11/22/2023
Tracy Chapman becomes the first Black songwriter to win the CMA Song of the Year award. 🚗💨
Tracy Chapman has made history, becoming the first Black songwriter to win the 'Song of the Year' award in the CMA's 57-year history. 🎸💪
The classic 'Fast Car' from 1988 re-emerged in pop culture when country singer Luke Combs' cover reached number one on Billboard’s Country Airplay. Luke was known to perform his cover on stage, before releasing an official recorded version on his album 'Gettin' Old.'
When the song topped the charts, it also made Tracy the first-ever Black woman to have the sole songwriting credit on a Number One country hit.
Shortly after Luke won single of the year, Tracy, who is the song's only writer won the song of the year award. The singer of 'Love You Anyway' took a moment during his acceptance speech to thank Tracy. 🙏
"First and foremost, I want to thank Tracy Chapman for writing one of the best songs of all time," he says. "It’s the first favorite song I ever had."
Tracy was not in attendance but sent a statement which was read on stage. “I’m sorry I couldn’t join you all tonight,” Tracy says. “It’s 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.’” 🥹❤️
(📷 Getty/Carlos Alvarez, Getty/Jason Davis, Getty/NBC, Getty/ullstein bild)