Tracy Chapman and ‘Fast Car’ New Success Post Grammys

From folk music to country music, nearly 35 years after its initial release, the song “Fast Car” by Tracy Chapman has resurfaced on the music charts.

The song was originally released in 1988 as part of the folk singer’s debut album, Tracy Chapman. Since then, it has quickly regained popularity among music listeners. A song about the challenges that life can present has been striking audiences of different generations.

Country musician Luke Combs covered “Fast Car” for his 2023 album, Gettin’ Old. Since Comb’s cover, the song has hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. Comb’s rendition has since brought in many new listeners. During the 2024 Grammys, both Chapman and Combs came together to perform the song live. The performance has been met with much praise from audiences. For many, it is the first time they are learning who Tracy Chapman is.

Chapman found her love for music at a young age, at three years old when she was gifted a ukulele by her mother. While attending college, she performed in coffee shops and on the street, eventually being signed to Elektra Records after graduating. It was with this company that she released her debut album, Tracy Chapman.

Chapman gained a large amount of exposure during her performance at the Nelson Mandela 70 Tribute Concert on June 11, 1998. Initially, she was only lined up to perform the songs, “Why?” “Behind the Wall,” and “Talkin’ Bout a Revolution.” However, when Stevie Wonder experienced technical difficulties before his performance, he could no longer go on. Chapman filled in with just a guitar and performed “Fast Car” and “Across the Lines” as an acoustic set.

After her performance at Mandela’s Tribute Concert, Chapman has released eight studio albums and has won four Grammys, one of which was for “Fast Car” in 1989, as well as best new artist. While Chapman and her song “Fast Car” have been receiving much love and praise since the 2024 Grammys, the singer-songwriter has been a notable presence in the music industry for generations.

Beyoncé…. Call Tracy Chapman…. You two can change the world together.

— t. (@lighttmylove) February 12, 2024

You can stream Chapman’s “Fast Car” on all streaming platforms.