Tracy Chapman

This week we had a beautiful snow day.  Thank you Mother Nature.  When we did have class though we learned about Ani DiFranco and Tracy Chapman.  They both were very interesting female musicians but Tracy Chapman stood out when I read the article about her growing up and how her music was not “black music.”

            Some of the interesting things I found about Tracy was that she grew up in a pretty “rough” neighborhood and school district.  This didn’t stop Tracy from being herself, “she was a quiet child and liked to be by herself.”  On her way to school she would make up songs and sing with friends and her sister.  She was a great athlete “but it was music that moved her.”  Her love for music drove her to play all over town.  This is inspirational for anyone who wants to do something just because they love it, not worrying about money or fame.  She was doing it because that’s what made her happy.

            That is just it, Tracy didn’t “like getting fussed over” because she didn’t want mega fame.  She enjoyed playing music and speaking up for herself and others through the lyrics of her songs.  Sadly, as much as Tracy directly spoke out for African Americans, people saw her music as white music.  “Blacks are uncomfortable with her not because she’s too white, but because she’s too black.” This is quite offensive and Tracy does take this as an insult.  Hell, I would too.  Speaking out is hard enough, but then having no support from people that you thought you’d have with you, that’s even harder.

            I will say, I wish she was respected for her out spoken words on racism and equality for blacks and whites.  I did enjoy her music.  I really like that she doesn’t care for the spotlight.