travels the universe talking to strangers about absolutely nothing. TO CALL THE GECKO: follow me on https://www.twitch.tv/lyleforever to get a notification for when I am taking calls. I am usually live Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays but lately a lot of other times too. I am a gecko.