Tracy Chapman.Photo:Tim Mosenfelder/ImageDirect
Tim Mosenfelder/ImageDirect
Tracy Chapmanis officially aCMA Awardwinner!
The singer-songwriter, 59, wasawardedthe coveted song of the year prize at the 57th annual CMA Awards for writing the 1988 classic “Fast Car,” which saw new life this year thanks a popularLuke Combscover.
“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 wrote in the statement. “Thank you to the CMAs and a special thanks to Luke and all of the fans of ‘Fast Car.’”
The win makes Chapman the first Black artist to ever take home song of the year at the CMAs, according toRolling Stone.
The Country Music Association didn’t just recognize “Fast Car” in the song of the year category. Combs, 33, as well as his collaborators Chip Matthews and Jonathan Singleton, also won single of the year.
Check out PEOPLE’s full CMA Awards coverage to get the latest news on country music’s biggest night.
Single of the year was awarded earlier in the broadcast, and Combs took a moment during his acceptance speech to show his love and appreciation for Chapman.
Nicole Hocking and Luke Combs at the 2023 CMA Awards.Jason Kempin/Getty
Jason Kempin/Getty
“First and foremost, I want to thank Tracy Chapman for writing one of the best songs of all time,” the country music star said of the classic off the singer’s 1988 self-titled debut album.
“I never intended — I just recorded it because I love this song so much, it’s meant so much to me throughout my entire life,” he continued. “It’s the first favorite song that I ever had, since I was 4 years old.”
The Grammy-nominated artist then went on to thank his family and pass the mic over to his collaborators.
The “Beautiful Crazy” singer released his version of “Fast Car” on his fourth studio albumGettin’ Old, which was released in March. The song became a streaming and radio success, eventually peaking at No. 1 on theBillboard Hot Countrysongs chart and No. 2 on theBillboard Hot 100.
Amid the song’s newfound success, Chapman shared a statement withBillboardabout her hit’s second lifeback in July. “I never expected to find myself on the country charts, but I’m honored to be there,” she said. “I’m happy for Luke and his success and grateful that new fans have found and embraced ‘Fast Car.'”
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"That’s the gift of a supernatural songwriter. The success of my cover is unreal and I think it’s so cool that Tracy is getting recognized and has reached new milestones,” Combs continued. “I love that she is out there feeling all the love and that she gave me a shout-out! Thank you, Tracy!”
source: people.com
