Graeme O'Neil takes a look at Tracy Chapman's return at the 2024 Grammys to sing her megahit "Fast Car" with Luke Combs, 35 years after she won 3 Grammys for her debut.
Luke’s cover wasn’t motivated by profit or fame. It was his love letter to Tracy for the influence her work had on him as a kid, listening to the cassette in his dad’s Ford F150. It was a beautiful tribute. Tracy touched so many of our hearts in 1988 when we discovered her. Well done, Luke.
I totally agree. I did not know Luke's music before he covered "Fast Car". I read about him covering the song because it reminded him of the time spent with his father listening to the song in his dad's pick up. He has always totally credited Tracy as the songwriter and as an artist. He has shown her the respect she deserves. His cover takes nothing away from Tracy and to me only gives to her, which is a reminder today of a great voice in the industry.
Luke has mad respect for Tracy. He's been nothing but a gentlemen about recording this song. He wanted the spotlight to be on her. He, like the rest of us was just so elated that she gave us the gift of performing Fast Car with him.
I disagree, Luke is not a generic artist. He has an amazing voice, and he paid 100% respect to Tracy in his cover and every interview about Tracy & fastcar.
Luke couldn't believe he was blessed enough to even be on the same stage as her. It was written all over his face and I think we all needed to see that. So no. He wasn't stealing her moment.
Not at all. The cameras were on her the majority of the time and I'm sure he wanted it that way. That's the kind of guy he is. Humble, respectful, a do the right thing kinda a guy....and a huge fan of hers.
Just an official single of the Grammy performance would do the same thing. The rehearsals really paid off. Even the camera angles were rehearsed. If MTV were still relevant, this would be in non-stop rotation.
She had the biggest smile ever. Luke looked like an excited teenager seeing their favorite singer for the first time. He had no problem letting her be in the spotlight.
Their relationship is symbiotic. Tracy can also thank Luke for introducing her to new generations and to country fans. I also applaud the posture of Luke, he was humble when he recorded the song, and he was humble when he performed with Tracy Chapman. She is the legend, and Luke acknowledged that. The fact that she decided to join him and the way Tracy spoke about him tells me that she felt honored and respected by him. This absence of egos in both is truly beautiful.
No, sorry, symbiotic includes DEPENDENCY as in interdependent. Neither of these artists is dependent on the other, but especially Chapman in this circumstance. This is respect and joy and love and art. You can say commerce too - but not dependency.
I agree. And she is her authentic self. She didn’t dress up and try to be something that she isn’t. She added that little sparkle on her shirt, but otherwise she came comfortable and relaxed. She was stunning in her simplicity, and she did what she did 35 years ago. She let her music and her artistry shine, and boy, did it shine. I still watch that performance at least once a week because it’s one of the most beautiful performances I’ve seen in forever. And I’m glad that new generations of music lovers have now been in introduced to her.
Obviously she made the best surprise moment of the Grammy 2024. Tracy Chapman is truly legendary singer. So many singers inspired by her music. Love her ♥️
We should thank Luke for being the reason why our lovely Tracy Chapman accepted to come out of her quiet life and peace. We needed to see her and hear live again ❤️👌🔥
Exactly! She made it impossible for anyone to use any part of her music all these years and will go all legal on anyone. Was shocked to hear she gave him permission. I guess him covering the song in concerts for 5 years straight did wear her down and the WALL was finally toppled.
Luke Combs would have drawn attention to himself if he had harmonized with Tracy Chapman. He said he intentionally made a faithful, in your words generic, recording. He wanted to honor that song and singer and knew there was no change that could have improved it. He looked at her with such awe and respect. He contained himself. What a performance!
I disagree with this commentary also. I love that Luke Combs stuck to the original spirit of the song, and didn’t try to do any vocal gymnastics --changing what should not be changed. This song is iconic - and I believe that he showed respect for Tracy and the song by just singing it. When I initially heard that a country artist had recorded it, I wasn’t even interested in hearing it because… Why? Tracy‘s was perfection. I appreciate that Luke brought the song to the younger generation who may not have heard it. However, I was surprised how much I liked his version when I did hear it --because he didn’t change melodies and go off road with it. Kudos to you Luke Combs for bringing this song to a new generation. And what a beautiful performance this was. So much love.
Very well said. Luke ADDED to Tracy Chapman's legacy and it is awesome to see. She's not center stage at the Grammy's with the performance of the night 36 years later without Luke. Surprised some people seem so offended by it (well, maybe not in today's world)
Hr did add two differwnt melodies. Slide guitat and violin/fiddle. Tracies was just finger pick style. He didnt chanhe the lyrics..he did a different arrangement. I still prefer tracys's.
Tracy's return to the stage to sing "Fast Car" live once more was a warm blanket for the soul. Exactly what was needed. Her stark presentation of humility and lack of ego, compared to the over zealous 'look at me, look at me" syndrome was very telling. Tracy is the epitome of the quiet storm. Thank you, Luke for sharing your love letter, through this particular song. I grew up in the 70's, where it was just about the story, the lyrics. Either you captured the audience or you didn't. I grew up thanks to my father listening to everything. Coltrane, Miles Davis, Nat King Cole, Luciano Pavoratti, Barbara Streisand, Frank Sinatra, Barry White, Johnny Hartman, The Eagles, Steve Miller Band, Dolly Parton, War, Carlos Santana, Pat Metheny, Minnie Ripperton, James Taylor, Grover Washington, Stevie Wonders, Earth, Wind and Fire, Nina Simone, Dame Shirley Bassey, and I could go on and on. She's turning 60 next month? 60 WHERE? She's luminous. Absolutely luminous!!. I haven't felt compelled to watch The Grammy's in decades and I didn't watch this show. It was the rumblings of the duet we didn't know we needed that brought me here. SALUTE!!!! Thanks Graeme for this!!
I watched the Grammys for the first time in decades because Joni Mitchell was going to perform. What a surprise to see Tracy Chapman! I am so glad I watched the show, it has me swooning for days. I listened to most of what your dad listened to in the 1970s. I'll be 70 in 12 days. We need a repeat of the musical era your dad and I came from. It resounded world wide.
It was pure respect that kept him from over vocalizing, changing lyrics, and more. He introduced this song to a whole new generation and he deserves respect for that. Loved the performance.
The true definition of untimely classic. I use to sing to this song when I was 6 years old in Africa and didn't have a clue what she was saying. Love her.
The reverence and respect that Luke showed Tracy the other night was heartwarming to have seen. In this day and time, where young people think that the world starts and ends with them. It was refreshing to see that kind of admiration for a true legend. I went and watched Luke’s version. Because of his humility, I am now a fan and supporter of Luke. As for Tracey who is just about five years older than I am. I have been a fan of that song and her from day one.
Personally I think Luke Comb’s cover paid amazing tribute and honor to Tracy’s original. Just enough to make it different and his own but fully honoring the original as it should. Tracy’s original is an absolute landmark iconic song. No human with any soul can listen to it and not relate or feel something. It’s timeless and classic all at once. I agree with your take about Billboard’s tweet. Not well advised. I’m not a big country music fan but everything I’ve heard, seen and read about Luke Combs tells me he’s a genuine stand up guy. (He did right with the tumbler lady on TikTok) Right now I’m just trying to find a full length video of this performance. Grammys still haven’t posted it. 😩
I absolutely loved this performance and would love for them to release the duet. And I think her voice has matured and they blended so well. I also loved that she was spotlighted a bit more than Luke by the cameras. He seems to have such respect for her and her artistry, as he said this song has been so much a part of his life. And her smile, as the lights came up and everyone saw her, just amazing. I hope that "writer" for the Washington Post, who wrote about Tracy in a somewhat derogatory manner, is eating her words today.
I listened Luke’s version of Tracy’s song and then listened to Tracy’s original. Luke did not change words , did not change arrangement. He added his own flavor and feel. I consider Luke’s version an homage to Tracy. And then hearing the story of how his Dad played a cassette in the car and how impacted he was as a kid. Hearing them together and how well their voices fit together. His respect of her is felt in his version, the words that he says and what we saw on that Grammy stage. That makes him a classy dude. And Brava! Tracy Chapman!!
As a massive Tracy Chapman fan, it MUST be said that part of the charm of this performance was that Luke was so in awe of Tracy but still held his own. And knowing the backstory of how there was some controversy, politicizing Luke’s success, this performance put all that to rest! Watching these two different worlds come together was likened to the Ole Town Road rendition with Lil Nas X/Billy Ray Cyrus…once again demonstrating that even during these divided times, music has the power to bring people together. 🙏🏽🌍🤠
I loved the opening so much...I lost my breath and her smile was so touching as the audience thundered their approval...I just wanted to see that part again..and again. Thank you Luke Combs for bringing her out and back to us, and it seems better than ever...💫
Tracy was luminous! I am also very thankful to Luke for bringing her song to a new generation with a "true" cover. He didn't make it his "own" by mucking it up. Congrats to them both for a wonderful performance and for any future success it brings to both Tracy and Luke!
That was the best moment of the show obviously. Luke deserves a ton of credit for bringing an amazing older artist into the spotlight. I’m a new fan of his for this. Always liked Tracy. I hope she puts out a new album and collaborates with him on a song!
I still remember Tracy's original performance at The Grammys. Tracey in the spotlight with her guitar, lights in the room darkened and that beautiful voice. The artist, the song and the performance, I'll never forget the impact it had. So I'm not surprised that Luke Combs brought this song to the forefront again. So many incredible songs from the past are waiting to be rediscovered. 💎 💎 ❤💎💎
Tracy was FABULOUS! When her album came out in the 80s I played it in on a loop in my car w/ the sun roof open and the volume full blast. I still love her/it as much today as then. Points for Luke for giving the lamp light to this awesome artist / writer! And what a thrill for him to share the stage with her!
Tracy sounded better than ever - she blows me away with her incredible, unique song and voice!! I absolutely loved the interaction between the two. Luke's obvious deep respect for Tracy, and Tracy's reaction to it - so fun to watch! 💗💗
The first moment, Chapman’s smile at the roar of recognition and appreciation, set the tone. She is a gift to world cultural history. Combs actually sang extremely well, very much better than his solo live performances of Fast Car. His deference and joyful gratitude to her were exactly right.
I am ecstatic for the resurgence of Tracy Chapman over the past year. Her catalog has some of my favorite songs EVER. I discovered her music 17 years ago when my mom played her CD for the first time in the car so I totally identify with Luke's relationship to her music. I respect the way he's reintroduced her music to a new generation and I love that he gave her her due, not just on the Grammy stage but in all respects, from the very beginning.
It was fantastic to have Tracy and Luke do this together - especially crossing genres from Pop to Country. It shows us that music is truly UNIVERSAL! And we can guess that Luke's recorded version of this song brought the song to a whole new genre of people who love country who never heard of Tracy Chapman before. LOVE IT!
Back in the day this song was a monster hit. I had the album and there was nothing like driving and this song coming on the radio. Her voice is so moving and I love her vibrato ❤
I think it is 100% Awesome. No exception. Luke's intentions are pure and I respect that. And how great that Tracy is being re-recognized for her talent. Beautiful moment in American Music History for me!
There is so much love in the air around this performance as well as Luke's cover. The icing on the cake is that Tracy will make well-deserved royalties on her incredible song!
Tracy Chapman's performance was the highlight of the ENTIRE night for me. I can sense Graeme's annoyance over having Luke Combs there, but he's the reason for the renewed interest and prominence of Fast Car. There wouldn't have been an entry point otherwise for having the song performed again on the Grammys, unless it's some kind of anniversary tribute, and those are usually reserved for the select few massive hits. I thought it was cute when Combs was mouthing the words when he wasn't singing. It was giving very slow kid having to mouth the words while reading lol. You could tell how much he idolizes her, as he well should! Now a new generation can experience the utter brilliance of this woman for the first time, and like it or not, he's wrapped up in that. I envy those who will discover Chapman's masterpieces for the first time. And BTW, Fast Car easily should have won ROTY and SOTY in its day. I mean, Don't Worry, Be Happy? Such an embarrassing novelty song that had no business sweeping like it did. She didn't have the easiest go of things back then. No more embarrassing than Taylor Swift having 4 AOTY wins when countless legends won none. Beyoncé's still waiting too for that matter. But that's for another time. Back to the Tracy Chapman love fest!
Totally agree. I remember the controversial win of “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” over Fast Car back then. Today, all those years later, Fast Car has stood the test of time.
I loved Tracy Chapman! I was heartbroken when she pulled away from the limelight, her song “Talkin’ Bout a Revolution “ gave me hope after the election of 2016, it’s my fight song.
I think their performance was legendary. I also like his version. The original artist leaves something to be carried forward and that's what he authentically did with his cover. Praises to both the originater and those who carry the art forward.
Luke's cover brims with the love, respect, fondness, and reverence he has for the song. That is what makes it such a great cover - it is always in conversation with the original and its impact on his life.
Beautiful performance!♥️ Tracy’s sings a wonderful story in Fast Car. Im so glad Luke honored her beautifully by not taking over her song. He allowed Tracy to receive her flowers. It is certain, he IS a fan! 🎉
Tracy Chapman and Eric Clapton did a duet “Give Me one reason” which was spectacular and Eric Clapton also intentionally gave her the lead, though his own contributions in the duet were noteworthy too. I always thought that was a very cool thing to do given his own prominence in the industry. Bravo! She’s an incredible artist.❤
Come on… she didn’t just give him a ‘ride’… they rode together into this new chapter of the life of this song. They are both excellent artists and both versions of the song are great. I only hope this duet is recorded and appears on iTunes.
The way the song was done on the Grammys shows that Luke is a Class act with HUGE respect and have Tracy lead and shine Bright. 1988 what a great time in life
Absolutely loved this performance! Love Tracey then and now! Her voice was so iconic! Luke just took it to a different level and as soon as I heard it on the radio I googled Tracy’s version and played them both. This was my husbands and daughters favourite song back in the day! I really would love to see the whole performance of the 2 of them…….so far I have only been able to see snippets! ❤️❤️❤️
I don’t know why you can only appreciate one version. The song is just a couple minutes long. I’ve been listening to both on repeat the last couple days.
Loved this song when I first heard it and LOVED Tracy's voice!!! Blasted it on the radio every time it came on. So, so glad you came back to sing it again. Hope to see you do this again and your other songs. Love you Tracy !!!
One of the most powerful parts of the performance is that the person who probably is the biggest musical artist in the world, Taylor Swift, showed once again why people adore and love her. She could have just sat quietly, but she chose to be what we all were feeling inside watching the performance.......a fan, who loved the song, standing there, singing to the words, and being totally in that moment. Her respect for the music industry and it's artists is genuine, and refreshing to see.
Tracy Chapman wouldn’t have been singing on that stage at the Grammys 2024 without Luke. He deserved way more credit than you gave him, and I LOVE his voice and the way he sang with her.
That smile!! I want a bottle of her for my bad days. And Luke - I can only hope to be as good a gentleman that he is. Thank you from all of us Luke - I'm now a fan!
Let’s not dis Luke. He brought a whole new audience to a wonderful, beautiful song. I don’t ordinarily like covers, but I feel like his version was respectful. I love it. You can see in their performance how thrilling it was for him to be singing with her. And I love how happy she looks.
The admiration on Luke's face as he looks over to Ms. Chapman is just priceless and utterly authentic and it is this mutual appreciation for both artists that stands out. Wonderful performances and all the adoration is thoroughly deserved....
On a sultry Sunday evening, this is my 3rd stop,after coming across Luke Coom's excellent rendition of Tracy's "Fast Car" which found me urgently scrolling for the duo's Grammy Awards sublime duet.Truth is, I rarely ever had a such pleasant musical interlude! The palpable good vibes from Tracy and Cooms were heartfelt, tear gushing; the exquisite delight will be etched in my memory for as long as I live!
I disagree with your commentary re Luke! I am a huge Tracey fan and I am grateful to Luke for bringing her timeless music to another generation. He has been so gracious and humble, a true star. You can love Tracy and still give Luke the respect he is due!
I read the RollingStone article about this. It was in the works for months. Luke’s request was for Tracy to take creative control of the whole thing and do the folk version. He was an also on stage giving her the respect.
Over here in Europe country music isn't a big deal, and I have personally never heard of Luke Combs. But I do know, and I think honoring one of the best songs ever written is a beautiful thing. Thank you to both Tracy and Luke for making a very special moment for all of us to enjoy.
They should record the song together!!! It was a perfect example of the magic of collaboration and great musicians honoring one another. Such magic. Such feelings of happiness and the miracle of music, celebration, joy! It was the best thing. Two people honoring their friendship and the miracle that is music…
I think Luke did her right. I've been playing on-stage off and on since I was 14. (Retired MSgt, didn't quit my day and night job.) Had a few fans, but Tracy was BADASS! Way out of my musical league. Great to see her introduced to a new generation to display her genius.
Ive known Tracy Chapman since the first time she came on VH1 back in the day, I have almost all her albums, I had no idea who Luke was until he did her song, when I first heard him singing it my first thought was "Does the country music community know they are sending a song to number one who was written and sang by a black gay woman??? Im so happy she is getting all her flowers again, her voice is even better than before ❤
Bonjour. Tracy and I are the same age. I vividly remember seeing her live at a women’s festival when her first album was released. She is so private and I really want everyone to respect her wishes and not dig into her personal life. Be grateful for the music that she have given us and leave her alone. If our prayers are answered, we will « give her a reason » to tour. Thanks for reading my comment and thank you Tracy.
Fast Car has always been a great song, but if not for Luke Combs, so many people wouldn’t know who Tracy Chapman is and how amazing she is! I dont think any of us knew how much we needed this! Thank you Tracy and Luke!
