Tracy Chapman has become the first black songwriter to win Song of the Year at the 2023 CMA Awards.
The 59-year-old star’s 1988 classic ‘Fast Car’ made history at the country music ceremony on Wednesday night (23Nov12). It won both Song and Single of the Year.
Thanks to a cover by country superstar Luke Combs, the song shot to the top of the country charts some 35 years after its release.
At Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, Tracy said in a statement read on her behalf: “I’m sorry I couldn’t be with you all tonight.
“It is truly an honor for my song to be recognized again 35 years after its debut. Thank you to the CMAs and a special thank you to Luke and all the fans of ‘Fast Car.
Luke, 33, said of winning Single of the Year with the cover: “First of all, I want to thank Tracy Chapman for writing one of the best songs ever.
“I only recorded it because I loved the song. It’s the first favorite song I ever had, when I was four years old.”
Elsewhere, Lainey Wilson went on to dominate the Night, winning five.
As well as taking home the night’s biggest prize, entertainer of the year, the ‘Yellowstone’ star, 31, picked up album of the year for ‘Bell Bottom Country’, female vocalist of the year and music video and musical event of the year for the promo for ‘Wait in the Truck’ with HARDY.
As for the night’s performances, Jelly Roll, 38, brought out Wynonna Judd, 59, to duet on his hit “Need A Favor.
Post Malone, 28, Morgan Warren, 30, and Hardy, 33, paid tribute to the late country icon Joe Duffy by performing his 1994 hit “Pickup Man”.
Dan+Shay, Kelsea Ballerini, Kenny Chesney, Zac Brown Band and more performed as well.
