Tracy Chapman Makes Country Music History Following Luke Combs’ ‘Fast Car’ Cover

Tracy Chapman has made history as the first Black female songwriter to reach the top of Billboard’s Country Airplay chart since its inception in 1990. Even more impressive, she achieved this feat with a song that was released two years before the chart even existed. “Fast Car” has experienced a remarkable resurgence in popularity, 35 years after its initial release, thanks to country star Luke Combs’ recent cover of the song, as reported by CNN. In fact, Chapman is also leading Billboard’s Country Songwriters chart, as she is the original writer of the song. Audra Heinrichs of Jezebel humorously states, “How does a three-and-a-half-decade old hit manage that? Well, in this case, a white man in a trucker hat decided to sing it.”

In a statement to Billboard, Chapman expressed her surprise at finding herself on the country charts and her gratitude for the honor. She said, “I never expected to find myself on the country charts, but I’m honored to be there. I’m happy for Luke and his success and grateful that new fans have found and embraced ‘Fast Car’.” As for the regular charts, Chapman’s Grammy-winning “Fast Car” reached No. 6 on Billboard’s Hot 100 in 1988. Combs’ version is currently at No. 2. Notably, the popularity of the remake has also led to an increase in consumption of the original, with a 44% rise in weekly consumption since Combs’ cover was released. In addition to Combs, other artists such as Khalid, Black Pumas, Justin Bieber, Passenger, Sam Smith, and Jonas Blue feat. Dakota have also covered the song.