Tracy Chapman speaks out about Luke Combs’ ‘Fast Car’ cover: ‘I’m happy’

nypost.com:

Luke Combs has taken the wheel of “Fast Car,” and songwriter Tracy Chapman is loving the ride. After catapulting Chapman to stardom back in 1988, earning her an award for Best Pop Vocal at the 31st annual Grammy Awards in 1989, the mellow folk rock tune about a young girl’s desire to escape from poverty has floored its way back into the spotlight courtesy of country star Combs, barreling all the way to the No.

1 slot on this week’s Billboard’s Country Airplay chart.The out-of-nowhere honor comes after the “When It Rains It Pours” singer covered the timeworn tune on his fourth studio album, “Gettin’ Old.” Combs’ twangy version also makes Chapman the first Black woman as the sole writer to top the Country Airplay chart since its debut in 1990.“I never expected to find myself on the country charts, but I’m honored to be there,” Chapman told Billboard in a written statement. “I’m happy for Luke and his success and grateful that new fans have found and embraced ‘Fast Car.’”On top of being the first artist to drive “Fast Car” to a No.

1 spot, Combs has also earned No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 this week — Chapman’s original version peaked in 1988 at No. 6 on the Hot 100.

But the songstress hasn’t been left in the dust — weeks ago, Billboard estimated that Chapman had already earned approximately $500,000 in publishing royalties since Combs’ album dropped in March.