Rookie SUBBED for Legend on LIVE Show of 600 Million...in 4 mins Became a Star! | Professor of Rock
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 27 ก.ค. 2024
- At a massive show at Wembley Stadium, the headliner Stevie wonder was all set to play in front of 72K people and a television audience of over 600 million. When all of a sudden his main instrument with all of his pre recorded backing music was gone… He could’t play so the promoters asked a little known artist named Tracy Chapman with only an acoustic guitar to fill in. She played her song Fast Car, a stark folky acoustic song about tough times and poverty. in less than 4 mins she blew the audience away and a few weeks later due to word of mouth her debut album went from selling a few hundred thousands to over 2 million. Up next the story of a song that didn’t sound like anything on the radio and how it somehow dominated radio in 1987.
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Hey Music Junkies, Professor of Rock , always here to celebrate the greatest artists and songs of all time; If you aint no Fortunate Son and don’t need no education accept the kind you get from a 3 minute record. You’ll dig this channel Also on our Patreon you can find out the origin of the cassette table that we feature in a lot of our interviews. check it out below to become a VIP
It’s time for another edition of number one in our hearts. Where we talk about a song that was so powerful and enduring that it should have been a #1 hit on the billboard hot 100. but for reasons unexplained it came up short. Most of the time it’s much bigger than the song that was at #1 in it’s time… Most of the time. not always. but…
As Charile Sheen’s character (Bud Fox) says in the Oliver Stone movie Wall Street before he meets Michael Douglas's infamous character Gordon Gekko - “life comes down to a few moments.” For Tracy Chapman, there was one of those “moments" that led to her getting signed as a major label recording artist, and a 2nd moment that is the one that rocketed her to international stardom.
Let’s go back to that first fateful moment: While Tracy Chapman was a student at Tufts University in the mid-80s, she performed on street corners, and coffee houses of suburban Boston, MassachusettsmmmA fellow Tufts coed named Brian Koppelman was organizing an anti- apartheid (uh-par-tide) rally, when a friend told him about a great protest singer he had seen at a coffee house that happened to be Tracy Chapman.
Koppelman went to see Tracy sing & play her acoustic guitar at a local coffee house called Cappuccino, and was instantly smitten by the hypnotic realism in her music. He introduced himself to Tracy and told her about his father (Charles Koppelman), who was the head of SBK Publishing. Brian then excitedly told his father about Tracy, and the elder Koppelman offered Tracy a publishing deal with SBK.
Tracy didn’t take the publishing offer seriously, at first, but Brian stayed persistent, and Tracy eventually agreed to sign with SBK. The Koppelmans then helped negotiate a deal with legendary, record exec Bob Krasnow at Elektra Records, and Tracy stopped playing coffee houses and street corners. In the grand old year of 1987, she was a major label recording artist for Elektra Records.
By recognizing the enormous raw potential of Tracy Chapman, it was obvious that Brian Koppelman had a gift for identifying talent. After graduating from Tufts University, Koppelman was hired as an A&R representative for Elektra, Giant, SBK, and EMI Records. - เพลง
Poll: What is your pick for a great "Gut Punch" song. Where the first time you heard it, it left you breathless?
..........Enya's Book of Days........ :)
Driven Out by The Fixx... it made me really evaluate what was going on in the world
Cars by Gary Numan.
We Belong by Pat Benatar.
Ooh Child by the Five Stairsteps.
The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald by GORD (sorry, I got that from RBS).
Has to be Kayleigh. Why? I’ll leave that for another time
Empty Garden Elton John, especially that line about Mark Chapman
If I’d Been the One 38 Special
Waiting For The Day George Michael. That one was five years after Kayleigh and brought back memories
Constant craving kd lang
Bring me some water Melissa Ethridge
My wife passed away in2014, leaving me with to girls to raise. She was a huge Tracy Chapman fan, and I always gave her a little shit for it, but after she passed, while cleaning out her car, I found her Chapman cd. I put it in and finally understood why she admired her so much. There is so much power , hope and struggle in her voice. It's now my go to if I want to spend an hour with my wife. Excellent record!
She has an AMAZING voice.
The power of music!
Bless you. Love and strength to you and your girls, brother.
I remember hearing this song many times on the radio. It nearly brought me to tears a number of times. This song means a lot to me. Thank you for finally covering Tracy Chapman. She really deserved to be much higher on the charts. Thank you.
Can’t believe you’re doing this one. I was at Wembley that day. I can vouch how good she was. She played a club a few days before then got on stage in front of 72000 without batting an eyelid. Everyone loved her and people were saying she should have been on the main stage for her second unplanned stint. Nobody in the stadium knew what was going on with Stevie, we didn’t even know he was the mystery guest! When he did come on, the crowd nearly blew the Twin Towers down. Just one correction Adam; Stevie wasn’t headlining, that was Dire Straits with Eric Clapton. It’s a day I’ll never forget though. Oh and it was 1988. 11th June, Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute.
....i thought SO! ....I remembered this differently; I thought this One was where Whitney Houston performed that KICKIN' version of "Love Will Save The Day", but I thought it was with Dire Straits....Thanks for the info....and, ain't YOU lucky!! ; )
WOw. You were there? So awesome. You always have great insight.
That is just so AMAZING.
@@RBS_ Whitney was second on the bill. I remember her and her mum Cissy singing gospel. Amazing
@@ProfessorofRock thanks that’s very kind of you to say so
Tracy is just one of those singer that, when she plays, demands all of your attention. I remember watching this concert on TV and I was in awe of her. Especially when she sang Fast Car.
I’m a white boy from a middle class family, yet I understood what she meant when she sang Fast Car. If your not touched by her words, then you ain’t human.
I bought her CD the very next day and I remember that I instantly loved every song on the album. I just taped it as it was and didn’t leave out any song. That’s still true today. I have yet to her her sing something I don’t like.
When Dave Letterman was asked what and who he wanted on his last show, the first thing he asked for was Tracy to sing Stand by Me.
I remember watching Dave as he listened to her sing his favourite song. He was totally captivated by her performance. It was a special moment that’s for sure.
Thank you for this episode. I’ve been waiting for it, and please get an interview with her. I know that’s not her thing, but I think she’ll see that your different than other interviewers and that it’s all about the music. She might see a kindred soul in you and open up to you.
There is something about her voice that just swells you up with emotion every single time. I have a tough time dealing with difficult situations so obviously this song speaks to me. She has so many other great songs.
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 indeed she does. Give me one reason is one of my favourites, I have yet to hear a song of hers that I don’t like. But my favourite is The Promise.
@@brenturquhart7090 Both great songs.
As a 16 year old who has gone through so much, I absolutely love this song. I have known every single word to it for years. Another great song from her is Gimme One Reason.
Thanks for sharing.
It is timeless and still a captivating song.
I absolutely LOVE Gimme One Reason! It's my favorite of hers.
@@kfemme68 Such a powerhouse of a song.
This song was one of the last songs, and moments I had with my mother before she passed away. We were driving in our truck. I'm so happy that this song helped me remember that memory. It still gives me the chills from the second that guitar starts.
What a heartfelt story. 💜
Were you in a monstrous collision, or was it something like Thunderbolt and Lightfoot? Even though it was a fiction, the circumstances portrayed really ripped at my heart.
Love the power of music - how it can place us directly in a certain place and time!
I knew it… 30 years in radio, your intro sparked my old radio brain to think: “it has to be Tracy Chapman!!!” Such a great talent, and a fantastic performer! ❤
So right.
I didn't guess this one - but I always try to by the title. Happy Thanksgiving.
Remember it vividly
I was thinking the same, however I was thinking that this song was number #1 for some reason in 1988.
Such a talent, and so humble. She walked right by my wife and I after an excellent show at the Orange County Fairgrounds and sheepishly said "Hello" to us. My favorite by her is "Baby Can I Hold You"... Very moving song.
Thanks for sharing! Happy Thanksgiving my friend!
I love that song!
@@ProfessorofRock You and your family as well, Professor!
Such a beautiful song, I always cry when I hear it.
Agreed. That song is such a gem.
Tracy Chapman was really big when I went to the army. She carried me through some really tough times!!!!
Thank you Danie for your service!
This song really did open up a whole new world of music to me. I was 14 or 15 and like most of my friends was into acts that you may see on the monsters of rock tour. This song stirred something within me and honestly bridged a gap between my dad and I as he excitedly shared his folk collection with me. Anyone from Baez and Dylan to Cat Stevens and Gordon Lightfoot A watershed moment,, a moment I will always cherish.
Yes, we all know that classic rock will rule forever, but we must not forget about the folk tunes as well! All legends.
This song really hit home for me. I had recently gotten out of a bad home situation and gone off to college without my parents support. When this song came out I hadn’t spoken to them in a year and I had worked my way into affording college (back when that was possible). The struggle and the hope fit perfectly. Now I have a family of my own, half way across the country living near LA and doing well.
I loved the way she sounded but I have always liked "Give me one Reason" over "Fast Car". Also, I remember them making a parody of it on "In Living Color". If no one has seen that you should check it out. Rock on Brother!
I think I remember that parody.
You drive a fast car , I have a tarantula on my head
I could be wrong might have been weird al
@@timothya2742 the one on In Living Color was done by Kim Wayans. You can search it still on TH-cam.
I remember that! Thanks Kraig! Rock on!
I saw that!
@@timothya2742 Fast Song th-cam.com/video/gR8HTgHIpa4/w-d-xo.html
As a graduate student living near Harvard Square, I used to see this young singer with a deep voice busking in front of the Harvard Coop. I thought she was much better than the usual performers, so I used to stay and listen for a while and then leave her a dollar bill in her guitar case, instead of my usual quarter, as I was working full time, studying, and supporting a wife and baby at home.
When I saw her record, I realized that this was that same busker from Harvard Square. I was not surprised to see her succeed.
Tracy's lyrics are really compelling if you read the lines. Very rare talent today
Absolutely correct!
In 2000 my husband and I moved across the country to Boston. My husband's new coworker gave us the grand walking tour of many of the notable historic places. At one particular spot on a street he stopped and pointed to an empty spot on the sidewalk and said, "The first time I ever saw Tracy Chapman perform was right here."
We were in awe. We stood there and stared at the spot as if a religious miracle had occurred there.
Tracy is an amazing song writer. I remember getting this album and playing it over and over again. In my Sony Walkman. Being a kid who was in and out of foster homes and group homes. This album really spoke to me. It grounded me and gave me assurance that others came from hard times as well. It also helped me in my own musical career. Because now as a singer songwriter. Her honesty in her lyrics. Has always inspired me to do the same. No matter what I’m writing about. It has to be honest. Thank you for doing this segment on Tracy. I’m going to listen to this album again. It’s been awhile.😎👍🏻
It was a huge motivator for me to find a way to escape difficult situations.
Ahaha Bro! I'm older, but the same experiences, and it was "Who's Next" that kept me sane!!
Have every word and beat memorized...
I remember buying her first album,some of my mates took the piss out of me,a few months later were buying it.she is a brilliant writer,singer and musician,a legend in my eyes.
Cannot say it enough!
What a talent. As a guy in my late twenties whose wheelhouse was firmly in 70's rock and roll Fast Car had the kind of impact that pushed me into appreciating more folk music. Her album was a fantastic sounding one. The producers gave Chapman's core just the right touches, polished, but not sterile overly done. Her grit came through even more powerfully. The accompanying musicians served her style never hi-jacking it into something else. It's joyful to know Tracy's debut album has sold such an amazing number I can imagine still sells well this many years later.
You sir, are an amazing storyteller. I love music. Songs move me. But when you tell the background story and include your feelings, it can bring me to tears and give me goosebumps. Thank you.
Same.
My 14 year old son and I go for a drive twice per week, and he plays songs on my phone in the car. He picks them based off of many different tastes.
Fast Car is played every single time. He loves this song.
What can I say, he has good taste.
Tracy Chapman soothing voice helped me thru my cancer treatment. She has very special place in my heart.
This song gives me emotions. Her voice. The lyrics are so powerful! I saw the Human Rights Now concert in Los Angeles in 1988. Tracy and Peter Gabriel did a duet together. The Song was 'Don't Give Up'. People all around were definitely emotional. Their voices together were enchanting and hypnotic!
I would've given anything to see that! Some of my favorite artists ever on the same bill.
@@ProfessorofRock I have seen almost a hundred concerts. It is easily in my top 3!
What a helluva duet! Wish I saw that live.
He's done a lot of fantastic duets with that song. I love the Paula Cole version, too.
She has such a beautiful voice, but it's also so original and authentic. She isn't trying to sound like anyone but HER. I could cruise all night listening to Fast Car.
One of a kind!!!
Tracy Chapman has an awesome, compelling style, unlike anybody else. It's hard to NOT stop and listen to every word, even today.
As a self proclaimed Metal Head, you may be surprised that Tracy Chapman's self titled release is one of my all time favorites! Not only is Fast Car a masterpiece but the entire record is amazing from start to finish! As i like to call some records, "It's a push play and walk away album!"
Also a hard rock/metal head and loved her voice and saw her in concert in Austin (Texas campus) during the tour of this album. People don’t realize we love music!
I was definitely a cruiser in my teen and early 20 years. I would go for a drive to cool down if I were angry, getting hyped up for a concert, feeling down, or just contemplating life in general! This song was definitely on the list! The first time I heard this song I thought it was a male vocalist! I, having a deeper female voice, was thrilled to find out that Tracy Chapman was a woman! This song was a staple in my life contemplation moods; " I'm here now, where do I want to go next?" situations. Very Grateful for this song.
If I got into a terrible situation and it came back and haunted me like that, I would lock myself into my room and listen to music like this for hours. It calmed all of my senses.
She is a true GOAT, I bought her album in 88. Still have it. Every song is a gem.
I remember KROC playing this song. Life was really a struggle for so many then and the song makes anyone with empathy think. Tracy's song was able to get air play when other songs about strife could not get air play like "Hell is for Children". As the cost of life goes up it is hardest on those that can afford it the least. So many people in "Dire Straits"(who also played that day) hide because the "help" provided is often not helpful. Leaving to get out of the situation is often better than getting help to stay in the same situation until you die. Hope you all have a great Thanksgiving or at least a great day.
It relates to the feelings of so many around the world. I cannot imagine what struggling people today are dealing with. It’s really hard to face inequalities.
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 There is nothing equal about the world, take every opportunity for education you can Lilly. Knowledge and hard work make opportunities. Don't ever feel bad that you work hard to get somewhere and someone else just complained, to get anywhere worth while you need to work hard.
@@badgerpa9 It is really tough for me to deal with difficult personalities and so I realize not everything in life is fair. I just try my best to be who I am.
Wow. Great episode! Thank you and Happy Thanksgiving!
I loved this song back in the day. EVEN THOUGH, up here in Canada they played it non stop on the radio, I didn't get sick of it. Because she was great. And I've always been ready for a revolution, so I loved her. I didn't know her back story though, good to hear.
Thanks Robin! Have a great day.
Not alone there, as I have never gotten tired of it either.
She could sing Happy birthday and make you cry. Fast car is an amazing song that is still stunning to this day. If you aren't awestuck by the song and her voice you aren't in touch with your feelings.
Thanks for doing this one Professor! I hadn't thought of this song or Tracy Chapman in years. I had forgotten how incredible it was.
Great content as always - her duet with Pavaroti is incredible a must watch
Excellent episode. Thank you. My favorite Tracy Chapman performance is the Kennedy Center Honors Buddy Guy and she did Hound Dog like you've never heard it before.
This was a significant song in 1988. It started getting MTV airplay that summer, and it became a song that all of my friends were talking about in college. No one I knew in those days expected a folk song to be sung by a black woman. To the best of my and my friends' collective memory, it had never been done before. She was a trailblazer, saying her music and sang it well. Everyone who was listening to the radio in those days knows this song... and likely has their own story as to when they first heard it or the discussion they had about it with their friends. Thank you, Professor, for the background story regarding Ms. Chapman and her wonderful music. I hope you get to do the interview with her.
This is a great find. Tracy took advantage of her opportunity.
There is a version of "Give Me One Reason" with Eric Clapton and Tracy. Absolutely wonderful performance!
Thank you for this wonderful Thanksgiving treat, Professor!
I remember that version! Thanks for the reminder! Happy Thanksgiving to you Roger!
Eric and Tracy had so much chemistry there.
@@ProfessorofRock
Happy Thanksgiving Professor! 🦃
One of the greatest songs of the era... and certainly the greatest song that I know about lost hopes and dreams. I was lucky enough to see her the last time she played in London at Hammersmith Apollo. It was a great gig. She's a fine fine songwriter.
You called it right, Adam. Its a landmark song and is as relevant today as a story of the human condition as it ever was.
Awesome episode Professor! Tracy Chapman's music is awesome! Her acoustic guitar and music was so refreshing to hear for me back in the 80's! Great to hear this story! Thanks for keeping the music alive!
Agree!
That simple but mesmerising song packs such an emotional punch, as does the whole album. When you did the lyric breakdown I found myself crying as I often did listening to this. Thank you so much for this and everything you too!
It has such a deep meaning.
Hey Adam,
WOW, To this day, every time I hear Fast Car, it gives me chills! The lyrics have so much truth to them, and it doesn't matter in what year you listen to the song. Goosebumps up and down my spine, through my arms, legs, neck, damn, my whole body was the reaction I had every time I heard the song, even now as I was watching the video I kept saying to the screen, "C'mon Adam, stop interrupting the damn song man!"
Incredibly great chills all over, kind of like when you have a sixth sense of something jumping out at you as you walk through the woods...and then something jumps out of the woods at you. INCREDIBLE SENSATION!!!! Love it!!!! And have and will always love 'Fast Cars'. Thanks for highlighting it in a video!!!!!!
Keep Safe and Always Inspiring,
Matt - Toronto, Canada
This song is timeless, thank you!!
Just amazing I always loved her music - You are spot on the 80’s immaculate in everything that decade offered from Movies to music and the events of history.
Oddly enough, I see this great song as a ray of sunshine in a bleak existence. You can change your future, just don't accept that where you are is where you always have to be. Beautiful music and powerful lyrics.
One of your best segments. Double thumbs up.
It's one of the reasons I love this genre so much. When you compared it to what else was in the top 10 when this song reached number 6, it goes to show the power of a song that talks about love in a way most pop songs do not. This is a love song, and I liken it to something Springsteen or any of the other great songwriters would write. I truly hope you follow up and get the chance to interview her about this long and her career.
I had bought this cassette, can't remember why, but I do remember playing it over and over. I loved every song, and I could play both sides, on a road trip, and sing every word. There is one song on it, that speaks to me, deeply, Behind The Wall. Our childhood was torture, and full of violence. Finally, a song spoke of my life, it was surreal and oddly comforting. I knew somewhere, someone must have understood, or went through what we did.
Thank you, Adam, for highlighting, Tracy Chapman, she speaks so loudly for those who can't.
I was lucky to see Tracy Chapman live in the late 80s in Oakland. Her presence is incredible. It was a huge stadium, over 10,000 people. Other bands had been performing with multiple musicians, a lot of equipment, etc. Chapman walks onto the stage alone with a guitar and blows the place away with the energy of her performance. It was unforgettable.
G-D Dam_It Adam You got me to tear up. I just turned 72.....what a great show... thank you. I can't believe you got me sucked into your channel and I really appreciate all the work you do and how well you are doing with your presentations. I can't say enough good things right now about this show.. I never thought I would click and watch your channel as much as I have. I have to say you got me and I am a big fan keep it up...
Aloha Adam, I’ve been hooked on your videos for a long time now. I don’t know how you come up with your material for your videos.
I’ve been very fortunate to be at many of these events as part of an occupational benefit in my life. I only wish that every fan was like you and cared so deeply about the music. Please never stop…
A one hit wonder is good enough.. but a one album masterpiece where every song struck a chord is very rare. Tracy achieved this.. out of nowhere she came and gave us this beautiful album... fast cars is great but the entire album is a must listen that we used to play every night after work for a good period of time,,, soulful mellow and full of pain it delivers a message of hope that everyone needed to hear in the late 80s ...it grounded the yupis and brought humanity back to earth... thanks traci and thanks to you professor as always a great episode... I swear one day i will have enough money to visit you on patreon.. but all i have now is a fast pushbike and memories of traci;s great lyrics...
Fast Car is a gut feeling song of survival. Drives the emotions of the individual who has lived the hopelessness of poverty. The voice makes the song. Great example. Mac Davis writes “ In The Ghetto “ Elvis sings and it. Cuts deep emotionally. One of your best clips thus far. 🙏
O I remember the 1st time I heard Fast Car- I was....in my car! I tried to remember a piece of the song to sing for my brother the rock star so he could tell me who it was. I sang what I could remember and my brother said " Fast Car,". I said no it's not fast and not about a car. He enlightened me, and I've been a HUGE Tracey Chapman fan ever since. Thank you Professor and happy Tgiving 🦃🦃🦃
Great video as always. I remember seeing this album when it came into our college radio station. We fell in love upon 1st listen. Our Music Director picked Fast Car and Revolution as the stand outs. We were the only ones playing her music. Until... 💜
Cool.
from the first time I hears Fast Car, I was hooked....there was nothing like it, and it was, Is, precious...Great react!
One of my top ten favorite songs to hear...I never tire of it!
I’ll never forget the first time I heard this on the radio. The DJ said it was a newcomer and to listen, so I did. My ears immediately perked up and I asked, “Who….is this?!” I fell in love with the soft tone of the song and although I didn’t pay much attention to the lyrics, I could tell it was about hope. Some songs transcend time; this is one of them.
This is a rare little ditty. A song that people from many walks of life, people who have distinctly different tastes in music, not only like, but appreciate.
Is it the voice? Is it the rhythm? Is it the story? What exactly makes this song so appealing? I say it's a perfect combination of all 3.
For generations to come, people hearing this for the first time will immediately want to restart it. Will tap foot, maybe sway head gently, but will have not just a audial connection but also a physical connection.
Wow ! Great true story about Fast Car! Love that single from 1988! Happy thanksgiving Professor!
Happy Thanksgiving Duane!
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 thanks ! You too
I've listened to this song hundreds if not thousands of times in my youth. It said something to me about life I was trying to figure out about myself. Still love it and listen to it when it comes around.
I'm in your sam boat. It was a game changer.
It drastically changed the way I viewed things.
I have always loved this song but as i have gotten older I am floored to realize that the whole song is about wanting to move forward but accepting where you are at.
The line: “We have to make a decision leave tonight or live and die this way” is such an amazing line. It never tells you what the outcome was but it does reveal why people remain where they are. For good or bad depending on what gives their live meaning.
I saw this tour in Los Angeles, and was not familiar with Tracy Chapman previous to seeing her perform, but I walked out a huge fan of hers, bought her album the following day and wore that CD out. There was so much power in her voice and her performance.
One of your best videos to date!! Incredible story!
A great review of a wonderful song! I had not heard this story about the Wembley concert. Very interesting how life can change on a dime!
Thank you for the excellent content and your transparency
Like many here, this song is what finally pushed me to get out of a bad home life and join the Navy. It was the best thing to ever happen to me, and this song was the catalyst for that. Even though I went to Desert Storm after boot camp with the Marines, I'm still glad this song came out and pushed me to do something with myself. Great song and powerful song, by the way. I remember this song being everywhere at the time.
Man, I absolutely love your videos. Keep it up, bringing back a ton of memories good and bad. I'm so glad I grew up in the 70s and 80. It was a great time for music and movies, you name it, it was happening. Take care goid sir.
I've watched many of your videos, but this one seems to be more heart felt and genuine maybe that's because Tracy Chapman is genuine, and her songs are heart felt.
I still remember the first time I heard this song. I immediately went out to the record store and bought. It's still one of the best songs I've ever heard. It woke up my heart, made me think about others. It's a masterpiece.
💯
Happy Thanksgiving Professor!! I’m thankful for Your Channel and all the hard work You put into it!! Have a wonderful day!!
Happy Thanksgiving Christy!
Your breakdown was perfection. I was real young when I heard this and I remember it conjuring emotions I didn't know music could bring forth while forcing me to come to terms with those feelings by empathizing with the artist. An absolute masterpiece that I'm grateful I get to experience.
Very prophetic... Even more significant now than when she recorded it... I believe many owe this song a great debt of gratitude I'd say she revived interest in folk singing, the singer songwriter era and other movements that followed that saw the acoustic guitar as a revolutionary instrument.
Thank your Professor, another well done #1 in Our Hearts! ❤
Great vid! I wasn’t familiar with that story. A definite classic!
Wow! I never knew this story. Just listened to the 45 of Fast Car. Loved her 1st album, was 1 of the 1st CDs i bought & still have it.
Thank you so much for making these - I had just listened to one of Rick Beato's videos on the current top 10 global songs last night (not any of them are much to write home about), and this one song blows them all out of the water. Such a great song from a great talent.
A Professor and Rick collab would be 🔥.
Same opinion. Very unassuming top 10. Taylor Swift's probably the best.
I too Adam was also 13 in 1988, I was heavy into MTV during this time period. The first time I heard “Fast Car” was when I was watching MTV, the video came on. And I thought wow, who is this artist Tracy Chapman? She has a great voice and what a cool song, I loved it too. The last half of the 80’s is my fave era, music was sooo awesome back then. 💯😎🎵🎶
Wow such a great story. Thank you Professor.
Its so unbelievable how many classics and even lost classics came from the 80's. its just endless!
Wow, that's bizarre! I had some Tracy Chapman albums on my hard disk in the car and haven't played much of hers in the last few years, but Smoke & Ashes came on random play and I ended up re-listening to all her albums over the last week or so. I remember watching the Wembley concert, wishing I had gone as it was only a few miles away for me, I had never heard her until that day and will never forget it.
I wish I was at Wembley that day too!
Thanks for for great videos, after them I login to apology to find the albums in your record rack. Iit's a good way to rediscover the music from the past.
Fast Cars is a brilliant song. I can't tell you how many times I played that song when I was in my late teens. It's not just the singing or the guitar or the lyrics that make Fast Car so great. It's the "feel" of it. It just "feels" right. Such a great song on a great album. Tracy definitely gave us her best on that first self titled album. Thanks again for another great video my friend and Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!
Happy Thanksgiving Dave!
EVERYTHING about the song is perfect. Happiest Thanksgiving to you Dave! It’ll probably be the most relaxing turkey holiday in our household this time around.
I could watch you from now til midnight. I'm totally obsessed with you and your knowledge of music.
I'm glad I caught this one. Great back story.
‘Fast Car’ was one of those rare songs where the voice is so authentic that the only response is humble respect when listening. First time I heard Dylan’s ‘ Like a Rolling Stone’ was like that. I’d add Kurt Cobain and Nirvana - but I ‘heard’ them first with the video for Teen Spirit.
I remember being in high school behind our local McDonald’s parked with my buddies in a car, and ‘Fast Car’ coming on the radio. For once we all shut up.
If you can remember the first time you heard a song; that says something.
I always love the song Fast Car. Never know the story of its first performance..
Love your channel. I learn so much.
I love this song even more now.
Thanks for the lesson.
I remember this song. I shed a couple of tears when I heard this song from you.
GREAT SHOW, GREAT SONG AND PERFORMER!
I have been a fan since 1988. Her «Crossroads» album has been a firm favorite. She is unique for sure.
An interview with Tracy Chapman would be very very interesting. Fast car literally makes me cry sometimes. It's an extremely powerful song.
My husband and I had the pleasure of seeing her in concert at the Hollywood Bowl in 2008. I was practically in tears the whole time, it was that good. Thanks for showcasing her incredible talent, Adam. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.
Thanks Jill! Happy Thanksgiving to you as well. Thanks for sharing.
She really is one of those singers that immediately makes your heart melt.
If you want to understand hope within hopelessness, really listen to Fast Car. One of the best examples of telling an important story of what is happening in society in the length of a single. Simply brilliant.
I had Tracy Chapman's debut album on cassette. I would listen to the whole album over and over again and often sang along with her until one day when the cassette disappeared. I bought her album again, but the 2nd cassette tape also turned up missing. I didn't try to replace her album again after that. I missed listening to Tracy Chapman so much.
Thank you so much!
Gimme One Reason was my favorite of hers.. Great talent
Another great hit of hers. Thanks Jim.
One of the first songs I learned on guitar!
Agree!
Tracy Chapman is awesome. She has a talent that touches my soul. Many of my friends cover this song, I love it.
Happy Thanksgiving and thank you again for all of your work!
Thank you! Have a wonderful holiday my friend.
Happy Thanksgiving to you, Lessons!
One of my favorites. Graduated HS that year, and of all the artists in the slots above her when this peaked a #6, she's the only one I keep on my playlists.
Something very special about that song.
I’ve heard it a hundred times over the years and it still get a little misty eyed if I’m not careful.
That's just the way it is by Bruce Hornby and the Range. I remember seeing a 1 minute clip of it as a future release back in 1986 and I was mesmerised! I just knew it would be a massive hit!
what a great Top 6 songs!!! My guy was George Michael, and between listening to Faith and Hysteria, I most certainly found time to be somber listening to Fast Car!!! What a wonderfully touching song about tough times... God bless us ALL.