Tracy Chapman became the first Black songwriter to win Song of the Year at the Country Music Awards with her folk anthem “Fast Car” from 1988.
Luke Combs’ cover of the song, which peaked at No. 2 and won Single of the Year at the CMAs in April, greatly increased the song’s initial popularity, which had peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Chapman sent a written statement despite not being present at the ceremony.
“I’m sorry I couldn’t join you all tonight,” she said. “It’s truly an honor for my song to be newly recognized after 35 years of its debut. Thank you to the CMAs and a special thanks to Luke and all of the fans of ‘Fast Car.'”
In his acceptance speech for Single of the Year, Combs referred to “Fast Car” as his “first favorite song.”
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“First and foremost, I want to thank Tracy Chapman for writing one of the best songs of all time,” he said. “Never intended for that – I just recorded it because I love this song so much. It’s meant so much to me throughout my entire life. It’s the first favorite song I ever had from the time I was four years old.”
Cleveland native Chapman, known for hits like “Give Me One Reason,” “Baby Can I Hold You,” and “Crossroads,” has earned 13 Grammy nominations and won four.
