CMA Awards History
In 1967, Country legend Eddy Arnold ascended the steps of the CMA Awards stage to claim the first-ever CMA Award for Entertainer of the Year. Arnold’s steps set forth a journey of honoring excellence – a journey that continues more than four decades and 32 Entertainers of the Year later, right up to the reigning winner, Mr. Brad Paisley.
Recognized worldwide as “Country Music’s Biggest Night™,” the CMA Awards represent the pinnacle of achievement in the Country Music industry. Each year, trophies are doled out in 12 categories, while music lovers coast-to-coast gather to celebrate America’s music.
The 2010s
44th Annual CMA Awards – Nov. 10, 2010
Memorable collaborations were on deck for the 44th celebration of "Country Music's Biggest Night™." Carrie Underwood opened the show performing "Songs Like This" with guest guitarists Brad Paisley and Keith Urban. Zac Brown Band and Alan Jackson offered "As She's Walking Away." Jason Aldean and Kelly Clarkson debuted "Don't You Wanna Stay." Sheryl Crow and Miranda Lambert joined the legendary Loretta Lynn for the trio's rendition of "Coal Miner's Daughter." And Vince Gill backed Oscar®-winning actress Gwyneth Paltrow on "Country Strong" from her film of the same name.
Awards went to first-time recipients in top categories of Entertainer of the Year (Brad Paisley), Female Vocalist (Miranda Lambert) and Male Vocalist (Blake Shelton). Lambert also earned accolades for Album (Revolution) and Music Video ("The House That Built Me," also named Song of the Year for writers Tom Douglas and Allen Shamblin). The Blake Shelton-Trace Adkins pairing on "Hillbilly Bone" netted Musical Event of the Year; Sugarland claimed Vocal Duo of the Year; Zac Brown Band was named New Artist of the Year; and Lady Antebellum repeated wins for Vocal Group and Single ("Need You Now").
2000s
43rd Annual CMA Awards – Nov. 11, 2009
Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood returned as hosts for the second year. The show attracted 17.2 million viewers and delivered ABC its highest ratings on the night in 4 years.
Taylor Swift proved the night’s big winner with four Awards: Female Vocalist, Album (Fearless), Music Video (“Love Story”) and top prize, Entertainer of the Year. Other victors included Darius Rucker (New Artist), Brad Paisley (Male Vocalist), Lady Antebellum (Vocal Group; Single of the Year for “I Run To You”), and Jamey Johnson, James Otto and Lee Thomas Miller, co-writers of Song of the Year “In Color.”
42nd Annual CMA Awards – Nov. 12, 2008
Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood co-hosted from Nashville’s Sommet Center.
George Strait's became the artist with the most CMA Awards in history as his new tally of 22 CMA Awards eclipsed Brooks & Dunn's previous record of 19. Kenny Chesney picked up his fourth Entertainer of the Year Award, tying Garth Brooks' record for the most wins in the category. Rascal Flatts’s sixth win in the Vocal Group category tied The Statler Brothers for most consecutive wins, while The Statlers still reign for overall category wins (9).
41st Annual CMA Awards – Nov. 7, 2007
The broadcast featured five segment hosts, Country stars Sara Evans and LeAnn Rimes, along with ABC-TV stars James Denton (“Desperate Housewives”), Kate Walsh (“Private Practice”) and Kimberly Williams-Paisley (“According to Jim”).
Total viewership and viewership amongst adults 18-49 trailed only the Academy Awards and the GRAMMY Awards amongst all Awards shows in the 2007-2008 TV season.
Sugarland accepted their first Vocal Duo of the Year Award, marking the second time in 15 years the Award went to a band other than Brooks & Dunn. Brad Paisley won his first Male Vocalist honor; Carrie Underwood was named Female Vocalist for the second year in a row; and a 17-year old Taylor Swift won the Horizon Award. Musical Event went to “Find Out Who Your Friends Are,” recorded by Tracy Lawrence, Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw.
40th Annual CMA Awards – Nov. 6, 2006
After a year in New York City, “Country Music’s Biggest Night™” made a triumphant return to Nashville.
Brooks & Dunn served as hosts for the third consecutive year, while also earning accolades for their poignant hit “Believe,” which picked up Single and Music Video honors, as well as Song of the Year for co-writers Ronnie Dunn and Craig Wiseman. Brooks & Dunn were also named Vocal Duo of the Year.
For the first time, the CMA Awards aired on ABC-TV.
39th Annual CMA Awards – Nov. 15, 2005
The CMA Awards took over The Big Apple, as Brooks & Dunn hosted the celebration from New York City’s famed Madison Square Garden.
Lee Ann Womack won Single (“I May Hate Myself in the Morning”), Album (There’s More Where That Came From) and Musical Event (“Good News, Bad News” with George Strait). Keith Urban earned his first Entertainer trophy and his second Male Vocalist win. Female Vocalist went to Gretchen Wilson; the Horizon Award landed in Dierks Bentley’s hands; and Song of the Year was “Whiskey Lullaby,” penned by Bill Anderson and Jon Randall.
Performance highlights included duets by Dolly Parton and Elton John; Willie Nelson and Paul Simon (accompanied by Norah Jones); and Jennifer Nettles and Bon Jovi. Superstar Garth Brooks came out of retirement to perform "Good Ride Cowboy," his tribute to the late Chris LeDoux, live in Times Square.
38th Annual CMA Awards – Nov. 9, 2004
Tim McGraw kicked off the show with the rousing “How Bad Do You Want It.” McGraw’s “Live Like You Were Dying” earned him Single of the Year, and earned Song of the Year acclaim for writers Tim Nichols and Craig Wiseman.
Martina McBride’s fourth Female Vocalist prize tied her with Reba McEntire for most category wins. Kenny Chesney nabbed his first two CMA Awards ever – receiving both Entertainer and Album (When The Sun Goes Down). The Brad Paisley-Alison Krauss duet “Whiskey Lullaby” secured Vocal Event and Music Video Awards. The Horizon Award went to “Redneck Woman” singer Gretchen Wilson. When named Male Vocalist, a moved Keith Urban said, “I thought I was just rounding out the category.”
37th Annual CMA Awards – Nov. 5, 2003
A tribute to the late Johnny Cash featured performances by Sheryl Crow and Travis Tritt, Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Hank Williams Jr. on classic Cash tunes like "Folsom Prison Blues," "I Walk the Line," "Jackson" and "Ring of Fire."
Alan Jackson repeated wins for Male Vocalist and Entertainer; Rascal Flatts earned their first Vocal Group Award; Joe Nichols won the Horizon Award; and Johnny Cash was honored posthumously with Single and Music Video ("Hurt"), plus Album (American IV: The Man Comes Around).
36th Annual CMA Awards – Nov. 6, 2002
Shania Twain launched a motorcycle onto the Grand Ole Opry stage in Nashville to start the show with “I’m Gonna Getcha Good!” Dolly Parton enlisted the Christ Church Choir of Nashville for the show-stopping “Hello God.” Faith Hill received a standing ovation for “When The Lights Go Down.” And Toby Keith offered the rambunctious “Who’s Your Daddy.”
Alan Jackson made history with ten nominations, and took home five Awards [Entertainer, Male Vocalist, Album (Drive), Single and Song for “Where Were You (When The World Stopped Turning)”]. The Dixie Chicks were Vocal Group of the Year, while Rascal Flatts received Horizon honors.
35th Annual CMA Awards – Nov. 7, 2001
Following the attacks of 9/11, the CMA Awards moved from their planned September airing to November. Patriotism and tribute were prominent themes as Brooks & Dunn opened the show with "Only In America;" Diamond Rio paid tribute with "One More Day;" Alan Jackson debuted "Where Were You (When The World Stopped Turning)"; and a chorus of Country stars closed the show with "America the Beautiful."
Honorees included the movie soundtrack O Brother, Where Art Thou? for Album and Single ("I am A Man of Constant Sorrow"; Tim McGraw for Entertainer; Toby Keith for Male Vocalist; Lee Ann Womack for Female Vocalist; and Keith Urban with the Horizon Award.
34th Annual CMA Awards – Oct. 4, 2000
The Dixie Chicks won Entertainer, Music Video (“Goodbye Earl”) and Album (Fly). Montgomery Gentry snagged Vocal Duo of the Year, and Lee Ann Womack’s “I Hope You Dance” earned Single and Song wins. Husband and wife Tim McGraw and Faith Hill took home trophies for Male and Female Vocalist, respectively. The Horizon Award went to Brad Paisley.
1990s
33rd Annual CMA Awards – Sept. 22, 1999
An estimated 37 million people tuned in to the CBS broadcast during the 1999-2000 season premiere week. Entertainer of the Year went to Shania Twain, the first female to claim the prize since Reba McEntire in 1986. Twain also received CMA’s International Artist Achievement Award.
Pop star collaborations included multi-Platinum Jewel with Hall of Fame member Merle Haggard on his classic “That’s The Way Love Goes,” while Country group Alabama welcomed ‘N Sync for “God Must Have Spent A Little More Time On You.”
32nd Annual CMA Awards – Sept. 23, 1998
Vocalist honors went to George Strait and Trisha Yearwood, while Garth Brooks claimed his fourth Entertainer victory. Patty Loveless and George Jones took Musical Event for their hit “You Don’t Seem To Miss Me.” The Dixie Chicks won two CMA Awards – Horizon and Vocal Group, making history as the first all-female group to win in the category. Steve Wariner’s hit “Holes In The Floor of Heaven” earned Single and Song trophies. Faith Hill’s “This Kiss” was Music Video of the Year.
31st Annual CMA Awards – Sept. 24, 1997
LeAnn Rimes claimed the Horizon Award. Diamond Rio won Vocal Group for the fourth time. Album was George Strait’s Carrying Your Love With Me. And “Strawberry Wine” tunesmiths Matraca Berg and Gary Harrison won Song of the Year. Performance highlights included Clint Black and Martina McBride (“Still Holdin' On”), and rock star Sting joining Toby Keith (“I'm So Happy I Can't Stop Crying”).
30th Annual CMA Awards – Oct. 2, 1996
The CMA Awards was the second-highest rated special out of 212 aired during the 1996-1997 TV season, ranking behind only the Oscars.
Vince Gill hosted the show, which was opened by newcomer LeAnn Rimes singing “Blue.”
Brooks & Dunn became the first duo in history to capture Entertainer of the Year. In addition to Awards for Album (Blue Clear Sky) and Single (“Check Yes Or No”) George Strait won Male Vocalist, an honor he'd last received 10 years prior in 1986. Patty Loveless was named Female Vocalist. Dolly Parton and Vince Gill’s duet version of “I Will Always Love You” was celebrated as Vocal Event of the Year.
29th Annual CMA Awards – Oct. 4, 1995
First-time CMA Awards nominee Alison Krauss won all four Awards for which she was nominated, including Horizon and Female Vocalist. Vince Gill, who hosted the broadcast from the Grand Ole Opry House, took home a record fifth consecutive Male Vocalist Award. Gretchen Peters accepted Song of the Year for writing the powerful Martina McBride anthem, “Independence Day.” The Tractors’ “Baby Likes To Rock It” won Music Video of the Year. Alan Jackson won his first Entertainer of the Year Award.
28th Annual CMA Awards – Oct. 5, 1994
Little Richard performed with both Tanya Tucker and Mary Chapin Carpenter, whose request to “Shut Up and Kiss Me” was honored. Lyle Lovett and then-wife Julia Roberts attended. Pam Tillis claimed Female Vocalist of the Year. Male Vocalist was Vince Gill. The Horizon Award went to “Life’s A Dance” singer John Michael Montgomery, who also won Single for “I Swear.”
27th Annual CMA Awards – Sept. 29, 1993
The 1993 special marked the expansion to a three-hour broadcast. It was the highest-rated music special of the 1993-1994 TV season. Vince Gill and Clint Black co-hosted. Reba McEntire made headlines around the world for wearing a red dress with a plunging neckline and also received a standing ovation with Linda Davis for their performance of “Does He Love You.” Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton and Tammy Wynette performed “Silver Threads and Golden Needles.” Willie Nelson was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
26th Annual CMA Awards – Sept. 30, 1992
Vince Gill and Reba McEntire co-hosted the CMA Awards, which placed first in the ratings. Don Henley surprised the audience when he joined Trisha Yearwood for “Walkaway Joe.” Garth Brooks took home Album (Ropin’ The Wind) and Entertainer trophies. Alan Jackson won Music Video (“Midnight in Montgomery”), and Billy Ray Cyrus’ “Achy Breaky Heart” was Single of the Year.
25th Annual CMA Awards –Sept. 28 , 1991
President and First Lady Bush attended the broadcast, hosted by Reba McEntire. Honorees included The Judds (Vocal Duo), Travis Tritt (Horizon), the Kentucky Headhunters (Vocal Group), and Garth Brooks (Album, No Fences; Music Video, “The Thunder Rolls”). Tanya Tucker, who was in the hospital with the birth of her first child, was named Female Vocalist.
24th Annual CMA Awards – Oct. 5, 1990
Reba McEntire and Randy Travis hosted the evening. A then-unknown Mary Chapin Carpenter received a standing ovation for her tongue-in-cheek performance of “Opening Act.” Vocal Event of the Year went to Lorrie Morgan and Keith Whitley for “’Til A Tear Becomes A Rose.” Garth Brooks won the Horizon Award and Music Video (“The Dance”). Female Vocalist honors went to Kathy Mattea, while Clint Black earned Male Vocalist.
1980s
23rd Annual CMA Awards – Oct. 9, 1989
Anne Murray and Kenny Rogers co-hosted the evening, when Will The Circle Be Unbroken, Vol. II took Album of the Year, George Strait won his first Entertainer prize, and Hank Williams Jr. and Sr. took Vocal Event (“There’s A Tear In My Beer”).
22nd Annual CMA Awards – Oct. 10, 1988
The CMA Awards expanded to a two-hour format on CBS Television, with Dolly Parton at the helm in 1988. The Vocal Event of the Year category was established and was awarded to Emmylou Harris, Dolly Parton and Linda Ronstadt for Trio. First-time CMA Awards winners included K.T. Oslin (Female Vocalist and Song for “80’s Ladies”) and The Judds (Vocal Duo).
21st Annual CMA Awards – Oct. 9, 1987
Hank Williams Jr. won his first of two consecutive Entertainer of the Year CMA Awards. Randy Travis had a big night, claiming Male Vocalist and Album (Always and Forever), while his classic “Forever and Ever, Amen” won Single of the Year, plus Song of the Year for writers Paul Overstreet and Don Schlitz. The CMA Awards were first broadcast in Canada.
20th Annual CMA Awards – Oct. 13, 1986
Kris Kristofferson and Willie Nelson teamed to host the 1986 presentation. Collaborations made for a memorable show including Amy Grant and Ricky Skaggs for “Walking in Jerusalem”; Alabama and Lionel Richie on “Deep River Woman”; Anita Pointer and Earl Thomas Conley with “Too Many Times”; and more. Reba McEntire was named both Entertainer and Female Vocalist of the Year. George Strait was Male Vocalist. Dan Seals and Marie Osmond were Vocal Duo of the Year. Seals’ hit “Bop” earned top Single.
19th Annual CMA Awards – Oct. 14, 1985
In 1985, Flatt and Scruggs entered the Country Music Hall of Fame. The Music Video of the Year category was established and went to Hank Williams Jr. (“All My Rowdy Friends Are Comin’ Over Tonight”). Ricky Skaggs’ peers voted him Entertainer of the Year. Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA” was Song of the Year, and Single went to The Judds’ “Why Not Me.” Superstars Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings, Kris Kristofferson, Ray Price and Juice Newton paid tribute to the songwriting of Willie Nelson.
18th Annual CMA Awards – Oct. 8, 1984
Horizon Award nominee Ray Charles performed a medley from his Friendship album. Alabama was named Entertainer of the Year a then-unprecedented third time. Kenny Rogers enlisted Lionel Richie’s help on “Lady.” Anne Murray’s A Little Good News was deemed Album of the Year.
17th Annual CMA Awards – Oct. 10, 1983
The year Little Jimmy Dickens was inducted in the Country Music Hall of Fame also marked a technological first for the CMA Awards – the first synchronized stereo/radio simulcast of the show, distributed by satellite. Memorable performances from the year included Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers on “Islands In The Stream” and Willie Nelson with Julio Iglesias singing “To All The Girls I’ve Loved Before.”
16th Annual CMA Awards – Oct.11, 1982
Janie Fricke won the first of two Female Vocalist Awards. Willie Nelson’s “Always On My Mind” claimed Single and Song honors, while the album of the same name won its category. The musical pairing of David Frizzell & Shelly West won Vocal Duo. Instrumentalist of the Year was Chet Atkins.
The Horizon Award was introduced, and Terri Gibbs took the honor. Barbara Mandrell made history as the first artist to claim Entertainer of the Year more than once. Mandrell was also named Female Vocalist of the Year. George Jones won his second Male Vocalist trophy. Single of the Year went to The Oak Ridge Boys for “Elvira.”
14th Annual CMA Awards – Oct. 13, 1980
Mac Davis and Barbara Mandrell served as hosts for the first of three years. Burt Reynolds appeared on the show alongside Jerry Reed, presenting Male Vocalist honors to George Jones, whose hit “He Stopped Loving Her Today” took Single and Song. The 1980 top Album was Coal Miner’s Daughter: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack.
1970s
13th Annual CMA Awards –Oct. 8, 1979
Kenny Rogers was busy at the podium, picking up Male Vocalist and Album (The Gambler) trophies, and serving as host. Charlie Daniels won three Awards: Instrumental Group for The Charlie Daniels Band, Instrumentalist and Single (“The Devil Went Down To Georgia”). Hank Snow and Hubert Long were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
12th Annual CMA Awards – Oct. 9, 1978
Awards went to Crystal Gayle (Female Vocalist), Don Williams (Male Vocalist), Dolly Parton (Entertainer), The Kendalls (Single for “Heaven’s Just A Sin Away”), Kenny Rogers and Dottie West (Vocal Duo), The Oak Ridge Boys (Vocal Group) and more. Grandpa Jones entered the Country Music Hall of Fame.
11th Annual CMA Awards – Oct. 8, 1977
Ronnie Milsap earned a trifecta: Entertainer, Male Vocalist and Album (Ronnie Milsap Live). Kenny Rogers performed his classic “Lucille,” which was awarded Single and Song honors. Roy Clark got his first of three Instrumentalist of the Year trophies.
10th Annual CMA Awards – Oct. 11, 1976
The CMA Awards expanded from 60 to 90 minutes in length. The Year of "The Outlaws" was marked by Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings winning three Awards: Single for “Good Hearted Woman,” Vocal Duo, and Album for Wanted - The Outlaws, with Tompall Glaser and Jessi Colter. Entertainer of the Year went to Mel Tillis.
9th Annual CMA Awards – Oct. 13, 1975
John Denver accepted his Entertainer of the Year honor via satellite from Australia. Vocalists honored included Dolly Parton and Waylon Jennings. The Country Music Hall of Fame welcomed Minnie Pearl as its newest inductee.
8th Annual CMA Awards – Oct. 10, 1974
Cal Smith’s “Country Bumpkin” was Single of the Year in 1974. Charlie Rich’s Very Special Love Songs earned a win in the Album category, while Rich got Entertainer of the Year. Olivia Newton-John was Female Vocalist, and Ronnie Milsap was Male Vocalist.
7th Annual CMA Awards – Oct. 15, 1973
An adolescent Tanya Tucker made her first appearance on the telecast the year Roy Clark won Entertainer acclaim. Charlie Rich won Awards for Male Vocalist, Single and Album of the Year for “Behind Closed Doors.” The song, written by Kenny O'Dell, won Song of the Year.
6th Annual CMA Awards –Oct. 16, 1972
The CMA Awards moved from NBC to CBS Television, an association that lasted through 2005 (34 years). Female Vocalist victor Loretta Lynn became the first woman to claim Entertainer of the Year. She also shared Vocal Duo honors with Conway Twitty. The Statler Brother won their first Vocal Group Award.
5th Annual CMA Awards – Oct. 10, 1971
The CMA Awards first aired as an independent special on NBC-TV, no longer part of the “Kraft Music Hall.” Charley Pride humbly accepted Entertainer and Male Vocalist honors, and Lynn Anderson was Female Vocalist. “Help Me Make It Through The Night” by Sammi Smith was Single of the Year, and Ray Price’s I Won’t Mention It Again took Album of the Year.
4th Annual CMA Awards – Oct. 14, 1970
Merle Haggard set a nominations record, with nine nods going into the evening. He won four, including Entertainer of the Year. The Comedian of the Year Awards was given for the final year, with honors going to Roy Clark. The very first Vocal Duo trophy went to Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton. Walter Miller began a 34-year stint as CMA Awards Director and Producer.
1960s
3rd Annual CMA Awards –Oct. 15, 1969
The CMA Awards was broadcast live for the first time, as Johnny Cash won five Awards in a single night: Entertainer, Male Vocalist, Single (“Boy Named Sue”), Album (Johnny Cash At San Quentin Prison), and Vocal Group for his work with June Carter. The Country Music Hall of Fame gained Gene Autry and Bill Monroe.
2nd Annual CMA Awards – Oc. 30, 1968 (taped Oct. 18, 1968)
In its second year, the CMA Awards became a televised event, as the ceremony was taped for re-broadcast on NBC’s “Kraft Music Hall.” So began a 19-year sponsor relationship with Kraft. Roy Rogers and Dale Evans hosted from Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. Glen Campbell was named Entertainer of the Year.
CMA Awards Banquet & Show – 1967
The first “CMA Awards Banquet and Show” was not a televised event. Sonny James and Bobbie Gentry hosted the inaugural gala. The Jack Greene hit “There Goes My Everything” won Single and Song, and the There Goes My Everything album was acknowledged as Album of the Year. Eddy Arnold was CMA’s very first Entertainer of the Year.