Luke Combs is quickly earning a reputation as one of the nicest superstars in Nashville. Besides being a grounded, down-to-earth guy, Combs regularly interacts with fans off-stage and on social media, and his fan-centric attitude hasn’t gone unnoticed. It also doesn’t hurt that he seems like a regular, blue-collar man. The type of persona that country music fans can’t get enough of.
Recently, Combs once again proved why he is one of the most beloved artists in Music City. The “Whiskey Glasses” singer was in Foxborough, Massachusetts, performing at Gillette Stadium on July 22nd when he welcomed a special guest on stage.
Cooper Massengill, an 8-year-old boy from Georgia who has been battling cancer most of his young life, was welcomed onstage by Combs to sing his rendition of the classic Tracy Chapman hit from 1988, “Fast Car.” Thanks to the Make-A-Wish foundation, Massengill got his wish fulfilled, which was to meet Combs. He never dreamed he would be brought onstage to perform.
When the Make-A-Wish foundation learned of Cooper’s battle, they arranged to grant his wish, which was simply to see Combs in concert. As the family was traveling from Georgia to just outside of Boston, they knew they had VIP accommodations but weren’t prepared for what took place during the show.
Cooper, who is now cancer-free, got tickets and a meet-and-greet with his favorite star, but before Combs’ rendition of his biggest hit, “Fast Car,” Cooper was called onstage. As the crowd roared his name, he joined Combs and, side by side, proceeded to melt the hearts of every fan in attendance.
Cooper said after: “When I was walking up, everybody was shouting my name. It felt great. I went up there and just stole it.”
Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island CEO Sean Holleran said this: “Cooper’s wish was to meet Luke Combs. He had no idea that he was gonna go on stage. He had a secret wish within his wish, which was to sing ‘Fast Car’ with him. Luke Combs and his team made a lifetime memory for him.”
Cooper’s parents spoke out about the foundation and the incredible generosity shown by Luke Combs: “It was just great to see him get the wish that he wanted after going through everything. I was just amazed that he was able to get all this, that they could organize that for him. They really came through for him and made his wish come true.”
Combs’ version of the Chapman classic “Fast Car” has topped the chart for weeks and been lauded by fans and industry insiders for its authenticity and faithfulness to the original. Combs didn’t even change the language to make it gender-specific, considering Chapman is a female and Combs a male.
Tracy Chapman commented on the song: “I 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.’”
Cooper Massengill has recovered from cancer and hopefully will live a long, cancer-free life. However, his experiences have given him an insight and level of maturity not often seen in people his age. He summed it up: “I had gone through a lot of stuff. Everybody doesn’t get a wish, and be grateful for if you get a wish.”
Wise words from a wise young man. Kudos to Luke Combs for being one of the best men in the industry, and best wishes to Cooper Massengill and his family.
Featured image screen grab from embedded YouTube video
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