Chris Cornell’s “Fast Car” cover appears on the late singer’s birthday

For Chris Cornell’s 60th birthday, his fans were given a surprise – an excerpt from a cover of Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car” by the late frontman of Soundgarden and Audioslave.

In a tribute clip for the occasion, Cornell’s widow Vicky shared a previously unreleased clip of Cornell’s cover of the Chapman classic on July 20.

The rocker died in 2017 at the age of 52 in Detroit after a Soundgarden show.

“Chris would have turned 60 today. Although everyone who loved him is sad that he is no longer here, it is all of you, the fans who made him, whose love keeps his legacy alive. I am so grateful to all of you for that,” Vicky wrote alongside the video.

“While I remember him best as the wonderful husband, father and human being he was, I want to celebrate his entire life and all he gave to us. On his 60th birthday, we can all celebrate his genius as an artist who redefined music, but also as the incredible man who touched and changed lives.”

She added: “He is an icon and he gave so much to all of us – his unique voice, his poetry, his creativity. His life was a gift to so many. And as you can hear, there is more to come!!! I am sharing this to thank you all for your love and support and to celebrate together.”

The timing couldn’t be better. “Fast Car” is currently experiencing a major comeback, with country star Luke Combs’ version landing at number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2023. Combs and Chapman even teamed up for an unforgettable duet at the 2024 Grammys, introducing the song to another generation.

Now, Cornell’s rendition adds a new dimension to the song’s legacy, reminding him of his ability to push musical boundaries, much like his earlier cover of Prince’s “Nothing Compares 2 U.”

The unreleased title appears to be part of a larger collection of unreleased material.

In 2021, Cornell’s estate released No One Sings Like You Anymore: Volume One, a covers album he recorded in 2016. At the time, Vicky hinted that there was more to come. Her recent Instagram post, declaring “there’s more to come!!!”, has fans speculating about what might be in store for her.

From Soundgarden’s 1994 chart hit “Superunknown” to his Bond song “You Know My Name,” Cornell’s career has been marked by versatility, and this unearthed “Fast Car” cover, even in its brevity, is a reminder of his talent for reinterpreting familiar tunes in his unique style.

On the occasion of Cornell’s 60th anniversary, this musical excerpt leaves fans curious for more.

Will a full version be released? Are there more cover versions waiting to be heard? For now, we are left with this small but powerful reminder of Cornell’s enduring influence.

Check out the clip in the video below.