On This Day in 2023, Luke Combs Hit No. 1 With a Cover That Helped a Folk Legend Make Country Music History
On 19 October 2023, Luke Combs’ cover of Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car” topped the country charts, bringing renewed attention to Chapman’s songwriting and marking a milestone for Black women in country music. The song later won the Country Music Association’s Song of the Year award, making Chapman the first Black songwriter to receive a CMA trophy.
Chapman released “Fast Car” in 1988 as the lead single from her debut album. After performing it at a Nelson Mandela birthday concert at Wembley Stadium, it became an international hit, reaching No. 6 in the US and No. 5 in the UK, and won a Grammy in 1989. Combs has said he grew up listening to Chapman’s music with his father and recorded the song as a tribute, though he did not expect his version to become so successful.
- Luke Combs’ “Fast Car” cover topped country charts in 2023.
- Tracy Chapman became the first Black woman with a No. 1 country hit from a solo composition.
- Chapman later became the first Black songwriter to win a CMA trophy.