Tracy Chapman's secret love affair with The Color Purple author Alice Walker revealed and why singer chose a secluded life away from the spotlight

Tracy Chapman made an incredible comeback at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards on Sunday with her 1988 debut single Fast Car alongside Luke Combs, the country crooner who helped revive it in popular culture.

And yet the four-time Grammy winner – who turns the big 6-0 next month – prefers a secluded lifestyle and has managed to keep her personal life very private.

“I have a public life, which is my work life and I have my personal life,” Tracy explained back in 2002.

'In a way, the decision to keep the two things separate is related to the work I do. I don't think I would have anything interesting to write about if I didn't give myself time to live a life, hang out with my friends, read a book, or travel somewhere I've always wanted to go. wanted to see. It can be a very strange or surreal lifestyle to go from one hotel room to another as a musician.'

Chapman never officially came out as a lesbian, but in the mid-1990s she began a love affair with The Color Purple author Alice Walker.

And yet the four-time Grammy winner – who turns the big 6-0 next month – prefers a secluded lifestyle and has managed to keep her personal life very private.

At 79, the Pulitzer Prize winner is 20 years older than the Ohio-born musician, but she “loved” their “delightful” under-the-radar romance.

“It might have been quiet for you, but that was because you didn't live in our area,” Alice said The guard in 2006.

“It was lovely and beautiful and wonderful and I totally enjoyed it and I was totally in love with her, but it was no one's business but ours.”

The Broadway musical of Walker's novel was adapted into Blitz Bazawule's budget of $100 million critically acclaimed film The Color Purple, which earned just $64.1 million at the worldwide box office last year.

Meanwhile, Tracy's version of Fast Car just shot to No. 1 on the iTunes Top Songs chart, and her self-titled debut album also landed at No. 1.

Luke's Fast Car cover topped Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart and scored a CMA Award last November — making Chapman the first Black woman to achieve both.

“I never expected to be on the country charts, but I'm honored to be there,” the former street artist said. Billboard last July.

“I'm happy for Luke and his success and grateful that new fans have found and embraced Fast Car.”

Tracy never officially came out as a lesbian, but in the mid-1990s she began a love affair with The Color Purple author Alice Walker.

The Pulitzer Prize winner (pictured left in 1998) is, at 79, 20 years older than Chapman (right), but she “loved” their “lovely” under-the-radar romance

Alice told The Guardian in 2006: 'It may have been quiet for you, but that's because you didn't live in our area… It was lovely and beautiful and wonderful and I thoroughly enjoyed it and I was completely in love with her , but it was no one's business but ours (pictured in 2004)

The Broadway musical from Walker's novel was adapted into Blitz Bazawule's $100 million-budgeted film The Color Purple (pictured), which grossed just $64.1 million at the global box office last year.

The Ohio-born musician's version of Fast Car just shot to No. 1 on the iTunes Top Songs chart, and her self-titled debut album also landed at No. 1.

Chapman told Billboard last July, “I never expected to be on the country charts, but I'm honored to be there. “I'm happy for Luke and his success and grateful that new fans have found and embraced Fast Car.”

The North Carolina-born 33-year-old will next compete for five trophies — including song of the year for Fast Car — at the 49th People's Choice Awards, airing Feb. 18 on NBC.

The former busker had not been seen in public since virtually performing her 1988 song Talkin' 'Bout a Revolution on The Late Show with Seth Meyers four years ago to encourage voters to participate in the 2020 presidential election.

Tracy – who released a Greatest Hits in 2015 (pictured) – has not released new music since her eighth studio album Our Bright Future in 2008

Chapman will next be honored with the Elaine Weissman Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2024 International Folk Music Awards, taking place on February 21 at the Westin Crown Center Hotel in Kansas City, MO.

The North Carolina-born 33-year-old ultimately lost the Grammy for Best Country Solo Performance to Chris Stapleton for his song White Horse.

But Luke will next compete for five trophies – including song of the year for Fast Car – at the 49th People's Choice Awards, airing on February 18 on NBC.

Tracy had not been seen in public since she virtually performed her 1988 song Talkin' 'Bout a Revolution on The Late Show with Seth Meyers four years ago to encourage voters to participate in the 2020 presidential election.

Chapman – who released a Greatest Hits in 2015 – has not released new music since her eighth studio album Our Bright Future in 2008.

The Give Me One Reason singer will next be honored with the Elaine Weissman Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2024 International Folk Music Awards, which will take place on February 21 at the Westin Crown Center Hotel in Kansas City, MO.