Jennie Cataldo

Originally aired on NPR’s 1A on April 16, 2025. Featuring original interviews with Tracy Chapman, David Kershenbaum, and Valerie June.

Nearly 40 years after it was first released, Tracy Chapman’s eponymous album has been added to the National Recording Registry.

It was first released in April 1988 and features her hit “Fast Car.” That track surged back into the spotlight in 2023 when country star Luke Combs recorded his own rendition. And the two artists made Grammy’s history.

In this installment of our series, “Sounds of America,” Chapman talks to us about that song, her writing style, and the mark her hometown, Cleveland, left on her as a child. We share your stories about a record that changed peoples lives.

The Sounds of America is produced by Jennie Cataldo of Accompany Studios.