WATCH: Tracy Chapman's 'Fast Car' peaks on iTunes after rare performance of 1988 hit at Grammys
After more than 30 years, Chapman is reaching new audiences.
Clarence Ford speaks to Barbara Friedman about trending online news including Tracy Chapman's chart-topper and comeback after decades of silence. Skip to 2:45 for this one.
Friedman reports that Tracy Chapman's single 'Fast Car' and debut album reached number one on the iTunes charts after a rare performance of the 1988 song with country artist Luke Combs at the 2024 Grammys.
Yes, after more than 30 years Chapman is reaching new audiences - proving that music is timeless. Friedman appreciates that music has the ability to be "reawakened" for old and new audiences with online streaming platforms.
"I love that there's a whole reawakening of this music and I do love that this is something that can happen now on streaming platforms."
Barbara Friedman, CapeTalk Correspondent
Back then, Chapman also made waves after appearing at the Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute in June 1988, then the song peaked at number six on the Billboard Hot 100 and enjoyed charting success in the United Kingdom. At the 1989 Grammys, it was nominated for Record of the Year and Song of the Year and won Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.
Last year at the Grammys, Chapman was also honoured with the Song of the Year Award, 35 years after its release, becoming the first black person to win the award, making Grammy history.
This year, the musician did a rare performance of her song with country artist Luke Combs at the Grammys - which is a big deal as Chapman usually avoids the spotlight and is rarely seen in public - watch the performance below.
'Fast Car' has been praised for its lyrics and storytelling; it focuses on a couple who seek to create a better life for themselves. After they move to a new place, problems in their relationship persist, and it eventually reaches a breaking point. The fast car in the song represents the idea of escape, hope and change.
Friedman reminisces on how "incredible" Chapman's launch of the song was live in concert... #nostalgicmoment.
"In the late 80s when her album was released, I loved it so much, I had the tape and I actually went to that concert called Human Rights Now!... and it was incredible."
Barbara Friedman, CapeTalk Correspondent
In previous interviews, Chapman revealed that 'Fast Car' was "never intended to reach the success it did" and look now... the hit (still 35 years later) is clearly destined for success... throughout the ages.