Iconic singer-songwriter Tracy Chapman is set to join forces with country music star, Luke Combs, for a special performance at this year’s Grammy Awards. They will be performing a duet of Chapman’s timeless hit, “Fast Car.” The Grammy Awards ceremony, confirmed by Rolling Stone, is scheduled for Sunday.
Chapman’s 1988 classic has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity following Combs’ cover version, which topped charts over the past year. The song was awarded “Song of the Year” at the 57th annual Country Music Awards in November, making San Francisco resident Chapman the first Black songwriter to receive this esteemed award.
In a significant milestone last July, Chapman became the first Black woman to have sole songwriting credit on a No. 1 country chart hit, courtesy of Combs’ rendition of “Fast Car.”
Combs’ cover, featured on his album “Gettin’ Old,” not only secured the top spot on Billboard’s country airplay chart but also rose to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 during the summer. This achievement exceeded the No. 6 position that Chapman’s original version reached over thirty years ago.
At the CMAs, Combs expressed his deep admiration for Chapman’s song during his acceptance speech, saying, “I just recorded it because I love this song so much. It’s meant so much to me throughout my entire life.”
Chapman’s participation in the Grammy performance is particularly noteworthy as she has made only three television appearances since 2009.
Earlier this week, the Grammy’s added Joni Mitchell and SZA to its performer lineup. Mitchell will be making her debut performance at the ceremony, despite a career that boasts nine Grammy wins, her first nomination dating back to 1970, and a lifetime achievement honor from the Recording Academy in 2002.
The Grammy’s star-studded lineup also includes performances by Dua Lipa, Billie Eilish, Burna Boy, Olivia Rodrigo, Travis Scott, and Billy Joel, who is returning after a hiatus of more than two decades. U2 will be performing live from its Sphere residency in Las Vegas.
The 66th Grammy Awards will air live at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 4, on CBS and Paramount+ from the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
