Tracy Chapman's signature hit, 1988's "Fast Car," won Song of the Year at the Country Music Association awards Wednesday evening, making her the first Black woman to win a CMA. Luke Combs, whose cover of the song helped it climb the charts earlier this year, won Single of the Year for his rendition. "I'm sorry I couldn't join you all tonight," Chapman, who could not attend the ceremony, wrote in a pre-written note read by presenter Sara Evans. "It is 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 (Combs) and all of the fans of 'Fast Car.'" "Tracy Chapman wrote this perfect song that that I first heard with my dad and it has stayed with me since," Combs told Billboard in July. "Everyone — I mean everyone — across all these stadiums relates to this song and sings along. That's the gift of a supernatural songwriter," Combs said. Head to our link in bio for more on the song and other big CMA winners. 📸: Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY