Tracy Chapman is a very private person, but she commented on a piece of history she produced this week.
“I never expected to find myself on the country charts, but I’m honored to be there,” Chapman told Billboard in an exclusive statement. “I’m happy for Luke and his success and grateful that new fans have found and embraced ‘Fast Car.’”
Country star Luke Combs’ cover of her hit 1988 single “Fast Car” has reached No. 1, making Chapman the first Black woman to top the list since it began in 1990.
The Combs remix helped Tracy, the lone writer of “Fast Car,” to No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Songwriters list.
Combs’ version has surpassed Chapman’s in the charts. This week, it peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, while Chapman’s version peaked at No. 6 when it was released in 1988.
“Fast Car” was the first single of Chapman’s self-titled debut album and it earned her a Grammy in 1989 for best female pop vocal performance as well as record and song of the year nominations.
Tracy was also named best new artist and best contemporary folk album that year.
