When Tracy Chapman filled in last minute and stunned Wembly Stadium with one of the best performances ever

The story behind this performance Stevie Wonder landed in England on the Saturday morning of the concert and went straight to Wembley Stadium, where a room was prepared for him and his band to warm up. He was to appear in the evening after UB40. His appearance had not been announced. UB40 were finishing their set on the main stage, and Wonder's equipment was set up, plugged in and ready to be rolled on after a 10-minute act on a side stage. He was about to walk up the ramp to the stage when it was discovered that the hard disc of his synclavier, carrying all 25 minutes of synthesised music for his act, was missing. He said he could not play without it, turned round, walked down the ramp crying, with his band and other members of his entourage following him, and out of the stadium. There was an urgent need to fill the gap he had left and Tracy Chapman, who had already performed her act, agreed to appear again. The two appearances shot her to stardom, with two songs from her recently-released first album, "Fast Car" and "Talkin' 'Bout a Revolution". Before the concert, she had sold about 250,000 albums. In the following two weeks, she was said to have sold two million. Here is the full clip👇

Tracy Chapman singing Stand By Me brought smiles to my heart.

A drum solo by 18-year-old Karen Carpenter from 1968.

Tracy chapman

she sounds soooo nervous. the crowd was agitated but when she started to sing, everybody just stopped talking. really breathtaking

For context, this was a Tribute concert for Nelson Mandela. Chapman was very established in the UK and had performed there earlier in the day. This second performance to cover for Stevie Wonder was broadcast in the states and gave her the publicity to break America.

Freddie Mercury, Mick Jagger, Bob Geldof, Bono, Sting, Paul McCartney, George Michael, David Bowie and more performing 'Do They Know It's Christmas' at Live Aid, 1985. A symphony of joy and compassion resonated in every note, reminding us of the power of unity and giving during this holiday season.

Shy little girl with a beautiful voice from the Philippines singing in front of her family.

Tracy Chapman is a legend. An unsung heroine!

My favourite one here