Los Angeles, California – Tracy Chapman’s iconic folk anthem “Fast Car” has once again taken the music world by storm. Her rare performance of the song with country singer Luke Combs at the 66th annual Grammy Awards on Sunday resulted in “Fast Car” soaring to the top of the iTunes Top Songs chart. Additionally, her 1988 debut album, “Tracy Chapman,” claimed the No. 1 spot as well.
Originally, Chapman’s song peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart upon its release. The earlier performance of the song at the Grammy Awards in 1989 earned Chapman the best female pop vocal performance award. Combs’ version of “Fast Car” also made an impact, peaking at No. 2 on the Hot 100 chart the year prior and receiving a Grammy nomination.
Chapman unexpectedly appeared on stage at this year’s Grammys, receiving an enthusiastic cheer from the crowd. Notably, Taylor Swift and Jelly Roll were spotted standing and singing along, resonating with Chapman’s powerful performance. The artist herself appeared visibly delighted, showcasing a rare public appearance in recent years, as her last tour was in 2009.
Toward the end of their performance, Chapman and Combs shared a moment of mutual acknowledgement, bowing as they received a standing ovation. During a pre-show interview, Combs expressed the profound impact Chapman and her song have had on him since childhood.
In a heartwarming turn of events, Chapman’s rendition of “Fast Car” has resonated across different generations and genres, marking a full circle moment for Combs. As a result of her enduring influence, Chapman became the first Black woman to win Song of the Year at the Country Music Association awards in November. She also received a lifetime achievement award at the 2024 International Folk Music Awards.
Hailing from Cleveland, Chapman’s musical legacy extends beyond “Fast Car,” boasting other hit songs like “Give Me One Reason,” “Baby Can I Hold You,” and “Crossroads.” Her impact has been recognized with 13 Grammy nominations and four wins, cementing her status as a music icon.