Tracy Chapman made history at the Country Music Awards last night after winning song of the year with Fast Car. The composer became the first black musician to receive this award in 57 years of the award and thanks to a song he wrote in 1988. The award-winning version, performed by country singer Luke Combs, has been the second most listened to in the United States and number 30 in the United Kingdom this summer.
“I would like to thank Tracy Chapman for writing one of the best songs of all time,” Combs said at the gala, held last night at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, while collecting the trophy. “I recorded it because I loved it. It’s the first favorite song I had, when I was four years old.“he later commented to the television cameras.
Although Chapman was unable to attend the ceremony, he admitted in a statement that it was “a true honor” that his song was “recognized” 35 years after its debut. The hit had already received Grammy nominations in ’89 for best recording of the year, best song of the year and best female vocal-pop performer. Furthermore, she also received a MTV Award for best music video and a nomination for best female video in the same year.
Today, this classic version covered by Combs has nearly 300 million views on Spotify. So many have been made of him covers how old he is. The band of soul psychedelic Black Pumas and the famous pop singer Justin Bieber are just some of those who have given voice to Chapman’s nostalgic anthem.
In 2003 the chorus You got a fast car / I got a job that pays all our bills It was heard again on American radio after becoming popular on the occasion of Nelson Mandela’s 70th birthday. Then he managed to sneak between the hits of the moment, In yes Club by 50 Cent and Crazy in love by Beyoncétoday also considered classics.