Tracy Chapman becomes first Black woman to win a CMA Award, for Luke Combs 'Fast Car' cover
Singer Tracy Chapman on Wednesday evening became the first Black woman to win a Country Music Association award, 35 years after she debuted her signature hit "Fast Car," the CMA confirmed.
Country star Luke Combs' cover of "Fast Car' won a CMA Award for Song of the Year at the 57th CMAs. The award goes to the writer of the winning song, though Combs also brought home a trophy for the song, which also won Single of the Year -- an award that goes to the performer.
Combs' country-fied reimagining of the song, which he released on his 2023 album "Gettin' Old," hit number one on Billboard's country airplay chart.
Though Chapman could not be at the CMA Awards to accept the honor, she wrote a note. "I'm sorry I couldn't join you all tonight. It is 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."
And your #CMAawards Song of the Year goes to “Fast Car” written by @tchapmanonline, 35 years after it was originally released! ?? Congratulations! ?? pic.twitter.com/trukd9fiwm
— CMA Country Music (@CountryMusic) November 9, 2023
With iconic lyrics that both Chapman and Combs have sang, "Fast Car" has taken on a new life. In his country grit, Combs sings, "You got a fast car / Is it fast enough so you can fly away? / You gotta make a decision / Leave tonight or live and die this way."
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: CMA 2023: Luke Combs' cover of Tracy Chapman's 'Fast Car' wins award
