Tracy Chapman makes history as first Black recipient of top CMA Awards songwriter prize

Tracy Chapman has become the first Black songwriter to win Song of the Year at the 2023 CMA Awards.

The 59-year-old star's 1988 classic 'Fast Car' won both Song and Single of the Year at the country music ceremony last night and made history.

The song jumped to the top of the country charts, some 35 years after its release, thanks to a cover by country superstar Luke Combs.

In a statement read out on her behalf at Nashville's Bridgestone Arena, Tracy said: “I’m sorry I couldn’t join you all tonight.

“It’s truly an honour for my song to be newly recognised after 35 years of its debut. Thank you to the CMAs and a special thanks to Luke and all of the fans of ‘Fast Car.’”

On winning Single of the Year with the cover, Luke, 33, said: “First and foremost, I want to thank Tracy Chapman for writing one of the best songs of all time.

“I just recorded it because I loved the song. It’s the first favourite song that I ever had, at four years old.”

One of our own country music stars also won big at the CMAs. Kiwi artist Kaylee Bell, known for her single, Keith which was inspired by Keith Urban and recently hit number 12 on the Billboard Chart for digital sales, was surprised on the red carpet and presented with the Jeff Walker Global Country Artist award.

Revealing that she was “lost for words” after winning the award, which recognises outstanding achievements by a country music artist signed outside the US, Kaylee told her Instagram followers, “Looking forward to sharing more about this night in the next few days with you as I continue to process it.”

CMA Awards 2023 winners' list:

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
Lainey Wilson

SINGLE OF THE YEAR
'Fast Car' - Luke Combs

ALBUM OF THE YEAR
'Bell Bottom Country' – Lainey Wilson

SONG OF THE YEAR
'Fast Car' - Tracy Chapman

FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Lainey Wilson

MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Chris Stapleton

VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR
Old Dominion

VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR
Brothers Osborne

MUSICAL EVENT OF THE YEAR
WINNER: 'Wait in the Truck' – HARDY (feat. Lainey Wilson)

MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR
Jenee Fleenor

MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR
'Wait in the Truck' – HARDY (feat. Lainey Wilson)
Director: Justin Clough

NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Jelly Roll

- Written by Bang! Showbiz and republished here with edits and permission