Tracy Chapman Earns Rapturous Standing Ovation After Rare Live Performance of ‘Fast Car’ With Luke Combs and History

Tracy Chapman always knew she “could be someone.” But could the folk singer have predicted in 1988, the year she released “Fast Car,” that she would perform her now-iconic song alongside country artist Luke Combs at the 66th Grammy Awards?

The two singers, though hailing from different generations and musical genres, took the stage together on Feb. 4 for a duet rendition of the song that has generated massive success for both of them. Decades after its initial release, “Fast Car” re-entered the charts when Combs’ cover of the track, infused with a country sensibility, became immensely popular in 2023.

Dressed all in black, Chapman kicked off her performance at the Grammys playing the iconic first few bars on her guitar, sparking voracious cheers from the star-studded audience which included Kacey Musgraves, Taylor Swift and Kelly Clarkson. Chapman and Combs bounced back and forth sharing the spotlight and but sang together in beautiful harmony for the chorus. After they finished, the crowd leapt to their feet in a thunderous applause. Oprah raised her hands cheering and host Trevor Noah raced to the stage to again pay tribute to Chapman. “The legendary Tracy Chapman, everybody,” Noah said, “Thank you so much for that! Thank you so much for that.”

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Prior to their mesmerizing Grammy performance, Luke Combs shared his reverence for Tracy Chapman’s legacy in a video focused on their collaborative rendition of the iconic song. The country singer expressed deep admiration, acknowledging Chapman as an icon and one of the greatest artists of their time. For Combs, the opportunity to be associated with such a legendary figure was profoundly humbling, marking a full-circle moment in his career.

The renowned ballad, “Fast Car,” is celebrated for its gentle acoustic guitar melody and profound lyrics that delve into themes of familial struggles, poverty, and shared aspirations for a better life with a loved one.

Combs’ cover of the song soared to the top of the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and earned the coveted CMA Award for Song of the Year—an unprecedented achievement as the first time a Black woman received this honor. According to Variety’s Hitmakers list, “Fast Car” claimed the fifth spot among the biggest songs in the U.S. in 2023. Even former President Barack Obama included Combs’ rendition on his summer playlist that year.

While the Recording Academy had initially announced Combs’ solo performance at the Grammys, Variety later revealed the exciting news that Chapman would join him on stage. This collaboration was particularly significant as Chapman, who hadn’t performed publicly in several years, made a landmark appearance. Notably, “Fast Car” has a storied history at the prestigious awards ceremony, with Chapman winning the Grammy for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance in 1989 and receiving nominations for Recording of Year and Song of the Year 2024.

Ahead of their Grammy performance, Luke Combs reflected on Tracy Chapman’s enduring legacy in a video centered around their collaborative rendition of the iconic song. The country singer expressed deep admiration, describing Chapman as an icon and one of the greatest artists of our time. For Combs, the experience of being associated with such a legendary figure marked a full-circle moment, and he found it profoundly humbling.

The cherished melody of “Fast Car,” with its delicate acoustic guitar, is celebrated for its substantive lyrics, delving into themes of familial struggles, poverty, and shared dreams of a better life with a loved one.

Combs’ cover of the song not only soared to the top of the Billboard Hot Country Songs but also secured the CMA Award for Song of the Year, a historic moment as the first time a Black woman received that accolade. According to Variety’s Hitmakers list, “Fast Car” claimed the fifth spot among the biggest songs in the U.S. in 2023. Even former President Barack Obama acknowledged its impact, including Combs’ rendition on his summer playlist.

While the Recording Academy initially announced Combs’ solo performance at the Grammys, Variety later unveiled the exciting news that Chapman would join him on stage. This collaboration was particularly noteworthy as Chapman, who hadn’t performed publicly in several years, made a landmark appearance. Despite her hiatus, “Fast Car” has a storied history at the prestigious awards ceremony, with Chapman winning the Grammy for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance in 1989 and receiving nominations for Record of the Year and Song of the Year 2024.

The 66th Grammys unfolded at Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena, with Trevor Noah hosting the event.

Tracy Chapman History