In a historic move, Tracy Chapman’s 1988 track ‘Fast Car’ has been awarded Song and Single of the Year at the Country Music Association Awards. Despite the fact the song was first released 35 years ago, the CMA acknowledged and honoured it after a cover version by Luke Combs reached No. 2 in the US and No. 30 in the UK this summer. The award makes Chapman the first Black songwriter to ever win the Song of the Year accolade in the event’s 57-year long history.
As BBC reports, Tracy Chapman said she felt it was “truly an honour” to be recognised by the Country Music Association. Combs also respected her as a songwriter, saying that the song is one of the best hits of all time. “I just recorded it because I loved the song,” he revealed, adding that Fast Car was the first favourite song he ever had as a child, a tender 4-year-old boy.
Tracy Chapman is no stranger to winning awards for ‘Fast Car’ – in 1989 she won three Grammy awards including Song of the Year. It is now expected that Combs’ interpretation of Fast Car will go on to be recognised by the Grammys and gain a nomination as Record of the Year.
Listen to the original ‘Fast Car’ track below to remember why it was such an impactful and timeless song that will continue to win accolades and fans for years to come.
Mixmag’s Multimedia Editor, Becky Buckle delivered this new report. Follow her on Twitter
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