Entertainment

Tracy Chapman’s Fast Car Wins At CMA 4 Decades After Its Debut

Tracy Chapman’s fast car win makes her the first Black songwriter to win at the CMAs.

Published November 9, 2023

Tracy Chapman’s timeless song Fast Car has made waves at the Country Music Association (CMA) Awards in Nashville, taking home the prestigious titles of both song and single of the year. The spotlight shone on a cover version by Luke Combs, catapulting this 35-year-old masterpiece back into the limelight. Luke Combs’ rendition of “Fast Car” not only resonated with fans but also achieved remarkable chart success, reaching number two in the US and number 30 in the UK during the summer.

Tracy Chapman, the songwriter behind “Fast Car,” became the first black songwriter to clinch the coveted Song of the Year accolade at the esteemed CMA Awards.

Tracy Chapman's Fast Car Wins At CMA 4 Decades After Its Debut — Getty Images

This achievement not only celebrates Chapman’s exceptional talent but also represents a significant breakthrough in diversifying and acknowledging the contributions of artists from all backgrounds in the country’s music industry. While Chapman was not in attendance at the awards ceremony, her absence did not diminish the profound impact of her win. Expressing her gratitude, the esteemed songwriter described the accolade as “truly an honor,” highlighting the significance of this historic moment in her illustrious career.

As Combs reportedly accepted the Single of the Year trophy, he graciously acknowledged Chapman’s unparalleled artistry, acknowledging her as the mastermind behind “one of the best songs of all time.” Originally released in 1988 as the lead single from Chapman’s self-titled debut album, “Fast Car” won audiences with its haunting folk-rock melody and poignant lyrics. The song’s evocative narrative, depicting the struggle to break free from poverty, struck a chord with listeners worldwide.

Chapman’s moving performance of “Fast Car” at Nelson Mandela’s 70th Birthday Concert at Wembley Stadium propelled the song to new heights, cementing its status as a timeless classic. Over the years, the song has been reimagined by a diverse array of artists, from Black Pumas to Justin Bieber. Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car” unexpectedly found a home on US country radio through Combs’ heartfelt cover, defying traditional genre boundaries and resonating with a new generation of music enthusiasts.

Chapman expressed her surprise and gratitude at this unexpected foray into country music, emphasizing her delight in witnessing the song’s enduring resonance with audiences across different genres. The profound impact of Combs’ cover is poised to receive further acclaim, with predictions of a Grammy nomination for Record of the Year. This remarkable achievement serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of “Fast Car” and its ability to transcend time, resonating with audiences across generations and musical genres.

In the midst of the CMA Awards’ celebrations, Lainey Wilson emerged as a standout winner, clinching five awards, including the coveted Entertainer of the Year accolade. Her impassioned declaration that “country music is starting to love me back” encapsulated the theme of triumph and recognition that reverberated throughout the event, underscoring the transformative power of music in artists’ lives. As the CMA Awards unfolded, a poignant collaboration between Tracy Chapman and country star Luke Combs took center stage, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of country music.

FAQs

What made Tracy Chapman’s win at the CMA Awards historic?

Tracy Chapman’s win at the CMA Awards was historic, as she became the first black songwriter to clinch the coveted song of the year accolade in the ceremony’s 57-year history.

What was the impact of Luke Combs’ cover of “Fast Car” at the CMA Awards?

Luke Combs’ cover of “Fast Car” not only paid tribute to Chapman’s original masterpiece but also led to a resurgence of interest in the iconic song, achieving remarkable chart success and paving the way for a historic moment in the CMA Awards’ history.

How did Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car” transcend genre boundaries?

Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car” unexpectedly found a home on US country radio through Luke Combs’ cover, defying traditional genre boundaries and resonating with a new generation of music enthusiasts, underscoring the enduring resonance of the song across different genres.