CMA Awards   -  Archives

One of the most recognizable voices in all music, George Jones, wins his first male vocalist award. His classic hit, "He Stopped Loving Her Today," is named single of the year and gives writers Bobby Braddock and Curly Putman the song of the year trophy. Newcomer Emmylou Harris takes home her first female vocalist award, and the duo of the year trophy gives Moe Bandy and Joe Stampley their first CMA awards, too. The soundtrack to the Loretta Lynn biopic, Coal Miner's Daughter, is named album of the year, and co-host of the show Barbara Mandrell wins her first entertainer of the year award. Radio broadcaster Connie B. Gay is inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame along with country legend Johnny Cash and the hit-making Western swing group, Original Sons of the Pioneers.