Tracy Chapman is officially a CMA Award winner.
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The 59-year-old was awarded during Wednesday night’s 57th Annual CMA Awards with the Song of the Year award for her 1988 classic, “Fast Car,” which she is the sole writer on.
The song was covered by Country giant, Luke Combs for his album, Gettin’ Old and released to Country radio as a single.
While Chapman was not present to accept her award, a pre-written statement from her was read by presenter, Sara Evans after the big win. “I’m sorry I couldn’t join you all tonight,” Evans read. “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.’”
Just ahead of the Song of the Year win, Combs was awarded Single of The Year for his cover and shared a special shout out to Chapman during his acceptance speech.
“First of all, I want to thank Tracy Chapman for writing the best song of all time,” he said. “I just recorded it because I love this song so much, it’s meant so much to me throughout my entire life. It’s the first favorite song that I ever had, since I was four years old.”
Chapman's Song of the Year win marks the first time in CMA history a Black female songwriter has received the award.
A CMA isn’t the only big win for Chapman with Combs’ cover of the song. She also made history as one of a small group of Black women with writing credits on a number 1 Country single.
See a complete list of all the winners at the 57th Annual CMA Awards and Audacy’s behind-the-scenes interviews at audacy.com/cma.