Luke Combs fuels Tracy Chapman's landmark win for 'Fast Car' at Country Music Awards

WASHINGTON (TND) — It was history in the making when Tracy Chapman released "Fast Car" 35 years ago.

After breathing new life into the song, Luke Combs' recording helped her become the first Black songwriter to win Song of the Year at the 57th annual Country Music Awards Wednesday night.

During his acceptance speech, Combs thanked Chapman for writing "one of the best songs of all time."

In a statement from Chapman, she said, “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 all of the fans of ‘Fast Car.’”

Combs took home an award for Single of the Year after his version reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 over the summer.

When asked if he had any words for Chapman he thanked her and explained what the song means to him.

“This song has meant, for me, throughout my entire life, it’s something that reminds me of me and my dad, and it’s the song that I’ll play for my son, and a song that ultimately that will go down in my history too," he said. "It’ll be synonymous with me now as well, which is insane to think about because it’s meant so much to me so I would just tell her thank you and congratulations."

"Fast Car" was originally released in 1988 and earned Chapman a Grammy for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.