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Tracy Chapman’s ‘Fast Car’ wins Song of the Year after 35 years since its release
Fast Car was gained global popularity after Tracy Chapman performed it at Nelson Mandela’s 70th birthday tribute at Wembley Stadium in 1988.
US musician Tracy Chapman became the first black person to win the Songwriter of the Year at the Country Music Awards. Picture : Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images
US singer Tracy Chapman became the first black woman to win the Songwriter of the Year Award at the Country Music Awards on Wednesday night in Nashville, after her song was covered by country music singer Luke Combs, which shot it back up the charts in 2023.
“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, a special thanks to Luke and all the fans of Fast Car,” Chapman’s speech was read out at the awards by the category’s presenter Sarah Evans.
Fast Car was a single from Chapman’s 1988 debut self-titled album, Tracy Chapman. But the catchy ditty found new life when Chapman performed at former president Nelson Mandela 70th birthday tribute concert at Wembley Stadium on 11 June, 1988 in England.
A young Chapman with locks that hadn’t grown to what we know as today, stood in front of a packed Wembley.
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Better late, than never
There is undeniable irony in that the song came out before US singer Luke Combs was born in 1990, but the 33 year-old has previously paid homage to Chapman saying Fast Car is one of his favourite songs of all time.
Combs’ cover helped Fast Car gain newfound popularity this year. Fast Car charted on Billboard magazine’s Country Airplay chart, which tracks the most played songs on US country music stations. Chapman is the first Black woman to hold the number 1 spot on the chart since its creation in 1990.
“I never expected to find myself on the country charts, but I’m honoured to be there,” Chapman told Billboard. “I’m happy for Luke and his success and grateful that new fans have found and embraced Fast Car.”
Chapman becoming the first black person to win the Songwriter of the Year at the awards is an indication of the US’ paucity in recognising black artists.
K. T. Oslin won Songwriter of the Year in 1988 for 80’s Ladies and songwriters Max D. Barnes and Vern Gosdin scooped the award the following year for the song Chiseled in Stone. Chapman was never nominated in either year for the classic song.
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