Singer-songwriter Tracy Chapman took home the Song of the Year award at the 57th Annual Country Music Association Awards Wednesday night for her 1988 song “Fast Car.”
A 2023 cover by country star Luke Combs rocketed Ms. Chapman up the country charts, ultimately netting her a CMA award.
The CMA Song of the Year award goes to the songwriter, rather than the singer, and Ms. Chapman became the first Black person to win the award, man or woman, according to Rolling Stone. She is also the first Black woman to win any CMA award, the CMA confirmed to Nashville newspaper the Tennessean.
Mr. Combs won Single of the Year for his cover.
“I want to thank Tracy Chapman for writing one of the greatest songs of all time. It’s the first favorite song I ever had,” Mr. Combs said as he accepted his award, according to the Associated Press.
Ms. Chapman, who did not attend the awards ceremony, said in a statement released by the CMA that “It’s truly an honor for my song to be newly recognized after 35 years of its debut.”
Ms. Chapman is the first Black woman to have sole writing credit on a song that hit No. 1 on the Country Airplay chart. She also hit No. 1 on the Country Songwriters chart, according to Billboard.
“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,’” Ms. Chapman told Billboard in July.
Wednesday was not the first time, however, that her song had won Ms. Chapman industry acclaim. In 1989, Ms. Chapman won a Grammy for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for the original “Fast Car.”
• Brad Matthews can be reached at bmatthews@washingtontimes.com.
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