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The Country Music Association (CMA) was founded in 1958 in Nashville, Tennessee. It originally consisted of only 233 members and was the first trade organization formed to promote a music genre. The objectives of the organization are to guide and enhance the development of Country Music throughout the world; to demonstrate it as a viable medium to advertisers, consumers and media; and to provide a unity of purpose for the Country Music industry.Initially, CMA's Board of Directors included nine directors and five officers. Wesley Rose, president of Acuff-Rose Publishing, Inc., served as CMA's first chairman of the board. Broadcasting entrepreneur and executive Connie B. Gay was the founding president.
Originally there were nine individual membership categories. The current 15 categories represent all facets of the music industry. Organizational memberships are also available. CMA membership is composed of those persons or organizations that are involved in Country Music, directly and substantially.
The first CMA Awards ceremony was held in 1967 in Nashville. Sonny James and Bobbie Gentry hosted the event, which was not televised. The winner of the first "Entertainer of the Year" award was singer Eddy Arnold. "Male Vocalist of the Year" went to Jack Green and "Female Vocalist of the Year" to Loretta Lynn.
In 1968, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans hosted the awards, which was televised from the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. The first live telecast of the show was in 1969.
Annual awards are given in the following twelve categories: Entertainer, Male Vocalist, Female Vocalist, Horizon Award, Vocal Group, Vocal Duo, Single, Album, Song, Music Event, Music Video, and Musician.
1 Entertainer of the Year
- 2004 Kenny Chesney
- 2003See also 2002 in music, other events of 2003, 2004 in music, list of 'years in music', 2000s in music Events Early January Drowning Pool disbanded January following an investigation by The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry and London d Alan JacksonAlan Jackson wearing his hat Alan Jackson (born October 17, 1958) is an American country music singer, and songwriter, originally from Newman, Georgia. He has become one of the best-selling country musicians of the 1990s, in spite of almost-universal crit
- 2002See also 2001 in music, other events of 2002, 2003 in music, 2000s in music and the list of 'years in music' Events April The White Stripes records Elephant which was released on April 1, 2002. April 23, 2002: Wilco's critically acclaimed fourth album, " Alan JacksonAlan Jackson wearing his hat Alan Jackson (born October 17, 1958) is an American country music singer, and songwriter, originally from Newman, Georgia. He has become one of the best-selling country musicians of the 1990s, in spite of almost-universal crit
- 2001See also 2000 in music, other events of 2001, 2002 in music, 2000s in music and the list of 'years in music' Events January 1 Hum disbands. January/ February Rush records Vapor Trails which was released on May 14, 2002. February CFXJ Flow 93. 5 , Canada's Tim McGrawTim McGraw (born May 1, 1967) is a popular male singer in country music, having achieved many number one singles on the country charts, six multi-platinum albums and sales of over 25 million albums. He is married to popular female country singer Faith Hil
- 2000See also 1999 in music, other events of 2000, 2001 in music, 2000s in music and the list of 'years in music' Events January 14 Rolling Stone magazine reveals that the two children of Melissa Etheridge and her partner, Julie Cypher, were fathered by David Dixie ChicksThe Dixie Chicks is a country music group, formed in 1989 in Dallas, Texas. Group History The original members of the Dixie Chicks were the sisters Martie Erwin and Emily Erwin, Laura Lynch and Robin Lynn Macy. Martie and Emily have married and their name
- 1999See also 1998 in music, other events of 1999, 2000 in music, 1990s in music and the list of 'years in music' Events January 7 After eight years of marriage, Rod Stewart and supermodel wife Rachel Hunter announce their separation. January 7 Paul McCartney Shania Twain
- 1998 Garth Brooks
- 1997 Garth Brooks
- 1996 Brooks & Dunn
- 1995 Alan Jackson
- 1994 Vince Gill
- 1993 Vince Gill
- 1992 Garth Brooks
- 1991 Garth Brooks
- 1990 George Strait
- 1989 George Strait
- 1988 Hank Williams, Jr.
- 1987 Hank Williams, Jr.
- 1986 Reba McEntire
- 1985 Ricky Skaggs
- 1984 Alabama
- 1983 Alabama
- 1982 Alabama
- 1981 Barbara Mandrell
- 1980 Barbara Mandrell
- 1979 Willie Nelson
- 1978 Dolly Parton
- 1977 Ronnie Milsap
- 1976 Mel Tillis
- 1975 John Denver
- 1974 Charlie Rich
- 1973 Roy Clark
- 1972 Loretta Lynn
- 1971 Charley Pride
- 1970 Merle Haggard
- 1969 Johnny Cash
- 1968 Glen Campbell
- 1967 Eddy Arnold
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