Tracy Chapman knew precisely how she wished to deliver her duet with Luke Combs to life on the 2024 Grammys.
“She had a vision, and she asked Luke his thoughts,” Combs’ supervisor, Chris Kappy, instructed Rolling Stone in a Friday, February 9, interview. “Then they just kept running through it and running through it. It was a fun way to watch two artists create the moment that we were going to have all together on the Grammys.”
Chapman, 59, and Combs, 33, teamed up on the February 4 ceremony to carry out Chapman’s 1988 hit “Fast Car.” Combs’ cowl of the track, which served because the second single off his fourth studio album, Gettin’ Old, has dominated the nation music charts because it hit airwaves in 2023. It has additionally earned numerous awards accolades, together with a nomination for Best Country Solo Performance at this 12 months’s Grammys.
Combs and Chapman in the end determined to carry out the unique model the track after spending simply 20 minutes speaking earlier than their first run-through. It required Combs to sing in a decrease key, however based on Happy, the musician wasn’t involved with the modifications.
“All of this was done to honor the amazing woman, songwriter, and artist that she is,” he stated. “The entire opportunity for us to even be on a stage with Tracy Chapman is what this was all about.”
Their duet additionally marked the primary time Chapman and Combs had met in particular person — and Chapman’s first award present in years.
“[Tracy and Luke] were supported by key people behind the scenes — including David Kershenbaum, who produced Tracy’s debut album — and, together, the collective experience and talent present in that room created a unique and beautiful new version of this beloved song,” Chapman’s good friend and Nonesuch Records SVP, Matthew Rankin, instructed the outlet, calling it a “significant and emotional moment” for everybody concerned.
“Ultimately, the performance speaks for itself,” Rankin continued. “Especially the interaction between Tracy and Luke and their expressions, which tells you all you need to know about the way they were feeling.”
Rankin famous all concerned knew they had been “working toward something special” when crafting the second, which ended up being “everything” the musicians hoped it could be. “The subsequent response has been incredible, exceeding our expectations in so many ways,” he added.
Following Combs and Chapman’s fascinating efficiency — which earned a standing ovation from the Grammys viewers — the unique model of “Fast Car” shot to the No. 1 place on iTunes’ Top Song charts, beating out Combs’ personal Grammy-nominated rendition of the track.
During its preliminary launch, “Fast Car” peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100. At the time, it was nominated for Record of the Year, Song of the Year and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance on the 1989 Grammys, successful the latter. Chapman’s self-titled album was additionally up for Album of the Year. It in the end misplaced to George Michael’s Faith, however took dwelling Best Contemporary Folk Album.
Chapman instructed Billboard in July 2023 that she was blissful to see that Combs’ model of “Fast Car” was introducing the track to new listeners.
“I never expected to find myself on the country charts, but I’m honored to be there,” she stated. “I’m happy for Luke and his success and grateful that new fans have found and embraced ‘Fast Car.’”
Combs, in the meantime, instructed the outlet he was thrilled Chapman was getting a brand new wave of recognition from the quilt. “The success of my cover is unreal and I think it’s so cool that Tracy is getting recognized and has reached new milestones,” he stated. “I love that she is out there feeling all the love and that she gave me a shout-out! Thank you, Tracy!”
After making waves on the Grammys, Combs took to social media to specific his gratitude to Chapman.
“I’ll have more to say about last night when I’ve had the chance to process it,” he wrote by way of his Instagram Stories alongside a photograph of the pair on stage. “All I can say now is thank you Tracy and thank you @recordingacademy for letting me be a part of a truly remarkable moment. I’m very thankful.’”
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