Tracy Chapman Had 'Vision' for the 2024 Grammys, Luke Combs' Manager Says
Tracy Chapman knew exactly how she wanted to perform her duet Luke Combs to life at the 2024 Grammys.
“She had a vision and asked Luke his thoughts,” Combs' manager said. Chris Kappytold Rolling stone in an interview on Friday, February 9. “Then they just kept running through it and running through it. It was a fun way to see two artists create the moment we would all experience together at the Grammys.”
Chapman, 59, and Combs, 33, teamed up during the Feb. 4 ceremony to perform Chapman's 1988 hit “Fast Car.” Combs' cover of the song, which served as the second single from his fourth studio album, Getting oldhas dominated the country music charts since hitting the airwaves in 2023. It has also received numerous accolades, including a nomination for Best Country Solo Performance at this year's Grammys.
Combs and Chapman ultimately decided to perform the original version of the song after talking for just 20 minutes before their first run-through. It required Combs to sing in a lower key, but according to Happy, the musician was not concerned about the changes.
Jerod Harris/Getty Images; Mickey Bernal/Getty Images The most anticipated performance of the 2024 Grammy Awards sees two icons come together to perform one of the biggest songs of the past 40 years: “Fast Car.” Tracy Chapman, who wrote the classic song, will join country superstar Luke Combs at the ceremony on Sunday, February 4 in […]
“All of this was done to celebrate the amazing woman, songwriter and artist that she is,” he said. “The whole opportunity for us to even be on a stage with Tracy Chapman, that's what it was all about.”
Their duet also marked the first time Chapman and Combs met in person – and Chapman's first awards ceremony in years.
“[Tracy and Luke] were supported by key figures behind the scenes, including David Kershenbaumwho produced Tracy's debut album – and together the collective experience and talent in that room created a unique and beautiful new version of this beloved song,” Chapman's friend and SVP of Nonesuch Records, Matthew Rankintold the outlet, calling it a “significant and emotional moment” for everyone involved.
“Ultimately, the execution speaks for itself,” Rankin continued. “Especially the interaction between Tracy and Luke and their expressions, which tell you everything you need to know about how they felt.”
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Rankin noted that everyone involved knew they were “working toward something special” in creating the moment, which ultimately became “everything” the musicians hoped for. “The subsequent response has been incredible and exceeded our expectations in many ways,” he added.
Following Combs and Chapman's captivating performance—which earned a standing ovation from the Grammy audience—the original version of “Fast Car” shot to No. 1 on iTunes' Top Song charts, earning Combs' own Grammy -nominated rendition of the song. song.
During its initial release, “Fast Car” peaked at number 6 on the US charts Billboard Hot 100. At the time, it was nominated for Record of the Year, Song of the Year and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance at the 1989 Grammys, winning the latter. Chapman's self-titled album was also nominated for Album of the Year. It ultimately lost to George Michael's To trustbut took home the best contemporary folk album.
Chapman said Billboard in July 2023 that she was happy to see Combs' version of “Fast Car” introduce the song to new listeners.
“I never expected to be on the country charts, but I'm honored to be there,” she said. “I'm happy for Luke and his success and grateful that new fans have found and embraced 'Fast Car'.”
Kevin Winter/Getty Images The 2024 Grammys were bigger than ever, with new categories and a star-studded lineup of top artists. Returning as host for the fourth year in a row, Trevor Noah took the stage at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Sunday, February 4. The nominations were announced in November 2023 and three new categories were introduced […]
Combs, meanwhile, told the newspaper he was happy that Chapman received a new wave of recognition from the cover. “The success of my cover is unreal and I think it's so cool that Tracy is being recognized and has achieved new milestones,” he said. “I love that she feels all the love there and she gave me a shout out! Thanks, Tracy!”
After making waves at the Grammys, Combs took to social media to express his gratitude to Chapman.
“I'll have more to say about last night when I've had a chance to process it,” he wrote via his Instagram Stories alongside a photo of the pair on stage. “All I can say now is: thank you Tracy and thank you @recordingacademy for letting me be part of a truly remarkable moment. I am very grateful. ''