Tracy Chapman, 1988, Wembley Stadium
“ Confident performance is not a fluke, but the product of imaginative and consistent synthesis of technical and emotional work. ”
-Frank R. Wilson
The Musician’s Way, p. 146
In a highlight of the 2024 Grammy Awards ceremony, singer-songwriter Tracy Chapman sang her iconic song “Fast Car” in a duet with Luke Combs.
The song is unforgettable, and so too is the 1988 event that propelled it up the charts.
I highlight that event below because I think it offers a valuable example for aspiring musicians.
Chapman at Wembley Stadium
It’s June 1988, and Wembley Stadium is filled to capacity for a Nelson Mandela tribute concert.
Stevie Wonder is about to take the stage when equipment problems force him and his band to withdraw.
Frantic, the event producers ask Tracy Chapman to fill Wonder’s slot. She tunes her guitar and goes out on stage, largely unknown, just her and her instrument in front of a vast audience.
Chapman plays the intro to “Fast Car,” and the crowd stirs restlessly.
She sings the opening line, but nervous energy squeezes in, robbing her of breath. The throng remains noisy and distracted.
Then, something changes.
Courage and Conviction On Stage
“Fast Car” is a powerful song, and Chapman knows it. She has a message to convey and shared meaning to create.
She rallies her courage, commits to the song, and sings with authority.
The crowd falls under her spell.
You can witness it all in the video below.
The Keys to Confident Performance
Soulful playing or singing begins with skillful practice. So, in the practice room, intentionally build the habits that underpin confident performance.
Then, when you perform, tap the courage and conviction that Chapman exemplifies.
Your commitment to deep practice along with trust in your performance skills will unlock pathways to lifelong music making.
The Musician’s Way is the only book to provide inclusive guidelines for aspiring musicians to become soulful performers.
Related posts
The 3 Roots of Performance Anxiety
Excelling Under Pressure
Harnessing On-Stage Energy
Practicing Performance
Soulful Control
© 2024 Gerald Klickstein