Musician Tracy Chapman made history at Wednesday’s Country Music Awards with her 1988 hit “Fast Car,” taking home the award for song of the year.
Musician Tracy Chapman was not present during the event’s broadcast at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.
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However, although she was not present at the ceremony, the country star and country stars and category presenters announced her victory and later read a message on behalf of Tracy Chapman.
On behalf of Tracy Chapman, Evans said, “I’m sorry I can’t join you tonight. It’s a real honor for my music to be getting new recognition 35 years after its debut. What a great thank you to CMA and Luke (Combs) and ‘Fast Car.’ ‘ Special thanks and gratitude to all its fans.”
The CMA win is a remarkable achievement since “Fast Car” debuted 35 years ago and saw a resurgence in popularity in July after Tracy Chapman released a cover of the Luke Combs hit single.
Tracy Chapman’s cover of Combs reached number one on the country airplay chart, making Champion the first black woman to top the chart since its inception in 1990.
Tracy Chapman was the sole author of “Fast Car” which reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Songwriters list.
Tracy Chapman told Billboard in a statement at the time, “I never thought I’d find myself on the country charts, but I’m honored to be there.”
He added: “I’m happy and grateful for Luke and his success that new fans are more than grateful to find Fast Card.”
Combs won a CMA Award on Wednesday in the single of the year category for her cover of “Fast Car.”
Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car” was the first single from her self-titled debut album and won her the 1989 Grammys for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance as well as Record and Song of the Year.
Tracy Chapman also won awards that year for Best New Artist and Best Contemporary Folk Album.