Tracy Chapman Is 1st Black Songwriter , to Win CMA Song of the Year.br The 2023 CMA Awards took br place in Nashville on Nov. 8.br The 2023 CMA Awards took br place in Nashville on Nov. 8.br Chapman's 35-year-old song, "Fast Car," br was recently brought back into the spotlight br by Luke Combs, who covered the song.br Chapman's 35-year-old song, "Fast Car," br was recently brought back into the spotlight br by Luke Combs, who covered the song.br His rendition hit No. 2 on the br 'Billboard' Hot 100 over the summer.br The recognition helped Chapman br secure the nomination and ultimately br win song of the year, 'ET' reports. .br The feat makes her the first Black songwriter br to win that award at the CMAs.br Chapman wasn't able to accept her award in person, br but Sara Evans shared a statement in her absence. .br I regret not being able to join you br all tonight. It's a genuine honor br for my song to receive recognition br anew after 35 years since its debut. , Tracy Chapman, via statement.br Gratitude to the CMAs, br and a special thank you to br Luke and all the 'Fast Car' fans, Tracy Chapman, via statement.br Combs referred to "Fast Car" as br "one of the best songs of all time.".br This song has been a constant br throughout my entire life, reminding br me of moments with my dad. It's the br song I'll play for my son, and it will br undoubtedly be part of my own history. , Luke Combs, via statement.br To think that it will now be br synonymous with me is just insane, br considering how much it has meant br to me.