HOW IS LUKE COMBS' FAITHFUL "FAST CAR" COVER CONTROVERSIAL?

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Luke Combs' smash hit "Fast Car," a cover of the 1988 Tracy Chapman pop hit, is being heralded as a huge step for its songwriter due to its groundbreaking peak at #1 on the country charts. The song, which is also a huge hit on the pop charts, was written by Chapman - a queer Black female, making it the first time a Black woman has ever solely written a #1 country hit. Add to the mix that she's openly gay, and it seems like it would be even less likely someone checking those particular boxes would have a huge country hit - but here we are. While many are heralding this as a landmark moment, there are those that aren't as happy about it. So how could kicking down these particular doors not be universally praised? 

In a Washington Post article, Emily Yahr wrote, "Although many are thrilled to see 'Fast Car' back in the spotlight and a new generation discovering Chapman’s work, it’s clouded by the fact that, as a Black queer woman, Chapman, 59, would have almost zero chance of that achievement herself in country music."

Yahr interviewed Holly G., founder of the Black country music organization Black Opry, who said, "On one hand, Luke Combs is an amazing artist, and it’s great to see that someone in country music is influenced by a Black queer woman - that’s really exciting. But at the same time, it’s hard to really lean into that excitement knowing that Tracy Chapman would not be celebrated in the industry without that kind of middleman being a white man."

As for Chapman's take on the matter, she's notoriously reclusive, but did tell Billboard magazine that she  "...never expected to find myself on the country charts, but I’m honored to be there. I’m happy for Luke and his success and grateful that new fans have found and embraced 'Fast Car.'" 

Source: Today