Well I guess that’s one way to make history…
At tonight’s CMA Awards, Tracy Chapman became the first black woman in history to take home a CMA trophy after her song “Fast Car,” which was covered by Luke Combs on his 2023 album Gettin’ Old.
The song has obviously become a massive hit for Luke, and became his 16th #1 hit at country radio while peaking at #2 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 chart.
But it also drew backlash after peaking higher than Tracy’s original version on the charts, with many (mostly chronically online-types) upset that a white man was having more success with a black woman’s song than the original artist had.
Tracy has stayed relatively silent amidst the song’s success, but did release a statement earlier this year when she became the first black female to top the country charts as a solo songwriter:
“I never expected to find myself on the country charts, but I’m honored to be there.
I’m happy for Luke and his success and grateful that new fans have found and embraced ‘Fast Car.’”
And while she wasn’t at the CMA Awards to accept the trophy, Tracy did provide a statement thanking Luke for bringing new light to her song:
“I’m sorry I couldn’t join you all tonight. 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 to all of the fans of ‘Fast Car.'”
The song was nominated alongside “Heart Like A Truck” by Lainey Wilson, “Next Thing You Know” by Jordan Davis (not sure how that one got in there), “Tennessee Orange” by Megan Moroney and “wait in the truck” by HARDY and Lainey Wilson.
Earlier in the show, Luke also took home the award for Single of the Year for his version of Tracy Chapman’s hit song.
