Tracy Chapman, renowned for her poignant storytelling, made history at the Country Music Awards (CMAs) on Wednesday. Her 1988 classic, “Fast Car,” was honored with Song of the Year, marking her as the first Black songwriter to ever receive this accolade.
Originally peaking at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100, “Fast Car” experienced a resurgence following Luke Combs’ recent cover, which soared to No. 2 on the chart and secured the Single of the Year at the CMAs. This renewed success, over three decades after its debut, speaks volumes about the song’s timeless appeal.
While Chapman was absent from the ceremony, her heartfelt written statement conveyed her gratitude, “It’s truly an honor for my song to be newly recognized after 35 years of its debut.”
Combs, in his speech, paid tribute to Chapman’s influence, calling “Fast Car” his “first favorite song” and crediting her for crafting “one of the best songs of all time.”
A Cleveland native, Chapman’s illustrious career spans hits like “Give Me One Reason” and “Crossroads,” with 13 Grammy nominations and four wins to her name. This latest CMA honor adds a new, historic chapter to her legacy.
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