Tracy Chapman's 'Fast Car' Scoops CMA Award 35 Years After Debut

Tracy Chapman’s iconic 1988 hit ‘Fast Car’ has clinched the Song of the Year title at the Country Music Awards (CMA).

Chapman wasn’t physically present at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena for the Wednesday event, CNN reported. However, country star Sarah Evans, who also served as the category’s presenter, conveyed a message from Chapman after declaring her the winner.

The message 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 (Combs) and to all of the fans of ‘Fast Car,'” as relayed by Evans.

The accolade is notable considering ‘Fast Car’ first came out 35 years ago and regained popularity this July when country star Luke Combs covered the hit single.

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The cover version topped the Country Airplay chart, making Tracy Chapman the first Black female artist to achieve this feat since the chart’s inception in 1990. Chapman, the sole writer of ‘Fast Car’, also hit No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Songwriters chart courtesy of Combs’ cover.

Combs himself bagged a CMA Award on Wednesday for his ‘Fast Car’ cover in the Single of the Year category.

Chapman’s ‘Fast Car’, the debut single from her self-titled album, had previously won her a Grammy in 1989 for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.

The CMAs were aired on ABC on Wednesday, hosted by country singer Luke Bryan and former footballer Peyton Manning.

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Image Via Flickr