Renée Elise Goldsberry is no stranger to bold moves. But her latest leap — releasing her debut solo album — might be her bravest yet.

The Tony and Grammy-winning star, best known for her powerful turn as Angelica Schuyler in Hamilton, just dropped “Who I Really Am,” a 13-track blend of soul, funk, blues, and gospel. It’s a project years in the making and deeply personal — one that’s allowed Goldsberry to truly explore who she is outside of ensemble casts and scripted lines.

“I’ve always been surrounded by fearless friends who take huge risks,” she says. “They jump off cliffs. They try wild things. That’s what inspired me to finally do this.”

Discovering Her Voice

Goldsberry didn’t just sing on the album — she wrote 11 of the songs. That process became a journey of self-acceptance and creative freedom.

“For years, I felt boxed in. As a recording artist, it’s like you’re expected to be one thing, sound one way. But this time, I gave myself permission to be all of me.”

Among the standout tracks? A reimagined version of “Satisfied,” the Hamilton showstopper that earned her a Tony. But at first, she had zero interest in re-recording it.

“It was perfect already. Why mess with it?” she recalls thinking.

Then during a recording session in Nashville — in the very studio where Dolly Parton recorded Jolene — Goldsberry changed her mind.

“We had extra time. I thought, ‘Let’s just do the version I sing in concert.’ We started playing, and it was magic. It blew our minds. I knew then: this belongs on the album.”

Collaborations and Full-Circle Moments

Goldsberry’s new album also features “Smiling,” a song written by her Girls5Eva co-star and fellow powerhouse, Sara Bareilles.

“Sara is one of the greatest singer-songwriters alive,” she says. “I saw her perform with a full symphony at the Hollywood Bowl. She was taking a huge risk, doing something totally new. Watching her ‘jump off that cliff’ — it brought me to tears.”

Goldsberry thrives in that creative orbit. She’s always drawn to artists pushing boundaries — like Leslie Odom Jr. returning to Hamilton, a move she once thought was “insane” but now calls “inspiring.”

Would she ever go back to Hamilton herself?

“Never say never,” she says with a knowing smile.

Halfway to an EGOT — Is That the Goal?

With a Tony and Grammy already under her belt, Goldsberry is halfway to EGOT status — that rare achievement earned by winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony.

“I’ve definitely daydreamed about sneaking in through the back door,” she laughs.

She even considered Oscar strategies while working on her documentary, Satisfied, which chronicles her time with Hamilton and the balancing act of motherhood during that whirlwind period.

“We thought — what original song can we create to maybe get Oscar consideration? It’s fun to think about. But for me, the journey is more important than the trophy.”

‘Who I Really Am’: A New Chapter

For Goldsberry, Who I Really Am isn’t just an album title. It’s a statement of intent.

It’s her declaration of artistic independence, her way of stepping out of the Broadway spotlight and into her own — on her terms.

“This album is me being brave, vulnerable, and completely honest,” she says. “It’s the truest reflection of who I am — not just as a performer, but as a woman, a mother, an artist.”

Source: AP News – Renée Elise Goldsberry talks new album, whether ‘Hamilton’ return is an option and EGOT aspirations

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After 37 years, Tracy Chapman is stepping back into the spotlight with the re-release of her iconic self-titled debut album. Originally planned for a 35th anniversary celebration, the album’s re-release has been delayed—“a few hiccups,” as Chapman put it in a recent NPR interview, but it’s finally here.

Despite being known for her reclusive nature, Chapman is now making media appearances to promote the album that catapulted her into widespread recognition.

One of the most memorable moments in Chapman’s return came during the 2024 Grammys, where she and country singer Luke Combs performed her breakout hit, “Fast Car.” Combs had previously covered the song, and his rendition had gone on to top the charts, bringing renewed attention to Chapman’s timeless classic.

Chapman’s decision to step out of the shadows and speak about the re-release isn’t typical for the usually private artist, but she explained to the New York Times that this time, she felt it was important.

“This is an opportunity for me to say why I wanted to do this project and what it means to me,” she shared. “Instead of letting the chatter speak for myself.”

While the public hasn’t seen much of Chapman over the years, she’s continued to be busy behind the scenes. “Whether I’m in the studio or not, I’m always writing, always playing, always practicing,” she said. “Music is fundamental to who I am, and I think about it all the time.”

Chapman’s re-release isn’t just about streaming platforms—it’s about honoring music in its purest form. She revealed that she doesn’t stream music, and instead, she listens to physical copies like CDs and vinyl. “Artists get paid when you actually buy a CD or vinyl. That’s important to me,” she explained.

As someone who has always valued the tactile nature of music, Chapman’s re-release on vinyl feels like a natural step for her. She’s committed to preserving the authenticity of music and supporting the artists who create it.

Chapman also reflected on the unexpected success of “Fast Car” in country music, particularly after Luke Combs’ cover. She described her song as a “story song,” which is the foundation of much of country music. Despite not paying much attention to genre labels herself, Chapman found it heartening that the song has found a new audience in a genre she never expected.

“I never thought of it that way, but it’s a pleasant surprise that the song has found this new home,” she said. “The song has been covered quite a bit, and there’s even dance versions of it—definitely something I wouldn’t have predicted!”

Through all the years of relative quiet, Tracy Chapman has remained a prolific artist. Her return with the re-release of her debut album isn’t just about revisiting the past—it’s about celebrating a lasting legacy that continues to influence generations of listeners. With “Fast Car” and her other hits, Chapman’s music remains as relevant today as it was when it first arrived, and her decision to step back into the limelight feels like a natural extension of her enduring presence in the music world.

Source: CNN – Tracy Chapman is stepping back into the limelight with a re-release of her debut album

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