Tracy Chapman and Luke Combs: One Magic Moment

Some moments are magic. They bring us together, cross the chasm, and just for a moment, make us more human. I’ve been having a lot of these moments recently and I want to share one with you.

I host a radio show in Vermont on WDEV the “Friendly Pioneer.’’ It’s fun and sometimes important. At its best, I feel as if I’m striking a blow for Democracy, for a better world. But I’ll admit, my favorite part of being a radio host is that I get to call up anyone in the world and ask them to come on my show. It is weirdly great.

Maggie Haberman at the NY Times? Check.

The commissioner of children for the country of Wales? Check.

The governor? Check.

And you get to ask them anything. It’s amazing.

I usually begin the show with a short essay. Think of the great personal essays read by NPR Weekend Edition host Scott Simon. Not as good. But I am trying. 

I’ve decided to share one of these essays with you. It’s my personal depiction of a magical moment that didn’t happen on my show, but on one of the biggest musical stages in the world: the Grammy Awards. For one song, Tracy Chapman and Luke Combs sang together. It moved me and I couldn’t help but write about it. Give it a listen. I hope it warms you a bit on a cold, gray day.