CMA Awards   -  Archives

The successful band, Alabama, is the first group to earn the entertainer of the year award. Single, song and album of the year categories are all dominated by Willie Nelson's hit, "Always on My Mind." Newcomer Ricky Skaggs' blend of country and bluegrass help secure his first male vocalist award, and Janie Fricke receives her first female vocalist honor. Duo of the year goes to singers Shelly West and David Frizzell. David's older brother, Lefty Frizzell, joins singer Marty Robbins and songwriter/music publisher Roy Horton as this year's Country Music Hall of Fame inductees.