Tracy Chapman's 'Fast Car' Makes History At 2023 CMAs; Wins 'Song Of The Year' 35 Years Later
After 35 years, Tracy Chapman received another fitting recognition!
Chapman made history on Wednesday night by bagging the Song of the Year award for her 80s hit "Fast Car" at the 57th Country Music Association Awards at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. The song was released in April 1988 and won the award 35 years later, making her win even more impressive.
This makes Chapman the first Black songwriter to win Song of the Year in the CMAs 56-year history, Yahoo Entertainment noted.
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
"I'm sorry I couldn't join you all tonight. It's truly an honor for my song to be newly recognized after 35 years of its debut," Chapman, who wasn't able to attend the show, said in a prewritten speech.
The track made a comeback after Country Music superstar Luke Combs released his version of the track in July to fans' delight. It hit no. 1 on the Billboard Country Music chart and peaked at no. 2 on the Hot 100.
"Thank you to the CMAs and special thanks to Luke and all of the fans of 'Fast Car,'" added Chapman.
As for Combs, he won Single of the Year for the same song. Combs has won several CMA awards over the years, including Album of the Year for "What You See Is What You Get" in 2020 and Entertainer of the Year in 2022.
CONGRATULATIONS @lukecombs for winning #CMAawards Single of the Year for “Fast Car”! ⭐ This is his FIRST win in this category! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/X1EUobXmGg
— CMA Country Music (@CountryMusic) November 9, 2023
"Fast Car's" newfound popularity in 2023 isn't anything new to Chapman as the track was also nominated for several Grammy Awards in 1989, including Record of the Year and Song of the Year. Chapman also won a Grammy for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance in the same year.
