Talkin' Bout Tracy Chapman

Stefan chats with singer and musician Yemi Bolatiwa ahead of her upcoming Tracy Chapman anniversary tribute show in Manchester. They explore what it means to pay tribute without impersonation, the lasting legacy of Chapman’s work, and how one approaches the art of the tribute act with authenticity and respect.

Aurélie Moulin and Stefan discuss that Tracy Chapman and Luke Comb's now legendary Grammy performance of 'Fast Car'. How it happened and what is next for Tracy Chapman. 

I had the opportunity to chat with photographer Jay Blakesberg about his early career, which involved photographing Tracy Chapman in San Francisco during the early eighties. He also shared his experiences, including shooting B.B. King's 'The Thrill Is Gone' music video and creating the artwork for the 'Let It Rain' album.

We celebrate the 35th Anniversary of Tracy Chapman's debut album with a chat to drummer Denny Fongheiser who performed on that album and toured with Tracy Chapman at various points in her career. 

We hear how the record was made and get insight into some touring anecdotes. 

Celebrating 20 years since the release of the 'Let It Rain' album, Stefan Evans talks to drummer Jonathan "Butch" Norton about his time touring with Tracy Chapman. 

Tracy's "Big Ears", long sound checks and their Austin City Limits performance. 

In this episode, Stefan Evans talks to LA artist and photographer Tim Hailand about how Tracy Chapman commissioned him to produce artwork for her fifth studio album 'Telling Stories'. 

Tim also recalls a hilarious tale of Tracy Chapman and Bjork sharing a gym together at the Chateau Marmont hotel. 

Tracy Chapman makes a rare performance of 'Talkin' 'Bout a Revolution' on 'Late Night with Seth Myers' ahead of 2020 Election. This marks her first TV appearance in five years. In this episode, we break down the performance; Brandon Stansell contributes.

This episode, I'm joined by Andy Stoller. Andy talks about his contributions to Tracy Chapman's albums from 'New Beginning' (1995) through to 'Let It Rain' (2002) and also talks touring with Tracy during that time. 

We also discuss the fact that Andy played the bass guitar on the hit single 'Give Me One Reason'. 

As we close 2019, I speak to journalist Matt Hocter as we look back at the legacy of Tracy's second studio album, 'Crossroads' and consider how its message is still very much relevant today. 

Stefan chats to legendary session guitarist Steve 'The Deacon' Hunter about touring with Tracy Chapman in the late nineties / early naughties; as well as performing with Pavarotti and contributing to the 'Telling Stories' and 'Let It Rain' studio albums. 

This week I'm joined by the brit award-winning singer-songwriter Gabrielle who shares her memories of Tracy Chapman's rise to fame as well as how the song 'Fast Car' was the spark that launched her own career. 

In the first-ever episode, I'm joined by Matt Mahurin. Matt is an acclaimed photographer and videographer who took the photo which became the cover of Tracy Chapman's 20 million-selling debut album and shot the 'Fast Car' music video. He tells us about his experience working with Tracy to create both iconic works.