Tracy Chapman wins CMA Award for Fast Car 30 years after release

Tracy Chapman's song "Fast Car" wins song of the year at the 2023 CMA Awards, making history in country music.

Singer Tracy Chapman's iconic song "Fast Car" has been awarded the prestigious song of the year at the 2023 CMA Awards, over 30 years after its original release. This summer, country singer Luke Combs' cover of the song brought it back into the spotlight, making history by becoming the first song written by a Black woman to top Billboard's Country Airplay chart since its inception in 1990.

The significance of this milestone doesn't end there, as Chapman also made history by becoming the first Black songwriter to win a CMA Award for song of the year, as reported by Rolling Stone. Although Chapman was not present at the award show in Nashville, a statement from the singer-songwriter was read by presenter Sara Evans, expressing her gratitude for the recognition of her song after 35 years.

Combs' cover of "Fast Car" also received accolades at the CMA Awards, as he won single of the year. In his acceptance speech, Combs expressed his admiration for Chapman and her timeless song, acknowledging it as the first favorite song he ever had at 4 years old.

Chapman, who wrote and recorded "Fast Car" in 1988, expressed her surprise and gratitude for the song's resurgence on the country charts, 35 years after its original release. Her reclusive nature adds to the shock of the song's resurgence, as Combs did not have direct contact with her before or after releasing his cover.

Despite Combs' success with "Fast Car," he is not the first artist to be drawn to the song. Other notable artists such as Khalid, Black Pumas, Justin Bieber, and Sam Smith have either recorded a cover or performed the song live.

"Fast Car" was the lead single from Chapman's debut album, which achieved critical acclaim and won her three Grammys at the 31st annual Grammy Awards in 1989. Over the past 35 years, Chapman has released eight albums, with her most recent album, "Our Bright Future," released in 2008. The enduring popularity and impact of "Fast Car" continue to solidify Tracy Chapman's legacy as a pioneering artist in the music industry.

Share With Others