Tracy Chapman

Tracy Chapman Surprises with 2024 Grammys Performance: A Moment to Remember

In an unexpected and memorable moment at the 2024 Grammy Awards, legendary folk singer Tracy Chapman, 59, made a rare public appearance to perform her iconic hit “Fast Car” alongside country musician Luke Combs. Combs, 33, had released a cover of “Fast Car” nearly a year prior, with the track reaching platinum status in July 2023 and later becoming a No. 1 hit on the country charts in September. This achievement made Chapman the first Black woman to have a sole songwriting credit on a chart-topping country song.

During the February 4 awards ceremony, Combs’ rendition of “Fast Car” was nominated for Best Country Solo Performance but was edged out by Chris Stapleton’s “White Horse.”

Chapman’s original version of “Fast Car” earned her the Grammy for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance in 1989. The song’s recent resurgence culminated in a 2023 CMA Award for Song of the Year, while Combs received Single of the Year for his cover. Reflecting on the song’s renewed success, Chapman shared her gratitude in a statement read at the CMA Awards, stating, “It’s truly an honor for my song to be newly recognized 35 years after its debut.” The folk singer, who last toured in 2009, has made only three public performances since, making this Grammy appearance all the more significant.

Who Is Tracy Chapman?

Tracy Chapman, a four-time Grammy Award winner, began her music career in Boston, where she recorded songs at WMFO, a local radio station. Her breakthrough came in 1986 when a friend’s father introduced her to a manager at Elektra Records, leading to her self-titled debut album in 1988. The album’s lead single, “Fast Car,” quickly became a global hit, reaching No. 5 on the U.K. charts and No. 6 in the U.S. Chapman continued her success with the 1995 album New Beginning, which featured the hit single “Give Me One Reason.” While she has not matched the success of New Beginning, Chapman remains an active advocate for social justice, often using her platform to speak and perform on behalf of various causes.

Early Life and Education

Born on March 30, 1964, in Cleveland, Ohio, Tracy Chapman moved with her family to Connecticut at a young age. She later attended Tufts University in Massachusetts, where she studied anthropology and African studies. It was during this time that she began writing and performing music, honing her craft in Boston’s vibrant folk scene.

Chapman’s career, marked by both commercial success and artistic integrity, continues to inspire new generations of musicians. Her surprise performance at the Grammys serves as a testament to her enduring impact on the music industry.

Musical Career: Songs and Albums

Tracy Chapman’s musical journey began in 1986 when a friend’s father introduced her to a manager at Elektra Records. This connection led to the release of her debut self-titled album, Tracy Chapman, in 1988. The album quickly rose to prominence, reaching No. 1 in both the United States and the United Kingdom. The hit single “Fast Car” performed exceptionally well, securing No. 5 on the U.K. charts and No. 6 in the U.S. That same year, Chapman delivered a notable performance at Nelson Mandela’s 70th Birthday Tribute Concert in Great Britain. The album’s second single, “Talkin’ ’Bout a Revolution,” also garnered widespread acclaim, earning a place on Billboard’s charts.

Following the success of Tracy Chapman, she received multiple accolades, including three Grammy Awards in 1989. Chapman won Best New Artist, Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for “Fast Car,” and Best Contemporary Folk Recording.

Despite her early success, Chapman did not rest on her laurels. Shortly after, she returned to the studio to record her second album, Crossroads (1989), which she co-produced. This album included the track “Freedom Now,” dedicated to Nelson Mandela. While Crossroads did not reach the same heights as her debut, it still charted on the Billboard 200 and earned industry recognition. Chapman’s next album, Matters of the Heart (1992), experienced a further dip in commercial success, peaking at No. 53 on the Billboard 200, as fans responded less favorably to her shift toward a more alternative-rock sound.

In 1995, Chapman reclaimed her place in the spotlight with the release of New Beginning, which sold nearly 5 million copies in the U.S. alone. The album’s lead single, “Give Me One Reason,” became a massive hit and earned her a fourth Grammy Award for Best Rock Song in 1997. Tracks like “Smoke and Ashes” and the title track “New Beginning” also contributed to the album’s broad appeal.

Although her later albums, such as Telling Stories (2000) and Our Bright Future (2008), did not match the success of New Beginning, Chapman remained a respected figure in the music industry. After a series of tours through 2009, she gradually withdrew from the public eye.

2023 CMA Award for “Fast Car”

Chapman’s legacy experienced a revival in 2023 when country artist Luke Combs released a cover of her iconic song “Fast Car.” Combs’ version reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and garnered over 65 million streams on Spotify within two months. Chapman made history as the first Black woman with sole songwriting credit on a No. 1 country hit due to the cover’s success.

Reflecting on Combs’ rendition, Chapman said, “I never expected to find myself on the country charts, but I’m honored to be there. I’m happy for Luke and his success and grateful that new fans have found and embraced ‘Fast Car.’” In November 2023, Chapman was awarded the CMA Award for Song of the Year, while Combs won for Single of the Year. Although she did not attend the event, Chapman expressed her gratitude in a statement: “It’s truly an honor for my song to be recognized 35 years after its debut.”

In February 2024, Chapman and Combs performed “Fast Car” together in a surprise duet at the Grammy Awards, where Combs was nominated for Best Country Solo Performance.

Social Activism

Beyond music, Chapman has been a dedicated activist throughout her career. She has supported and performed for several nonprofit organizations, including the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and Circle of Life. In 2003, during a benefit event for Circle of Life, Chapman performed a memorable duet with Bonnie Raitt, covering John Prine’s “Angel From Montgomery.” Her commitment to social causes has made her not only a musical icon but also a voice for change in various philanthropic efforts.