Tracy Chapman Is the First Black Artist to Win Song of the Year at the CMAs

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Thirty-five years after Tracy Chapman’s iconic track was first released, the singer-songwriter became the first Black artist to win Song of the Year at this year’s Country Music Awards on Wednesday night. Meanwhile, country music star Luke Combs won the CMA for Single of the Year for his recent cover of “Fast Car.”

In March of 2023, Combs released his version of “Fast Car” on his album “Gettin’ Old.” While we’re partial to the OG version, his rendition also proved to be popular throughout the year, topping Billboard’s “Hot Country Songs” chart in September and peaking at the second spot on the “Hot 100” chart. The cover brought Chapman’s original version back onto the charts, making the song eligible for a Song of the Year nomination.

Chapman’s CMA Song of the Year win makes her the first Black songwriter of any gender to win the prestigious prize. This milestone feels even more poignant given the legacy of “Fast Car” as an iconic working-class and lesbian anthem. Although Chapman wasn’t present at the CMAs, Song of the Year presenter Sara Evans read a prepared statement from the musician.

“There is this genuineness and pure authenticity in folk music.”

“I’m sorry I couldn’t join you all tonight,” Chapman 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.’”

Combs took home the CMA for Single of the Year for his version of the classic folk ballad, expressing his gratitude to Chapman in his acceptance speech.

“First and foremost, I wanna thank Tracy Chapman for writing one of the best songs of all time,” he said. “I just recorded it because I love the song so much. It’s just 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.”

Of course, this isn’t the first time that “Fast Car” has received accolades. The original song peaked at No. 6 on the “Billboard Hot 100” chart following its release in 1988. Chapman went on to receive three Grammy nominations for the song, winning for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.

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Originally Appeared on them.