Tracy Chapman Performs "Stand By Me" | Letterman

Tracy performs the Ben E. King classic for Dave and Harry.
(From "Late Show," air date: 4/16/15)
#tracychapman #standbyme #letterman
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Welcome to the Letterman KZbin Channel, home to all your favorite clips from Late Night and Late Show - as well as conversations with the writers, producers and performers who helped make it all happen. These highlights have been artisanally-produced, carefully-curated, and chosen completely at random by an old computer that used to pick numbers for the New York Lotto back in the 90’s.

[@loobee2486]

Who else is here wanting to just hear her beautiful voice.... Thank you Ma'am

[@davidhinden228]

we got to hear it last night, and wow was she great!!

[@carriestarnes5188]

Under rated…unbelievably talented. I grew up with her voice….she’s perfect

[@L8nitedave]

i came because this was memorable to me then.

[@vw1649]

Me!!!! 😃

[@obiezeoputa7748]

Me

[@yuumsta]

No crazy vibratos, no crazy runs, just one of the purest voices that you’ll ever hear.

[@CaIImeAL]

Adding anything just dilutes her pure talent

[@Covers-and-Commentary]

Nothing wrong with runs and vibratos! That’s also talent but it’s not necessary for everyone

[@exposedreport]

Vibratos and runs are great when not forced.

[@codywalsh2075]

???? Y'all sound so cringe

[@christopherkaiser1]

What a beautiful soul.

[@jackiec859]

And here it is...2024, and she performed 'Fast Car' with Luke Combs on this year's Grammys. What a treasure!

[@karinturra2537]

Thanks for the delicate Performance what a sweetie

[@BelleTolles]

She is an absolute queen. Her face radiates such beauty and depth. And that mind blowing heart melting voice

[@norxgirl1]

Hauntingly mellifluous, soulful, "heart melting"....

Beauty is her

[@johnnykay7411]

You see it all in her. We are lucky to have her in our midst.

[@TheExcelsia]

This, so much.

[@francelinamommyof3]

She’s got the Jackson’s cheekbones! After all they’re cousins. ❤

[@MargaretLaFleur-j5j]

No one can touch Tracy Chapman. She’s in a league of her own. She transported me back in time, and for one shining moment, I was young again. God Bless you, Tracy. You are loved.❤️

[@lchiphopkins4518]

Yes, I would pay to just see her perform once again. My babies were little, my husband was alive !! Lord the memories!!❤️🙏🏾🙏🏾❤️❤️

[@SteveBrant55]

I'm watching this after her Grammy Awards performance. What a beautiful performance! What a wonderful singer / songwriter!

[@francesmartinez2708]

She's one of the best storytellers of our time. She has a voice that just draws you in. She's just amazing.

[@kathybell6268]

Me too

[@bkzone8]

Me too!

[@prague5419]

My wife introduced me to Tracy in 1992. I have been a fan for more than 30 years now. That woman is not just an artist...she is a national treasure.

[@PeterJPickles]

International bro, us Brits love her too :)

[@loobee2486]

Thanks for reminding us all it's been 30 years ..... An absolutely soulful journey every single album....

[@francesmartinez2708]

Time flies when you have not just great music but amazing storytellers like the queen of storytelling Tracy Chapman ❤️ she's definitely a diamond that shines when she starts singing. To me, she's not just singing. She's telling a story through her music. ABSOLUTELY 💯 AMAZING

[@kafarmermomsis]

And so is my husband introduces me to Tracy's music, we love her

[@luisvera984]

¡No one introduced her to me. But thank God I discovered his music in t PS: Argentina is the most passionate country for football and local and international music recitals.and Music.

[@tomerg7265]

She's the good old America. No fake, no BS no nothing. Such a pure soul and hypnotizing voice❤

[@walker-rw4xv]

absolutely

[@killmore75]

A realistic Woman singer!

[@migueljaquez341]

Wao yos k mis regalos cuandos Escuches Esta bellas cancion ❤😅🎉😢

[@migueljaquez341]

Bay osten tenbaimis

[@mikewhite4560]

ALBUM of the 80s. 😊

[@tolulopeoluyemi4149]

Her Voice is not only heard but FELT, it penetrates my bones. She is a gift to humanity.

[@oftenwrongphong]

Yeah, and especially in Fast Car. After all these years, don't think anyone has even come close to capturing the feel.

[@JR-dp5xm]

it's called duende. an emotional physical response to beauty in art.

[@LeeFriedmann]

I feel the same.

[@carminikander4208]

I want to cry in awe of her amazing talent. What a magical being.

[@deborahpaley21]

I listened to her so much, where has the time gone? 36 years??????? So lovely to reconnect to this old friend. She is luminous, isn't she? National treasure.

[@francesmartinez2708]

ABSOLUTELY AMAZING 💯 I just love her

[@IExpectedBSJustNotThisMuchBS]

I was still a young 33 when she hit the scene... time has just flown.

[@BelleTolles]

Make sure and go back and listen to her performance with Eric Clapton too-- doing "give me one reason". It is absolute 🔥🔥🔥

[@francesmartinez2708]

@@BelleTolles Give Me One Reason duet with Eric Clapton is hands down AMAZING!!! Love them both

[@musicneurons7807]

Her song Tinman will break your heart; wide open. Then mend it in 3 minutes. I love her so much. All of her songs make you feel differently at the end then you did in the beginning.

[@thammyvo8559]

I love her voice sm. No tricks, no ego, no runs, just VOICE

[@itsme4693]

But she sounds tired,.. though…

[@jakestroll6518]

@@itsme4693 I didn’t catch that but it works for the song. It’s a song about needing someone to stand by you when you ARE tired.

[@mellyg7741]

@@itsme4693what?? No she doesn’t lol she sounds amazing as always!

[@Know_Your_Enemy42]

@@itsme4693Not even close.

[@AbA-bi5dz]

@@jakestroll6518 I like Jake's response!! No need arguing, just turn the table. Nice!

[@claudiaayllon4064]

My 6 month old baby just stopped playing when she started singing. She's paying so much attention to this song!!

[@charlesuding8003]

I was so lucky to see her as an opening act for 10,000 Maniacs before she hit it big. Just her and her guitar. The crowd was stunned.

[@thelettermanpodcast]

She is one that when she sings every note can be felt, not just heard.

[@whothehellknowsson]

So jealous!

[@perdbeer6713]

Very lucky.

[@katc5051]

What a fabulous double bill.

[@nickday1627]

I did too both were amazing as they always are neither get the credit they so greatly deserve it was a great show things were very different back then everything seemed to mean more

[@islander_kool_kat]

Effortless classy singing by the ever gracious Tracy Chapman . What a legend !

[@kstepko]

I love that, in the final days of the Late Show, Dave chose to share with us things that are personally meaningful to him.

[@FredWalker-bn5fy]

Hello Karen

[@wolfpacsyxx]

@@FredWalker-bn5fyoff base, look in the mirror

[@liamscano]

It was really great and touching as his ending ran

[@MisterKelisi]

Tracy Chapman deserves the Presidential Medal of Honor for her musical ability to touch the hearts of Americans.

[@paradisewearslimited5965]

Her voice is medicinal 😊

[@anastaciafoliche1089]

It's true

[@davenelson9956]

Enough said

[@nilabrandner4276]

Sure is. 🥰🥰

[@cvisuali]

The blessing from up on above waay above

[@shakitathompson4680]

Yes

[@calebcampbell6849]

She doesn’t age….her hair just glitters a little more. She is the best!!

[@arxsyn]

She doesn't even need makeup! Even if she is, she ought to teach us her no makeup makeup look

[@shakitathompson4680]

I'm gonna start calling mine glitter. 😅😅 And you are right, a timeless beauty.

[@iceunelle]

She has incredible bone structure too. And those dimples! So cute

[@Summer_21446]

Yes she’s a beauty!

[@davemartin2872]

Tracey has a voice we don't hear we feel it❤️❤️

[@graceandmarvellouswonders6249]

Very well worded and totally agree

[@LisaCerezo]

I think of so many artists and musicians whose light burned out too soon, and I feel so profoundly thankful that Tracy Chapman persevered. Seeing her, hearing her beautiful voice, noting the touch of gray in her hair…I’m just glad she’s still with us. ❤

[@johnseroff7434]

One of the best live performances on Letterman, period.

[@thelettermanpodcast]

Simple and beautiful.

[@denniszolton]

Amen

[@anthony7091]

Get a grip man.

[@dennisholst4322]

There ain't no more to say

[@tykwfl]

She’s never out of control or too loud & it makes her songs easy to sing. Love it

[@patriciagras3969]

Go Tracy go we ❤u

[@gloriagruca8290]

Tracy has a remarkable voice. Also, projects sincerity and depth. There is nothing fake about her.

[@TheJoStephan]

Must be one of the most underrated most under appreciated artists of our time. The voice of an angel.

[@bastianpate-uc5hd]

She is a real one, no sellout of the fake industry

[@bhumphries1360]

I just love her. Her voice just exudes a gentle strength. I don't know any other way to describe it. I am in just complete awe when I hear her sing.

[@FredWalker-bn5fy]

Hello B Humphries

[@purpurina5663]

Gentle strength is a great descriptor

[@brendankokeefe]

Gentle strength, that just might be it. Feels like comforting arms wrapped around you

[@droopypie]

She is such a natural beauty with her dimples and make-up free face, so refreshing to see

[@gd8173]

You can tell Dave respects Tracy a lot and is honored she came to play.

[@diananunez7]

I am here because she just recieved CMA award for Song of the Year for her masterpiece Fast car! There is no one like Tracy Chapman! ♥️

[@DarkHelmet1976]

What a gorgeous rendition. It's a song we've all heard a million times, maybe to the point that I'm immune to it, but Chapman's performance reanimated it and reminded me of its beauty. The power of sincerity. Of course, always fun to see when Dave is genuinely moved. He's a complicated curmudgeon, but you always knew when he truly appreciated a joke or a song.

[@sayitloudblcknproud]

She is such a natural beauty! She looks great! She is in perfect shape and her skin is completely flawless, the dimples! Plus her voice is still as amazing as it always was!

[@skygazer6898]

Never get tired of listening to the beautiful voice of the great Tracy Chapman

[@Khunkhariskhumira]

When they say you are the light in the dark; this is what they mean. Thank you, Tracy! 😭

[@rockybass9764]

Have not seen Tracey in years. So glad to see her music skills better then ever and she looks fantastic. Well done My Lady. Please don’t stay gone so long. Even Luke Combs is covering her songs. The world could sure use more her talent.

[@rockboyznative]

She did the right thing staying out the lime light for self preservation. She is happy and healthy ….just have to appreciate the moments she pops out every so oftenn❤❤

[@christinecatt8039]

He's good...but nothing, or no one compares to this incredible woman. Her voice is magical ❤8

[@OOpSjm]

@@rockboyznative No social media accounts, no smartphone, and only responds to smoke signals.

[@dorisevans129]

Just one of a kind.

[@rosemaryflorez6375]

Her pure voice, her dimples...such an amazing artist!

[@JacobWilson486]

Hello how are you doing 😊

[@mikewhite4560]

Saw her ay AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL in Philly in 87.... A M E N....

[@thelettermanpodcast]

If we only had one word to describe this performance, we would choose ‘sublime.’ Since we don’t have to only use one word, we will add that the sentimentality Dave feels for this song is clearly transferable. What a beautiful, iconic moment.

[@garyneilson3075]

I'm with Dave when I was a teen I wore out the sound on my record, it was just a hiss.... When my folks would leave the house at night I'd turn out the lights and just by the light of the moon I would sing and dance to this song upstairs and down again and again this was my song, still is and I can't dance anymore, am 75, but I can listen, and it's still my song. I never thought I'd like it done differently than the original. But she makes it her song too, and it's wonderful....

[@janetgao6201]

I’m 71 and remember when Tracy’s music was first recognized. I bought every album she released and still listen. Happy to see her gaining recognition again. Beautiful voice.

[@KRAFTPUNK]

My favorite voice of all time!! And what a stunning human all around. Tears are flowing.. happy tears 🥲

[@cristinacostache7901]

Mine too, if I would have to choose only one singer among hundreds of them ( which I love most) it would be Tracy...

[@richardramjohn1590]

Always suspected Tracy wasn't human but a beautifull angel from the heavens that were given to this weary world as a balm for our woes

[@theresamartin3629]

You are so right Sir. God bless you and her always.

[@davemartin2872]

She is so humble her only change is her hair she still is the same in her looks a beautiful human.

[@leigh7507]

I love how consistent she's been. Never tried to revamp herself. Always stuck to the sound that works for her, has the same message, never tried to glitz and glammer her way to the top, just used her talents

[@gidenamedhin1975]

Even here in Ethiopia, we love her so much ... She's one of the greatest musicians who made music the language of humanity, with no barriers and borders!! Her music controls every human soul's heart! My Tracy I wish you all the BEST!❤

[@patrickdarco264]

Perfection...She had a guitar, amp, and her voice...tears!

[@leebaginski4829]

She sings on an emotional knife edge. Captivating!

[@wellingtoneddingsjr.siwomb1479]

She is never getting old. As she gets old the more the voice sounds touchy and beautiful. Awesome!

[@KeizerHedorah]

Tracy Chapman is one of the best of all time.

[@queentinadoire6931]

This woman is a Lengend. She comes out with just her voice and her guitar and performs magic.

[@karenferrara]

Her voice and her face is so beautiful.

[@boondoggle4820]

Her voice has actually gotten richer over time. Incredible performance.

[@AbA-bi5dz]

It's frustrating when comments constantly label her as underrated. Tracy Chapman isn't underrated; she simply chooses not to be overrated like other artists who rely on auto-tune or lavish media and advertising budgets. She creates music solely for those who truly grasp it, those willing to open their minds and comprehend the reasons behind her lyrics. Her music isn't meant for mass appeal; she's unconcerned with the pursuit of material wealth, often associated with being overrated. Therefore, it's not that she's underrated, but rather, she's exactly where she wants to be.

[@annettechristensen3493]

How nice that you know her so well.

[@jimfyfe4015]

@@annettechristensen3493ever word this person says is 100% correct , this person is a true follower as I am too

[@MarcoBuscaglia]

I don't think I've seen this since it aired. Chapman's performance is perfect, like she's gently placing a song we've heard hundreds of times directly into our hearts. What a wonderful moment for Letterman as a parent.

[@Doc_Fischer]

That, my friends, is talent . Many musicians out there should take notes.

[@mikewhite4560]

Taylor Swift??????

[@georgesheffield1580]

Subtle and beautiful .

[@carolpoole2220]

Yes, you don't have to get naked to entertain Tracy's music is just pure.

[@charliesmith5189]

Watching this in 2024….what a tremendous singer. No need for pyrotechnics, dance routines, sexy outfits. She makes you feel the rhythm and the lyrics….truly an amazing talent.

[@TheSoulCollector13]

Anything she sings brings me to tears.

[@tooseki4myshirt228]

I'm a delivery driver in Australia so I bang that radio when hits that have moved me play, I heard a new version of tracy Chapman's fast car on the radio and it moved me to tears, coz even tho this other guy was singing it I was seeing her perspective as an adult, I was a kid when I first heard her and my music teacher made my music study her, SHE is a legend!!! Tracy Chapman... Thank you ma'am

[@billmorash3322]

She is a unique entertainer. Highly under appreciated.

[@theshadow-]

One of the best musicians ever. Absolute genius. Thanks Tracy!

[@BGK2223]

Wow! Just a guitar and a stunningly beautiful voice!

[@jonscrivner9087]

One of a kind. Our lives are better for her being in them. NEVER gets old, only improves with time.

[@mugishamariam.]

she has a heavenly voice

[@jf21112]

One of the most underrated talents of the past 30 years. Pure voice and nothing much else, not something we hear today.

[@OOpSjm]

When was she ever underrated?

[@wernerheusser9556]

What a beautiful performance, what a voice, what a Lady, Your gray hair is crowning You Mrs. Chapman, You are the most!

[@moobaba]

So talented. Her voice is so genuine

[@jockhimarogyam2790]

No drums, no keyboard just her guitar strumming fantastic wow what an artist..I wish someday I watch her live show.

[@Tina-gv9dm]

Grace, class and a beautiful voice. So few performers know what those words even mean anymore. And I forgot to mention humble too. Our world is hungry for more Tracy Chapmans.

[@larreetheexhortationist8878]

Truly a class act and one of the nicest performers I've ever met. I was at S.I.R in Hollywood warming up for a showcase and she was rehearsing her band to go out on the road and I talked to her in her Audi rental. She was warm and genuine and kind to me even though I'm a nobody. I've always appreciated that, would love to see her again.

[@maninblue88]

I saw this performance on TV when it originally aired back in 2015. Still brings tears to my eyes today! Well Done, Miss Tracy! 🥲 ❤

[@dianapeach9028]

What a singer and what a voice. Hearing her perform this amazing song gave me the chills. Just an amazing singer.

[@ucheedochie3475]

Tracy is class. She radiates so much peace and timelessness.

[@philomenaa1939]

She is such a sweet lady with so much grace, natural without any airs and has a beautiful soul.

[@elnanaude5694]

This is what I call genuine music. Just a pure sincere voice and her trademark guitar music 💯 I love the pure symplicity ❤

[@rosemaryfrancois1865]

That voice. Just her and her guitar. Pure heaven to behold this beautiful voice.

[@josecarlosgarrido1641]

Eu não sei por qual motivo essa mulher não está na lista das 10 top vozes do mundo🌎 Aula de interpretação, talento nato ❤

[@purelightfreespirit696]

Once she started the chills that I received over my body man she just has that voice that hits the soul

[@abdikadiradan1766]

I can't believe I am hearing this amazing artist for the first time! What a voice. My God. Magnificent.

[@nathanpayne6159]

Listen to Remember the Tinman, The Promise, At This Point In My Life and many more.

[@ironczar8975]

​@@nathanpayne6159mountains o' things

[@Covers-and-Commentary]

Her biggest hit is Fast Car it’s mesmerizing

[@purpurina5663]

Baby I can hold you is 👌🏾🥺 Actually that whole album

[@purpurina5663]

@@nathanpayne6159The Promise makes me cry every.time. She's a powerhouse, but quiet.

[@reneebryant8270]

I always cry when I hear her voice..so pure ...❤

[@philippang07]

GOLD! Like fine vintage wine.

[@kneeldah68]

She is simply brilliant! 🤩

[@aaronsensei7637]

Tracy is an incredible talent, an angel and a gift to the world. Those that have heard her music have been taken on a wonderful journey. ❤

[@BuserODL]

I've loved her since I first heard her sing. She has always remained so true to herself and consistently great.

[@beatleographer_10-51]

Tracy's smile and head bow tell me just how humble and graceful she is. There are so few out there!

[@marycutting6754]

OH WOW, what a voice!!! It is 2024 and I'm still enjoying this beautiful rendition by the amazing and talented Tracy Chapman.❤

[@AbhishekVaid]

There's 1 instrument and 1 voice in the song. The voice is "The voice". What a beautiful and unmatched rendition !

[@seamus9750]

That lady is timeless ❤

[@SleepyDolphin-xd4pe]

Tracy Chapman…. Your voice will still be spoken about in 50 years ❤️

[@mandandi]

Amazing performance. Just the lady, her voice and her guitar.

[@carriestarnes5188]

Obsessed since her first song. It really doesn’t get any better. Hail Tracy Chapman!

[@stephenkyburz6529]

Haven't heard from her in a while. Her delightful voice still gives me the chills.

[@user-sv4rp4iz81]

Lost for words, but she is simply stunning 🎉🎉

[@williammitchell1804]

What a beautiful and talented human being. She should insure those dimples, because they are magical and priceless. Her voice hugs you.

[@joanlinhsu5637]

Wished I could see a glimpse of Dave’s face during this performance because mine was so full of emotion and awe

[@arxsyn]

The strength, vulnerability and humility in her voice is just fascinating. She is iconic. An outstanding contralto on the level of the late Nina Simone

[@jlswickhaber]

Ohhh Tracy how we have missed you!! Kudos to David Letterman for having Tracy on his show so much!!

[@ricardodavila9352]

Love, Love, Love this lady's voice.

[@Jen8973]

Just a guitar and one voice and no backgrounds singers band nothing, Tracy girl you are special ♥️ 🎉🎉😊

[@McViewer]

One of the greatest voices we’ll ever be blessed to hear. Just beautiful.

[@lorrieleaver2447]

Just brilliant. Thank you @Tracy Chapman online Your music helped keep me living through my many struggles with cancer and my one wish is to meet you Angel 🖤🕊️

[@janowens2212]

Lv this woman’s songs.❤🤙😇🌹Wise beyond her years.When you find a person who stands by you,remember to give GOD a thank you.

[@adebayoakintayo7622]

For more than four decades, I have learnt to appreciate good voice, good music and beautiful artist. Tracy Chapman is my favorite of all times.❤

[@MissLolaElle]

Singing aside, her personage seems really warm, sincere gentle yet strong and simply beautiful….kinda like her music!

[@claredown3028]

Stand by u . Always. Thanks for teaching us to stand, listen and have amazing pauses. It is those pauses we all learn to grow. Tracy Chapman u have grace to continue to share. Xx🙏🙏💕💕💕👏😘💕