Luke Combs, the 33-year-old country music sensation, is singing Tracy Chapman’s praises as his cover of her iconic song “Fast Car” continues to climb the charts. While the two artists haven’t directly communicated since the song’s success, Combs responded to comments made by Chapman about his chart-topping rendition earlier this month. “Fast Car” has secured the top spot on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart for three consecutive weeks, leaving both artists and fans in awe of its lasting impact.
Combs expressed his admiration for Tracy Chapman and the profound impact her song has had on him. He shared, “Oh man, ‘Fast Car’ has surprised me more than you can imagine. Tracy Chapman wrote this perfect song that I first heard with my dad, and it has stayed with me ever since.” The country star revealed that he has been performing a cover of the song for over six years at his shows, and the response from the audience has been overwhelmingly positive. Combs marveled at how people from all walks of life, across all stadiums, connect with the song and passionately sing along. He credited this universal appeal to the brilliance of Chapman’s songwriting, referring to her as a “supernatural songwriter.”
Reflecting on the unprecedented success of his cover, Combs expressed delight in seeing Tracy Chapman’s song receiving newfound recognition and reaching new milestones. “I love that she is out there feeling all the love and that she gave me a shout-out! Thank you, Tracy!” he added gratefully.
Tracy Chapman, the talented artist behind the original “Fast Car,” also shared her thoughts on the song’s resurgence and Combs’ cover. In an interview with Billboard, she expressed feeling “honored” to see her song topping the country charts, a place she never anticipated it would reach. Chapman stated, “I’m happy for Luke and his success and grateful that new fans have found and embraced ‘Fast Car.'”
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Interestingly, Combs’ version of “Fast Car” not only reignited the song’s popularity but also made a significant mark in music history. According to Billboard, Chapman became the first Black woman as a sole writer on a track to top the Country Airplay chart since its inception in 1990.
While Combs’ rendition has captured the hearts of listeners worldwide, it’s worth noting that “Fast Car” has seen various covers by other renowned artists, including Sam Smith, Justin Bieber, Jonas Blue, Dakota, and Khalid. The song’s timeless lyrics and poignant melody continue to resonate with new generations of music enthusiasts.
Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car” was originally released as the lead single from her folk-rock album, “Tracy Chapman,” in the ’80s. The song’s immense success earned Chapman three Grammy Awards and numerous nominations. The album also achieved the remarkable feat of reaching No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart.
In the wake of Luke Combs’ heartfelt tribute to Tracy Chapman and his soulful rendition of “Fast Car,” the song’s legacy has been rejuvenated, bridging the gap between generations and inspiring a new wave of appreciation for Chapman’s timeless masterpiece. As the magic of music continues to transcend time and boundaries, artists like Luke Combs pay homage to the brilliance of Tracy Chapman, making her enduring impact on the music industry truly unforgettable.