Tracy Chapman x Affirmative Action

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 HistorySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Om Podcasten

Black music by the decades.  Each season will deconstruct the most popular Black music of the decade, including what was happening in Black America at each moment in time.  Each episode of this audio docuseries focuses on a single song that defined a decade and changed the world. This music series explores cultural, political, and creative change one decade at a time. The first season will explore the Black music of the 80s and the sociopolitical roots of that music. Each episode looks at a single song from the era and what was happening socially at the moment that led to that song. We tell the story of each decade through music. Our host and lead writer Touré, interviews experts, cultural commentators, academics, and political thinkers, who will leave you feeling like you learned more about the music of the period.