ByLisa Respers France, cnnwire
Friday, July 7th, 2023 at 6:00 pm
Tracy Chapman is pretty reclusive, but she’s commenting on some of the history she made 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 discovered and embraced ‘Fast Cars.'”
A cover of country star Luke Combs’ hit 1988 single “Fast Car” has reached No. 1 on the Country Airplay chart, making Chapman the first black woman to top the chart since the chart’s existence in 1990.
Chapman, the sole writer of “Fast Car”, also reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Songwriters chart thanks to the Combs remake.
Combs’ version climbed higher up the charts than Chapman’s. This week it was at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 while Chapman’s version climbed to No. 6 since its 1988 release.
“Fast Car” was the first single from Chapman’s self-titled debut album and earned her a Grammy in 1989 for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance as well as Record of the Year and Song of the Year nominations.
He also won Best New Artist and Best Contemporary Folk Album that year.
CNN has contacted representatives for Chapman and Combs for comment.
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