Lawmakers urge Ohio native Tracy Chapman’s induction into Rock Hall

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Lawmakers are calling for Ohio native Tracy Chapman to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, after the musician’s viral “Fast Car” performance earlier this year at the Grammy Awards.

House Resolution 376 has been introduced at the Statehouse to urge the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation to nominate Cleveland-born Chapman for induction. Among her musical accolades, Chapman is celebrated for her human rights advocacy and philanthropic work with Cleveland elementary schools, where she created educational videos highlighting African American history.

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“Tracy Chapman, an Ohio native, has broken records in the music industry while advocating for humanitarian and civil rights,” Rep. Latyna Humphrey (D-Columbus), the resolution’s primary sponsor, said. “I am proud to be a joint sponsor of this resolution congratulating Ms. Chapman on her achievements, particularly her induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.”

The effort to cement Chapman’s legacy comes after she joined county singer Luke Combs on the Grammy stage on Feb. 4 to perform “Fast Car,” a song that earned Chapman a Grammy in 1989. Combs’ cover of the track went on to earn both artists a best country solo performance nomination at this year’s Grammys.

Following the performance, both renditions of “Fast Car” were ranked in the top 50 in the Billboard Hot 100. The original version topped the digital sales chart for the first time, and sales of Chapman’s entire catalogue surged nearly 6,000% in the week after the Grammys, Billboard reported.

Chapman’s collaboration with Combs also propelled her in 2023 to become the first Black artist to win the Country Music Association Award for Song of the Year. Humphrey also cites the musician’s other awards as reason for induction, including her additional Grammy wins: best contemporary folk album and best new artist in 1989, and best rock song for “Give Me One Reason” in 1997.

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“My district appreciates Ms. Chapman for giving back to the community she comes from and the advances she has made for Black people in the country, rock and indie music genres and she
undeniably should be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame,” said Rep. Terrence Upchurch (D-Cleveland), the resolution’s other primary sponsor.

The resolution has been referred to the Government Oversight committee, where it could receive additional public hearings before receiving a floor vote in the Ohio House.

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