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After Luke Combs earned his 16th No. 1 hit with his cover of Tracy Chapman's ‘Fast Car’, Chapman has shared her response to the phenomenal reception Combs’ rendition has received so far.
Speaking to Billboard, Chapman, who wrote and released ‘Fast Car’ in 1988, expressed her delight at seeing Luke Combs’ version of the iconic track becoming so popular.
Chapman expressed her surprise at reaching the pinnacle of the Billboard Country Airplay rankings, “I never expected to find myself on the country charts, but I’m honoured to be there”.
The Ohio singer-songwriter went on to underline her excitement at the fact that Luke Combs’ country cover is helping the song to reach a different listenership, “I’m happy for Luke and his success and grateful that new fans have found and embraced ‘Fast Car.’”
Luke Combs’ chart-topping take on ‘Fast Car’ appeared on his acclaimed 2023 album, Gettin’ Old, which served as the sequel to his much-loved 2022 project, Growin’ Up.
The song took only 11 weeks to reach the top of the Billboard Country Airplay chart, equalling the speed of Morgan Wallen's meteoric ascent to the top of the list with his colossal hit, ‘Last Night’.
In reaching the top spot with ‘Fast Car’, Luke Combs ensured Tracy Chapman became the first Black woman to be credited as the sole songwriter on a country music No. 1.
Combs has spoken in the past about how he was keen to be as respectful as possible to Chapman's original version of ‘Fast Car’, as well as revealing that there are strict rules and guidelines he has to follow relating to the song. For instance, the ‘Beer Never Broke My Heart’ hitmaker is not allowed to release a music video for ‘Fast Car’.
Combs is now hoping to continue this momentum as he sets his sights on his first ever No. 1 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100. To achieve this, he'll have to unseat his fellow country megastar, Morgan Wallen, who has held onto the top position for 13 weeks with ‘Last Night’.
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