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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Entertainment

Talkin’ ’bout seeing Tracy Chapman live

Tracy Chapman John Martyn Amnesty International Nelson Mandela Zadie Smith
Tracy Chapman performs at the Nelson Mandela 70th birthday concert at Wembley in June 1988.
Tracy Chapman performs at the Nelson Mandela 70th birthday concert at Wembley in June 1988. Photograph: Tracy Chapman

Zadie Smith’s recollection of seeing Tracy Chapman on TV (Zadie Smith on the magic of Tracy Chapman: ‘She didn’t just look like us – she was singing our songs’, 31 March) reminded me of attending a John Martyn concert at Sadler’s Wells in London in February 1988. When I enquired about who the support was, the reply was: “Just two girl singer-songwriters.”

First on stage was a quiet, shy dreadlocked young woman who performed her as yet unreleased debut album. Yes, Tracy Chapman. The audience were blown away. Second up was Tanita Tikaram, who was lovely and also went on to enjoy chart success. John Martyn was fabulous, as ever.
David Morgan
Fernwood, Nottinghamshire

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