Singer-songwriter Tracy Chapman is from the United States. The two number-one hits Chapman is best known for are "Fast Car" from 1988 and "Give Me One Reason" from 1995.

Bob Krasnow signed her to Elektra Records in 1987. The following year, she released Tracy Chapman, her debut album, which was certified 6 Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America and became a commercial success thanks to her performance at the Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute celebration. Three of the Grammy Awards she won—Best New Artist, Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for her hit "Fast Car," and Best Contemporary Folk Album—were for the album, which had six nominations overall, including one for Album of the Year.

She released her second album, Crossroads, in 1989, and it was nominated for a Grammy for Best Contemporary Folk Album.

In 1995, she released her fourth album, New Beginning, which went on to become a huge global hit. It was given the RIAA's 5-platinum certification and gave rise to the smash hit "Give Me One Reason," which won her the Grammy for Best Rock Song.