Tracy Chapman reveals what she thinks about Luke Combs' country cover of 'Fast Car'

Publish Date
Monday, 10 July 2023, 1:01PM

 Tracy Chapman's Fast Car, released over 30 years ago in 1988, has gained a fresh following as Luke Combs' version of the song surpassed the original's peak position of No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100. Luke's rendition climbed to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and reached No. 1 on the Billboard U.S. Country Airplay chart.

In a statement to Billboard, Tracy shared her thoughts on Luke's country version, "I never expected to find myself on the country charts, but I’m honoured to be there." 

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She also praised Luke's version, "I’m happy for Luke and his success and grateful that new fans have found and embraced 'Fast Car."

Tracy was only 24 when she released Fast Car, as the lead single off her self-titled, debut album. It went on to help her earn three Grammys. 

Fast Car received a massive boost after Tracy performed it at the Mandela concert at Wembley Stadium in London.

At the time she was a relatively unknown artist, only added to the bill at the last minute after Stevie Wonder dropped out.

Luke's cover of the song, a favourite from childhood, appears on his most recent album Gettin' Old. During a concert in May, he recalled being 5 years old and listening to the song, along with the rest of Tracy's self-titled debut album, while riding in his dad’s brown Ford F-150.

"He played me all kinds of music, and one of the first songs that I remember hearing… I love this whole album, and there was this one song that really stuck out to me, though, and it was called 'Fast Car,'" he said.

“And that song has meant a lot to me ever since then for my whole life. I always think about my dad when it comes on, and us spending time together."

 

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