Tracy Chapman becomes the first Black person to win Song of the Year at the CMAs

Singer songwriter Tracy Chapman has made history after becoming the first Black person to win Song of the Year at the 2023 Country Music Awards (CMAs).

Tracy Chapman makes history, received the CMA for the 1988 folk anthem “Fast Car”.

“Fast Car” peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart following its release more than 30 years ago. The song was nominated for three Grammys when it first came out, and Chapman won Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.

But the song took off again after Luke Combs released a cover of the song in April and won Single of the Year at the CMAs.

Chapman didn’t attend this year’s awards ceremony but released a statement:

“I’m sorry I couldn’t join you all tonight,” she said. “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.'”