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.