Tracy Chapman’s classic hit “Fast Car,” which originally debuted in 1988, received the Song of the Year award at the Country Music Awards held on Wednesday. Despite Chapman’s absence during the event at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, country star Sarah Evans, the presenter for the category, shared a message from Chapman following her victory.
In the statement read by Evans on Chapman’s behalf, Chapman expressed her gratitude and honor at the song being recognized anew after 35 years since its original release. She thanked the CMAs, country star Luke Combs, and all the fans of “Fast Car” for their support and recognition.
The win at the CMAs is a significant achievement for “Fast Car,” given its debut over three decades ago. The song experienced a revival in July after country artist Luke Combs released a cover, which later secured the top spot on the Country Airplay chart. This achievement made Chapman the first Black woman to top the chart since its inception in 1990.
Chapman, the sole writer of “Fast Car,” not only celebrated the success of the song but also reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Songwriters chart due to the popularity of the Combs cover. Reflecting on this unexpected journey onto the country charts, Chapman expressed her gratitude for the recognition and the embrace of “Fast Car” by new fans.
Additionally, Luke Combs was honored with a CMA Award for his cover of “Fast Car” in the Single of the Year category at the same event.
Originally the lead single from Chapman’s self-titled debut album, “Fast Car” garnered her a Grammy in 1989 for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, along with nominations for Record and Song of the Year. That same year, she won awards for Best New Artist and Best Contemporary Folk Album.
The CMAs, hosted by country singer Luke Bryan and former football player Peyton Manning, aired on ABC on Wednesday.
