T.C. Williams High School alum Tracy Young made history last week when she became the first woman to win a Grammy music award in the Best Remixed Recording category.
The influential Titan, who graduated in 1988, was recognized for her remix of Madonna’s single “I Rise” at the annual ceremony in Los Angeles on January 26.
Last week, she told ACPS she had fond memories of her high school days which she said taught her “about the world.”
Growing up and attending T.C. Williams was something that was very special to me!”
“I learned how to survive in the world before I knew anything about the world. It taught me to interact with people from all walks of life and different cultural upbringings due to the diversity.”
“I still keep in touch with my friends who I met there and consider them family. I loved being Senior Class President and enjoyed putting together an assembly performance by Chuck Brown for a Say No To Drugs concert.”
Tracy Young as a senior at T.C. Williams High School
She is well remembered by her former principal, John Porter, who explained she was part of a group of students who won a radio competition to bring Brown, the Godfather of Go-Go, to play in the auditorium.
”I was delighted to hear about Tracy’s historic success and, as her former principal, I am very proud of her achievement. She is yet another Titan going out into the world and reaching amazing heights,” Porter said.
”I remember so well the special assembly and how excited the students were that they had organized this event.”
Young has told of the moment when her name was called out at the prestigious award ceremony.
Speaking to DJ Times, the music industry publication, she said, “I was in the far back of the room, so when they called my name I had this long walk. It was so overwhelming. I was in shock and I cried all the way up.”
On stage, she thanked her family and friends and the LGBTQ community for their support.
“We made history, ladies. I proudly accept this on behalf of all female producers who have been overlooked,” she said.
She also thanked Madonna, “for all the opportunities and recognition over many, many years — I’m overwhelmed with gratitude to you.”
Young, 49, started her music career after graduating from T.C. in 1988. She got a job at the DC radio station WPGC 95.5 FM as a mix show DJ, spinning hip hop.
At the time, a female DJ was almost unheard of and she quickly rose up the ranks to become the station’s music director before moving to Miami, where she now lives.
Photo/Mike Ruiz
Young first met Madonna in the mid 1990s and was hired by her to perform at her wedding to Guy Ritchie.
She credits Madonna’s support as leading her to remix songs by Britney Spears, Beyoncé, Christina Aguilera and Cher.
Young has remixed more than 100 artists and produced seven compilations on her own label, FEROSH.
The mayor of Miami has declared December 11 ‘Tracy Young Day’ in Miami in recognition of her talent.