American singer and songwriter Tracy Chapman made music history at the recent Country Music Awards (CMA) after becoming the first black woman to win Song Of Year for her 1988 hit “Fast Car”.
Chapman’s win came via a cover of her 80’s classic by country star, Luke Combs.
Chapman who was unable to attend the ceremony in Nashville, expressed being overwhelmed with gratitude for her song’s renewed recognition 35 years onward.
“I’m sorry I couldn’t join you all tonight. It’s truly an honour for my song to be newly recognized after 35 years of its debut. Wow. Thank you to the CMAs and a special thanks to Luke (Combs) and to all of the fans of ‘Fast Car’,” Chapman’s message read.
The CMA win was the second bit of history for the 4-time Grammy winner after the Combs remake climbed to the summit of the Country Airplay chart, which made Chapman the first Black woman to top the chart since it was created in 1990.
The Grammy winner, who’s the sole writer of “Fast Car,” also reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Songwriters chart, thanks to the Combs remake, CNN reports.
“I never expected to find myself on the country charts, but I’m honoured to be there,” Chapman commented in an interview with Billboard.
“I’m happy for Luke and his success and grateful that new fans have found and embraced ‘Fast Car.’”
Chapman also earned Platinum plaques in 2017 after A-List House music producer Jonas Blue remixed her song into a House/EDM classic.
“Fast Car” was the first single of Chapman’s self-titled debut album which won the 1989 Grammy for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance as well as Record and Song of the Year nominations.
