As someone who tries to bridge the gap between people living with type 1 and those living with type 2 diabetes, I admire Tracy Chapman. The song she wrote, “Fast Car,” proves different communities relate to each other. We are more similar than different.
Last night, she performed “Fast Car” as a duet with Country Music star Luke Combs at the 66th Grammy Awards. It was a beautiful moment showing how music has the power to unite us.
Tracy Chapman’s appearance took everyone by surprise. She has not toured since 2009 and has only performed on stage three times since that time.
Tracy Chapman Chapman released eight albums between 1988 and 2008, starting with her blockbuster debut — the self-titled album that features her signature song, “Fast Car.” She won the Grammy for Best New Artist in 1989, and “Fast Car” was nominated for Record and Song Of The Year.
She started the duet by playing the song’s signature riff on an acoustic guitar, and then she and Luke Combs exchanged verses before singing the chorus together.
Last year, Luke Combs included his rendition of “Fast Car” on his album ‘Gettin’ Old.” He was nominated in the best country solo performance category for his cover of Tracy’s “Fast Car.” His rendition enjoyed unexpected multi-format success: It was No. 1 in Adult Pop and Country for two weeks each; No. 6 on Top 40 Radio; No. 2 on the Hot 100; and No. 1 on 1 on Billboard’s overall Radio Songs Chart for four weeks.
Their beautiful duet spans genres and generations and celebrates the song’s legacy. “Fast Car” is the first song written entirely by a Black woman to top the Billboard country charts and the first to win Song of the Year at the Country Music Awards in 2023.