Tracy Chapman wins Country Music Association Song of the Year honors for 35-year-old tune ‘Fast Car’

Singer-songwriter Tracy Chapman took house the Song of the Year award on the 57th Annual Country Music Association Awards Wednesday night time for her 1988 tune “Fast Car.”

A 2023 cowl by nation star Luke Combs rocketed Ms. Chapman up the nation charts, finally netting her a CMA award. 

The CMA Song of the Year award goes to the songwriter, somewhat than the singer, and Ms. Chapman turned the primary Black particular person to win the award, man or girl, in accordance with Rolling Stone. She can be the primary Black girl to win any CMA award, the CMA confirmed to Nashville newspaper the Tennessean.

Mr. Combs gained Single of the Year for his cowl.

“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 mentioned as he accepted his award, in accordance with the Associated Press.

Ms. Chapman, who didn’t attend the awards ceremony, mentioned in an announcement launched 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 primary Black girl to have sole writing credit score on a tune that hit No. 1 on the Country Airplay chart. She additionally hit No. 1 on the Country Songwriters chart, in accordance with 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 informed Billboard in July.