Tracy Chapman Becomes First Black Woman To Top Billboard’s Country Airplay Chart As Sole Writer

Singer-songwriter Tracy Chapman has become the first Black woman in history to reach the No. 1 spot on Billboard‘s Country Airplay chart as sole writer.

Chapman made history after Luke Combs‘ version of her 1988 song “Fast Car” reached No. 1 on the chart dated July 8.

The song also became the first remake of a pop hit to reach No. 1 on the chart in 15 years, since Blake Shelton topped Country Airplay with his version of Michael Bublé‘s “Home.”

Last month, Chapman topped the Country Songwriters chart for the first time in her career, thanks to the cover.

“Fast Car” was originally released on April 6, 1988, as the lead single from Chapman’s 1988 self-titled debut studio album. Combs released the cover version of the song on his 2023 album Gettin’ Old.