Following her surprise appearance at the 66th annual Grammy Awards, Tracy Chapman, the acclaimed singer-songwriter, has propelled her iconic 1988 hit “Fast Car” to the top of the charts.
Chapman, 59, took the stage alongside country star Luke Combs on Sunday night, marking a rare performance for the reclusive artist.
Combs, 33, shared his deep connection to the song, describing it as his “favorite song before I even knew what a favorite song was.”
The duo delivered a heartfelt rendition of “Fast Car,” accompanied by their guitars, evoking nostalgia and fond memories for both performers and fans alike.
Chapman’s appearance at the Grammys comes after a prolonged hiatus from touring, with her last performance dating back to 2020 and her last tour in 2009.
Notably, Chapman originally performed “Fast Car” solo at the 31st annual Grammy Awards in February 1989.
Combs, who released a cover of “Fast Car” in April 2023, saw his rendition quickly gain popularity, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and dominating the country music charts.
His recording earned a nomination for Best Country Solo Performance at this year’s Grammys. Moreover, “Fast Car” clinched Single of the Year and Song of the Year honors at the 2023 Country Music Association Awards.
Reflecting on the significance of “Fast Car,” Combs shared a personal anecdote about his father’s influence on his love for the song.
“When I was 5 years old, my dad and I would be in his truck, and he would always play music for me. He had a Tracy Chapman cassette tape, and ‘Fast Car’ is one of the first songs I remember,” said the North Carolina native.
Chapman expressed her gratitude for the song’s enduring popularity, stating:
“I never expected to find myself on the country charts, but I’m honored to be there.”
She acknowledged Combs’ success and the newfound appreciation for “Fast Car”.
