Tracy Chapman becomes first Black woman to top US Country charts.

[umich]

 

Tracy Chapman is pretty reclusive, but she is commenting on a bit of 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 found and embraced ‘Fast Car.’”

 

Country star Luke Combs’ cover of her hit 1988 single “Fast Car” has reached No. 1 on the Country Airplay chart, which makes Chapman the first Black woman to top the chart since the chart came into existence in 1990.

 

Chapman, who is the sole writer of “Fast Car,” also reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Songwriters chart, thanks to the Combs remake.

 

Combs’ version has risen higher in the charts than Chapman’s did. It was No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 this week while Chapman’s version peaked at No. 6 after it was released in 1988.

 

“Fast Car” was the first single of Chapman’s self-titled debut album and it earned her a Grammy in 1989 for best female pop vocal performance as well as record and song of the year nominations.

 

She also won for best new artist and best contemporary folk album that year.

 

https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/07/entertainment/fast-car-tracy-chapman/index.html

 

 

 

EDIT:
 

Combs’ version has generated at least $500,000 in global publishing royalties, Billboard estimates, with the bulk going to Chapman who owns both the writers’ and publisher’s share of the song. Additionally, the success of Combs’ version has boosted Chapman’s original, with weekly consumption of Chapman’s version increasing 44% since Combs’ version was released, according to Luminate.

 

https://www.billboard.com/music/country/tracy-chapman-reacts-luke-combs-fast-car-cover-1235367446/

 

[Taylor fanboy]

[Angelo]

 

[Domination]

Been ending Nicki for years

[kimberly]

 hopefully we will see a Black woman performer reach the top in our lifetimes as well.

Edited July 9, 2023 by kimberly

[umich]

Combs’ version has generated at least $500,000 in global publishing royalties, Billboard estimates, with the bulk going to Chapman who owns both the writers’ and publisher’s share of the song. Additionally, the success of Combs’ version has boosted Chapman’s original, with weekly consumption of Chapman’s version increasing 44% since Combs’ version was released, according to Luminate.

 

https://www.billboard.com/music/country/tracy-chapman-reacts-luke-combs-fast-car-cover-1235367446/

 

[Elusive Chanteuse]

It's a shame it took a white person to cover it.  This is one of the greatest songs of all time.

 

 

[umich]

2 minutes ago, Elusive Chanteuse said:

It's a shame it took a white person to cover it.  This is one of the greatest songs of all time.

 

 

I am just glad it is getting the renewed exposure it deserves. Also glad she's winning in the end from a songwriter's perspective.

 

[NEX]

6 minutes ago, Elusive Chanteuse said:

It's a shame it took a white person to cover it.  This is one of the greatest songs of all time.

 

 

Easily

[Mike91]

Going to need the OG version to pull a RUTH. 

 

[vale9001]

Fast car is the best american song of all time. Deserved 

Edited July 9, 2023 by vale9001

[umich]

5 minutes ago, Mike91 said:

Going to need the OG version to pull a RUTH. 

 

Netflix has 24 hours to respond.

 

[violent desires]

Her version is the best.  Nonetheless, I'm happy for her.

[WEEKND]

That entire album slaps 

 

Baby Can I Hold You always gets me together 

[enchanted0]

The cover is blasphemy…  I loathe it

 

19 minutes ago, Mike91 said:

Going to need the OG version to pull a RUTH. 

 

Here for it

[Mordecai]

I like Luke but yeah he has nothing on the original. Fast Car is such a simple, yet beautiful and timeless song

[bad guy]

Luke opening doors for a new generation to discover this amazing song all while uplifting black singer/songwriters 

 

[GivingCher]

I just hope this cover is making more people discover her original. Glad she’s getting paid though! 

[Daddy]

It's another Dancing On My Own situation. The locals love the cover and the music nerds are appalled, while we still have to acknowledge that two queens get their good coin from it.

[XAMJ]

country has gone woke!!!! - some maga lunatic 

[JustHoran]

His version is actual ****  Glad she's getting her royalties though!

 

This version from years ago in country is better than whatever that mess is Luke did, but country hates women and loves white men, so.

 

 

Edited July 9, 2023 by JustHoran

[Fitzswiftie]

11 minutes ago, Daddy said:

It's another Dancing On My Own situation. The locals love the cover and the music nerds are appalled, while we still have to acknowledge that two queens get their good coin from it.

I thought the music nerds would’ve been more appalled at the tropical house cover that SMASHED and was inescapable all throughout 2016. 

 

 

[dejmieeen]

53 minutes ago, Fitzswiftie said:

I thought the music nerds would’ve been more appalled at the tropical house cover that SMASHED and was inescapable all throughout 2016. 

 

 

Tobtok also made a cover in similar time and was better I think.

 

Luke’s version sucks, the chorus is flat and sung with no emotions. But glad Tracy got her coins

Edited July 9, 2023 by dejmieeen

[Bloodflowers.]

1 hour ago, Mike91 said:

Going to need the OG version to pull a RUTH. 

 

 

This song deserves it more

 

https://open.spotify.com/track/3XkXJNMHJB0UiKiVz83yD7?si=2uU03VqxQ2W6LJA8NxYRvg&context=spotify%3Atrack%3A3XkXJNMHJB0UiKiVz83yD7

 

 

[bliaz]

Beautiful song  Baby Can I Hold You, next, please! And while we're at it, may Talkin' Bout a Revolution be next