Tracy Chapman stood on the Grammy’s stage exuding a humble, peaceful joy as she began strumming the intro to her 1988 hit “Fast Car.” After she sang the first verse, country star Luke Combs beamed as he joined in, duetting with one of his idols.
The two performers, representing different genres and generations of music, sang a hearty version of Chapman’s song at the 66th Grammy ceremony . Both Chapman and Combs took to the stage clad in black, standing in place in front of a backlit wall of spotlights that almost, appropriately, resembled car lights.
As the two sang, Chapman’s voice held the same crisp, warm feeling it had in ’88, while Combs’ signature grit and strength carried its own weight. The duo took turns singing verses, bringing their voices together on the chorus as Chapman played the acoustic guitar.
The whole crowd was sang along to the chorus’ iconic words: “You got a fast car / Is it fast enough so you can fly away? / You gotta make a decision / Leave tonight or live and die this way.” The camera even panned to Taylor Swift singing along to the chorus.