CHATTER AWAY: Overnight Open Thread

Billboard Magazine reports:

Count Tracy Chapman as just as surprised as everyone else that her 1988 classic, “Fast Car,” has not only found a new life 35 years later, but that it has become a country chart-topper. Luke Combs’ faithful version is No. 1 on this week’s Billboard’s Country Airplay chart (dated July 8.)

“I never expected to find myself on the country charts, but I’m honored to be there,” Chapman tells Billboard in an exclusive statement. “I’m happy for Luke and his success and grateful that new fans have found and embraced ‘Fast Car.’”

Not only has Chapman’s song reached No. 1 on Country Airplay, she is the first Black woman as a song’s sole writer to top the chart since its debut in 1990. Combs’ version has generated at least $500,000 in global publishing royalties, Billboard estimates, with the bulk going to Chapman who owns both the writers’ and publisher’s share of the song.

Read the full article.