Tracy Chapman is first black writer to win CMA's song of the year

Tracy Chapman's 35-year-old song Fast Car was named both song and single of the year at the Country Music Association Awards in Nashville.

The awards recognised a cover version by Luke Combs, which reached number two in the US and number 30 in the UK this summer.

But they also mark a long overdue milestone: Chapman is the first black songwriter to win song of the year in the ceremony's 57-year history.

The singer, who did not attend the awards, said the prize was "truly an honour".

Combs also thanked Chapman as he accepted the single of the year trophy.

“First and foremost, I want to thank Tracy Chapman for writing one of the best songs of all time,” he said.

“I just recorded it because I loved the song. It’s the first favourite song that I ever had, at 4 years old.”