2018-CMA-Awards-Program-Book

CRAIG WAYNE BOYD
SIGNATURE DEAN ACOUSTIC

WE’RE INSTRUMENTAL.

Working together, CURA Freight & Port Tampa Bay bring you the tools of your craft so that you can bring
beautiful music to the world. Like Dean Guitars, ddrum kits, and Luna Guitars from Armadillo.
All across the country, the hard work of women & men in ports and trucking reliably deliver electronics,
apparel, steel, aggregate materials, fuel, furniture, cars, and over 90% of the goods we consume in the U.S.
We know its music to your ears and we’re proud to do it. As long as you keep playing our favorite songs.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THIS YEAR’S NOMINEES!

1101 CHANNELSIDE DRIVE, TAMPA, FLORIDA 33602 WWW.PORTTB.COM | 800-741-2297

KENNY CHESNEYNOMINATED ARTISTS

ANN ALLISTER ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
MUSICAL EVENT OF THE YEAR

In the thin realm of stadium headliners, Kenny
Chesney has packed NFL, MLB and NCAA venues
for an impressive 15 years, and he was just as amped
up – maybe even more so – during his 2018 dates
as in the beginning. He’s racked up 11 Entertainer of
the Year nominations among 46 career nods, and a
win this year would give him five Entertainer crowns,
second only to Garth Brooks, who has six.

LUKE COMBS

MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR

In his first handful of singles, Luke Combs has already
established a unique vocal identity, exuding a forceful
presence while avoiding histrionics. His voice and the
underlying productions infuse core Country with shards
of Southern rock and modern rock. His debut, This One’s
For You, has spent more than two months at #1 on the
Country Albums chart, while earning a platinum award
from the RIAA and spawning four hit singles.

JIM WRIGHT

50 THE 52nd ANNUAL CMA AWARDS

CONGRATULATIONS

To All of This Year’s
CMA Awards® Nominees

We Applaud Your Achievements

DAN + SHAYNOMINATED ARTISTS

PATRICK TRACY VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR
SINGLE OF THE YEAR
MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR

Arkansas native Shay Mooney and Pennsylvania-
bred Dan Smyers have now landed on the Vocal
Duo finalists list five years in a row, thanks to bright
harmonies, engaging singles and a good-natured work
ethic. Their self-titled third album became their second
to debut at #1 on the Country Albums chart, and
it’s yielded a pair of hits with CMA Song, Single and
Music Video-nominated “Tequila” and current release
“Speechless.” This year’s tour schedule paired them
with one of their influences, Rascal Flatts.

FLORIDA GEORGIA LINERYAN SMITH

VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR
SINGLE OF THE YEAR
MUSICAL EVENT OF THE YEAR

Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley have placed in the
Vocal Duo category for six straight years, winning
the trophy in their first three appearances. This
year’s nominations, including Single and Musical
Event of the Year, come in the wake of singles with
two pop acts – Bebe Rexha and Backstreet Boys – as
well as the acoustic-leaning “Simple” and the Morgan
Wallen collaboration “Up Down.” They expanded on
a headlining tour with their first-ever self-branded,
eight-act, racing-related event – FGL Fest – Sept. 8
in Indianapolis.

52 THE 52nd ANNUAL CMA AWARDS

VICTOR C.’S
1987 Chevrolet K-10

THERE’S A REASON
WE SING ABOUT TRUCKS.

Trucks are special. They haul stuff, help neighbors, and move kids to college. They
make memories and adventures. They’re part of the family – often passed down
from one generation to the next. Because a truck’s odometer doesn’t just count
miles. It counts memories. And we want to make sure they never stop.

Get your LMCTruck.com KEEP`EM ON THE ROAD®
FREE CATALOG 800.562.8782
at LMCTruck.com

NOMINATED ARTISTS VINCE GILL MUSICAL EVENT OF THE YEAR
CHRIS JANSON
JIM WRIGHT Vince Gill has quite the long history with CMA,
currently holding the title as the longest consecutive
host of Country Music’s Biggest Night dating back
to 1992 through 2003. This year, however, Vince Gill
who teamed up with Maren Morris to collaborate on
the song, “Dear Hate” returns to the Awards with
a nomination for Musical Event of the Year. Gill has
an astounding 53 CMA Awards nominations and
18 wins throughout his legendary career, including
five consecutive Awards for Male Vocalist and two
wins for Entertainer of the Year. He is currently on
tour with the Eagles which he joined when the band
reconfigured following the death of Glenn Frey and
is also gearing up for the holidays with the release
of a double-vinyl project titled The Christmas
Collection.

NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR
SONG OF THE YEAR
MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR

Earning the first three CMA Awards nominations of
his career, Chris Janson put it all together in the last
12 months, hitting #2 on Billboard’s Country Airplay
chart with the spirited “Fix A Drink,” affirming his
songwriter chops with current single “Drunk Girl,”
and joining the prestigious Grand Ole Opry. Janson’s
raucous stage persona and wild harmonica solos
serve him well, too, whether headlining at the
historic Ryman Auditorium or playing baseball parks
with Jake Owen.

VINEYARD VINES

54 THE 52nd ANNUAL CMA AWARDS

gretschdrums.com

LADY ANTEBELLUMNOMINATED ARTISTS

ERIC RAY DAVIDSON VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR

Logging their 11th straight year as finalists for Vocal
Group, Lady A’s harmonies continue to work on
the road, where they spent the summer with Darius
Rucker; and on the charts, where “You Look Good”
and “Heart Break,” the title track from their latest
album, peaked at #4 and #15 on Billboard’s Country
Airplay. The trio has won the Vocal Group trophy
three times and six CMA Awards overall.

MIRANDA LAMBERT

FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
SINGLE OF THE YEAR
MUSICAL EVENT OF THE YEAR

For a dozen years now, Miranda Lambert has had a
spot among the Female Vocalist finalists, and she’s
won a record seven times in the category, thanks to
her ability to capture a multitude of emotions, from
razor-sharp sorrow to full-tilt celebration. Lambert
is willing to take risks with her art, most notably in
making a personal double album, The Weight of
These Wings. She possesses 13 CMA Awards
trophies overall.

BECKY FLUKE

56 THE 52nd ANNUAL CMA AWARDS



LANCONOMINATED ARTISTS

JIM WRIGHT VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR

LANCO frontman Brandon Lancaster met producer
Jay Joyce in 2014 at a Keith Urban/Little Big Town
concert; now the band challenges LBT in its first
nomination. The quintet topped Billboard’s Country
Albums chart this year with Hallelujah Nights and
hit #1 on both Country Airplay and Hot Country
Songs with “Greatest Love Story.” Its folk-and-
rock-influenced Country crosses borders well: They
played in June at both CMA Fest and the multi-genre
Bonnaroo.

LITTLE BIG TOWN

WILLIAMS+HIRAKAWA VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR

With six straight wins in the category, LBT is tied for
the longest consecutive CMA Vocal Group streak in
history. During this year’s voting period, the quar-
tet completed a 10-show residency at the Ryman
Auditorium that featured Luke Bryan, Gladys Knight
and Alison Krauss among a diverse string of guests.
And glow-in-the-dark clothing from their 2014 CMA
Awards performance is now in a Country Music Hall
of Fame exhibit, Little Big Town: The Power of Four.

58 THE 52nd ANNUAL CMA AWARDS



NOMINATED ARTISTS MADDIE & TAE

VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR

When Dot Records folded and left Maddie Marlow
and Tae Dye between labels, it was emotionally
trying. Now signed with Mercury Nashville, Maddie &
Tae recognize industry support never waned during
their down time. New single “Friends Don’t” puts a
modern spin on their ‘90s-inspired harmonies and
helped them pocket their fourth straight Vocal Duo
nomination. Their debut single, the bro-country
satire “Girl in a Country Song,” won CMA Music
Video of the Year in 2015.

CARLOS RUIZ

MIDLAND

HARPER SMITH VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR
NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR
SINGLE OF THE YEAR

Borrowing its name from the Dwight Yoakam recording
“Fair To Midland,” the trio’s individual members have a
California musical heritage that pre-dates their current
Texas locale. Both textures are apparent, in the band’s
brash West Coast instrumental sound and the cowboy
cool of their well-developed harmonies. With opening
slots for Tim McGraw & Faith Hill, Little Big Town and
Thomas Rhett, Midland is a key factor in the recent resur-
gence of traditional Country in the genre’s mainstream.

60 THE 52nd ANNUAL CMA AWARDS



MAREN MORRISNOMINATED ARTISTS

JOHN SHEARER FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
MUSICAL EVENT OF THE YEAR

Her gold-certified major-label debut, Hero, yielded
three gold and platinum singles and has led Maren
Morris to three straight Female Vocalist nominations.
She expanded her audience significantly by
partnering with Zedd and Grey on “The Middle,” a #1
pop single that got expanded exposure in a Target
commercial. Her current single, “Rich,” is likely the
last from Hero as Morris preps her sophomore album
for Sony Music Nashville.

DAVID LEE MURPHY

COURTESY DAVID LEE MURPHY. MUSICAL EVENT OF THE YEAR

It may have been over two decades between David
Lee Murphy’s own two No. 1 hits, 1995’s “Dust on
the Bottle” and 2018’s “Everything’s Gonna Be
Alright,” but Murphy has been making music with
pal Kenny Chesney behind-the-scenes for years.
Chesney co-produced Murphy’s latest album, No
Zip Code, and Murphy co-wrote the Chesney hits
“Living in Fast Forward,” “Til It’s Gone” and more.
Over the years, Murphy has penned some of the
biggest hits in Country Music, including “Big Green
Tractor” (Jason Aldean), “Are You Gonna Kiss Me
Or Not” (Thompson Square), “Anywhere With You”
(Jake Owen), “The More I Drink” (Blake Shelton), and
more. This year’s Musical Event nod is Murphy’s first
CMA Awards nomination.

62 THE 52nd ANNUAL CMA AWARDS



NOMINATED ARTISTS KACEY MUSGRAVES

FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
ALBUM OF THE YEAR

Crowned CMA New Artist of the Year in 2013, Kacey
Musgraves makes her fifth appearance as a Female
Vocalist finalist in the last six years, bringing her
career total to 15 CMA Awards nominations. Citing
Marty Robbins and Glen Campbell among her
influences, she’s used a wry, understated delivery
to take traditionally-flavored Country into non-
traditional settings, including a guest stint on NBC’s
“Saturday Night Live” and an opening slot on Harry
Styles’ tour.

JAMIE NELSON

OLD DOMINION

MASON ALLEN VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR

There’s no such thing as a broken string for Old
Dominion in the Vocal Group category. The band
logged its third straight nomination behind tight har-
monies, inventive productions and strong songwrit-
ing chops. Members co-wrote all 12 tracks on their
current album, Happy Endings, and guitarist Brad
Tursi co-wrote Luke Bryan’s #1 2017 single “Light It
Up.” The group balanced its 2018 tour schedule be-
tween its own headlining dates and a key warm-up
role on Kenny Chesney’s stadium shows.

64 THE 52nd ANNUAL CMA AWARDS

Congratulations

- to all of tonight’s nominees! -

Music Publishing | Artist Developement | Artist Management

1207 16th Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37212
[email protected]

BEBE REXHANOMINATED ARTISTS

SASHA SAMSONOVA SINGLE OF THE YEAR
MUSICAL EVENT OF THE YEAR

Brooklyn native Bebe Rexha may be new to the pop
and Country scenes, but she has been a pop hitmak-
er behind-the-scenes for years. Rexha, whose debut
studio album Expectations spawned the No. 1 pop/
Country collaboration “Meant to Be” with Florida
Georgia Line, has written hits for Iggy Azalea, Selena
Gomez, Nick Jonas, Rhianna and more.

THOMAS RHETT

MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR

With his repeat appearance in the Male Vocalist
category and three total 2018 nominations, Thomas
Rhett has been a CMA Awards finalist 10 times in his
career, tying him with the likes of Crystal Gayle, Mary
Chapin Carpenter and Shania Twain. He headlined
his own Life Changes Tour and took the set-up slot
at most of Kenny Chesney’s stadium dates.

JOHN SHEARER

66 THE 52nd ANNUAL CMA AWARDS



CHRIS STAPLETONNOMINATED ARTISTS

ANDY BARRON ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
SINGLE OF THE YEAR
SONG OF THE YEAR

Present in five categories, Chris Stapleton is the leading
nominee for the 2018 CMA Awards. Since launching his
All-American Road Show Tour in May 2017, he’s played
regularly to arena and amphitheater crowds of 10,000+
with a show that prioritizes musical content over produc-
tion. He’s mixed in additional highlights along the way,
opening a stadium date for the Eagles, collaborating on
Justin Timberlake’s latest album and appearing for the
second time as a musical guest on “Saturday Night Live.”

SUGARLAND

VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR
MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR

Following a timeout to pursue solo opportunities, Jen-
nifer Nettles and Kristian Bush released their first album
as a duo in eight years. Bigger further solidifies Sugar-
land’s reputation for recording songs that uplift and/
or challenge the listener, and the title itself makes an
appropriately aspirational statement as they build on an
already-impressive history: before their hiatus, Sugarland
notched seven consecutive Vocal Duo of the Year nomi-
nations, including five straight victories from 2007-2011.

SHERVIN LAINEZ

68 THE 52nd ANNUAL CMA AWARDS



TAYLOR SWIFTNOMINATED ARTISTS

MERT & MARCUS MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR

Though Taylor Swift’s feet are currently planted on the
pop music landscape, she is not afraid to dip her toe
back into Country every now and then. Last year, she
won CMA Song of the Year for penning Little Big Town’s
hit “Better Man,” and this year she lends her pen and her
voice to Sugarland’s first single from their Bigger album,
“Babe.” Swift wrapped up the U.S. leg of her Reputation
tour to rave reviews and sold out stadiums. After a tour
of Australia, Swift concludes the highly successful tour in
November in Japan.

CARRIE UNDERWOODRANDEE ST NICHOLAS

FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR

She may have changed record labels, but Carrie
Underwood remains a consistent presence in the
Female Vocalist category, earning her lucky 13th
straight nomination among 30 total career entries.
She’s won the Female trophy four times, feeding this
year’s nod with the power ballad “Cry Pretty,” the
title track for her Sept. 14 Capitol debut. She also
rolled out a new song, “Game On,” to launch her
sixth season as the opening-theme vocalist for NBC’s
“Sunday Night Football.”

70 THE 52nd ANNUAL CMA AWARDS

From NSU’s Downtown Country
to Country Music’s Biggest Night...

“Our Carrie!”Congratulations to
Nominee for:
Female Vocalist of the Year
Music Video of the Year
Carrie Underwood
Class of 2006

Tahlequah, Oklahoma | nsuok.edu

KEITH URBANNOMINATED ARTISTS

MARK SELIGER ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
ALBUM OF THE YEAR

Consider it the ultimate in positivity. A Keith Urban
concert is an in-the-moment affair, as he invents lengthy
guitar solos on the fly, pulls random fans on stage for
off-the-cuff chats and tailors elements of his show for
the specific market. Eleven of his 45 career CMA Awards
nominations have come in the Entertainer category,
which he won in 2005, and the 2018 nod marks his third
in a row.

BRETT YOUNG

NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR

A former baseball player, Brett Young emerged as
one of the genre’s pre-eminent balladeers as his
debut album was certified both gold and platinum
by the RIAA since August 2017. He also had four
separate singles recognized gold and/or platinum,
topped by the triple-platinum “In Case You Didn’t
Know.” This is the second nomination for the
smoky vocalist, releasing his sophomore album in
December as he prepares to headline this year’s CMT
On Tour lineup.

CHAPMAN BAEHLER.

72 THE 52nd ANNUAL CMA AWARDS



MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR NOMINEES GREG VOROBIOV COURTESY OF PAUL FRANKLIN

JERRY DOUGLAS PAUL FRANKLIN

DOBRO STEEL GUITAR

CAMILLE AKERS JAMES DEMAIN

DANN HUFF MAC McANALLY

GUITAR GUITAR

COURTESY DEREK WELLS

DEREK WELLS

GUITAR

74 THE 52nd ANNUAL CMA AWARDS



PRODUCER AND MIX ENGINEER NOMINEES ALBUM OF THE YEAR

Award goes to Artist and Producer(s)

FROM A ROOM: VOLUME 2 GOLDEN HOUR GRAFFITI U
Chris Stapleton
Kacey Musgraves Keith Urban
Producers: Dave Cobb and
Chris Stapleton Producers: Ian Fitchuk, Daniel Producers: Keith Urban,
Tashian and Kacey Musgraves Dan McCarroll, J.R. Rotem,
MERCURY NASHVILLE / Josh Kerr, Jason Evigan,
UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP NASHVILLE MERCURY NASHVILLE / Greg Wells, Benny Blanco,
UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP NASHVILLE Ed Sheeran, Johnny McDaid,
Jesse Shatkin, Jimmy
Robbins, Oscar Holter,
Matt Rad, Eric Valentine,
Ian Kirkpatrick, Mike Elizondo,
Captain Cuts,
Ross Copperman, Dann Huff
and Peter Karlsson

CAPITOL RECORDS NASHVILLE /
UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP NASHVILLE

LIFE CHANGES THE MOUNTAIN

Thomas Rhett Dierks Bentley

Producers: Julian Bunetta, Producers: Ross Copperman,
Jesse Frasure, Dann Huff, Joe Jon Randall Stewart and
London and Thomas Rhett Arturo Buenahora Jr.

THE VALORY MUSIC CO. CAPITOL RECORDS NASHVILLE/
UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP NASHVILLE

76 THE 52nd ANNUAL CMA AWARDS

SINGLE OF THE YEAR ANDY BARRON

Award goes to Artist(s), Producer(s), and Mix Engineer PRODUCER AND MIX ENGINEER NOMINEES

“BROKEN HALOS” “DRINKIN’ PROBLEM” “DROWNS THE WHISKEY”
Chris Stapleton Midland Jason Aldean
(featuring Miranda Lambert)
Producers: Dave Cobb and Producers: Dann Huff, Shane
Chris Stapleton McAnally and Josh Osborne Producer: Michael Knox

Mix Engineer: Vance Powell Mix Engineer: Justin Niebank Mix Engineer: Jeff Braun

“MEANT TO BE” “TEQUILA”
Bebe Rexha & Dan + Shay
Florida Georgia Line
Producers: Scott Hendricks
Producer: Wilshire and Dan Smyers

Mix Engineer: Serban Ghenea Mix Engineer: Jeff Juliano

THE 52nd ANNUAL CMA AWARDS 77

Congrats to all the
evening’s stars!



MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR NOMINEES Award goes to Artist(s) and Director

“BABE”

BENEDICT EVANS

DIRECTOR: ARTIST: SUGARLAND FEAT. TAYLOR SWIFT
ANTHONY MANDLER

Take the first new album from CMA Awards winners Sugarland in six years, a guest appearance from the song’s writer
Taylor Swift, and cinematography reminiscent of the pop culture icon “Mad Men,” and you have “Babe.” In the video,
Jennifer Nettles plays a traditional 1960s housewife and Swift plays the red-headed secretary who catches the attention
of Nettles’ businessman husband (actor Brandon Routh). The love triangle plays out in true period drama fashion with
neither woman getting exactly what she wants in the end.

“CRY PRETTY”

DALE GOLD

DIRECTOR: RANDEE ARTIST: CARRIE UNDERWOOD
ST. NICHOLAS

A powerful message in the age of social media, this star vehicle for Carrie Underwood poignantly illustrates the dual lives
people lead—the public persona where everything seems good, and the one that often exists behind closed doors, where
people hide their despair out of shame. Underwood shows herself a skilled actress, depicting the loneliness felt when
everything seems to be falling apart.

“DRUNK GIRL”

ROBBY KLEIN

DIRECTOR: ARTIST: CHRIS JANSON
JEFF VENABLE

Chris Janson’s hit about the importance of having respect for women is told through this powerful video. Opening on an
inebriated couple coming out of a bar, the man faces a choice when his date asks “what should we do next?” The story
then shifts to that same woman as a little girl growing up, showing how her life is shaped by the actions of those around
her as Janson plays piano set on the neon backdrop of the bars that dot lower Broadway in Nashville.

80 THE 52nd ANNUAL CMA AWARDS

“MARRY ME” MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR NOMINEES

MIKE COPPOLA

DIRECTOR: ARTIST: THOMAS RHETT
TK McKAMY

It’s a day she has been dreaming about forever, and one he wishes had turned out differently. Thomas Rhett’s “Marry
Me” is a story about missed opportunities when it comes to love, and the “what ifs” that a wedding day can bring for the
lovelorn. The main characters are childhood friends who have grown up with each other through high school, where the
one opportunity for him to tell her how he feels slips away. Regret follows him to her wedding to another man, where he
walks out rather than see his love marry someone else. In the end, he is once again faced with the consequences of his
choice.

“TEQUILA”

ROB NORRIS

DIRECTOR: ARTIST: DAN + SHAY
PATRICK TRACY

Like all of this year’s nominees, Dan + Shay’s smash “Tequila” is turned into a cinematic feature, set “sky high in Colorado”
where a young woman meets a deaf man set on the backdrop of a snowy mountain town. The video follows the
beginning of their relationship, where he teaches her “tequila” in sign language, to the bitter end when he leaves her to
pursue his dreams. But the end of the song is not the end of the story. Four years later he orders his favorite drink, but he
doesn’t have to sign it because the familiar looking bartender already knows he wants tequila.

THE 52nd ANNUAL CMA AWARDS 81

SONG OF THE YEAR NOMINEES Award goes to Songwriter(s)

“BODY LIKE A BACK ROAD”

STEVEN ALAN
CONNOR DWYER
FORD FAIRCHILD
KATIE KAUSS

ZACH CROWELL SAM HUNT SHANE McANALLY JOSH OSBORNE

The alluring, fun and chill vibe that “Body Like a Back Road” conveys stems from Sam Hunt’s feelings after he, and his
now wife, got engaged. Hunt brought up the idea he had for the title to his collaborators, Shane McAnally, Zach Crowell
and Josh Osborne, who immediately recognized its potential. “As a songwriter, when an artist comes in the door and says
that title, you’re like, ‘Uh, yeah…let’s write that!’ Osborne told Taste of Country. A lot of the prep work for the song came
in trying to find the right musical form to express the fun, loose feel they were hoping to capture.” The resulting song has
such an instantly timeless feel, and timeless it is as it returns once again as a back-to-back Song of the Year nominee.

“BROKEN HALOS”

ALAN MESSER
ANDY BARRON

MIKE HENDERSON CHRIS STAPLETON

“Broken Halos” is not only soulful and profound but attached is a tear-jerking true story behind the spiritual tune written
by Chris Stapleton and Mike Henderson. Stapleton told The Boot that the track is “sort of a new song, but an old song
for me,” and explained that the song is “about people who have passed away before their time,” specifically referring to a
close friend of his who passed away from pancreatic cancer at just 38 years old.

“DROWNS THE WHISKEY”

GOMEZ PHOTOGRAPHY
COURTESY OF JEFF MIDDLETON
KATIE KAUSS

BRANDON KINNEY JEFF MIDDLETON JOSH THOMPSON

The heavy emotion in the sincere, heart-aching lyrics of “Drowns the Whiskey” will surely resonate with anyone who has
dealt with heartbreak. For those lucky few who haven’t yet, they won’t have a choice but to feel the ache writers Brandon
Kinney, Jeff Middleton and Josh Thompson were able to successfully establish. Combining the harmonies of Aldean
and Lambert with deep-felt lyrics like “Whiskey’s supposed to drown the memory/I’ve gone from one to one too many/
And the thing that really gets me/Is how your memory drowns the whiskey,” results in a successful Country heartbreak
collaboration that truly connects with its audience.

82 THE 52nd ANNUAL CMA AWARDS

“DRUNK GIRL” SONG OF THE YEAR NOMINEES

COURTESY OF SCOOTER CARUSOE
COURTESYSONYATVPUBLISHING
VINEYARD VINES

SCOOTER CARUSOE TOM DOUGLAS CHRIS JANSON

Powerfully written by three talented men, Chris Janson, Scooter Carusoe and Tom Douglas, “Drunk Girl,” is everything
but what the title leads you to believe. The lyrics deliver a sincere message of respect for women aimed at young men.
Janson says he and his fellow writers take respecting women very seriously, and with all three writers being fathers, that
point of view heavily influenced the writing of the song.

“If my daughter were ever in that situation, the song is how I hope a young man would treat my daughter,” Janson
expressed to Billboard. “It’s drawing tears from people’s eyes and pulling stories from men and women alike who might
not have had a voice or a platform to talk about it. It’s amazing. It’s cool to see songs bring emotions out in people. It
almost means more to me than getting played on the air,” says Janson.

“TEQUILA”

COURTESY NICOLLE GALYON
ROBBIE NORRIS
PATRICK TRACY

NICOLLE GALYON JORDAN REYNOLDS DAN SMYERS

Taking a strong alcoholic beverage and using it as a metaphor for love lost is exactly what writers Nicolle Galyon, Jordan
Reynolds and Dan Smyers have accomplished. Dan + Shay’s powerful and descriptive ballad forces the potent feelings
of nostalgia when combined with every drop of tequila they taste. “We basically used tequila as the trigger to go back
to a specific situation with an ex and we just got super descriptive on it,” Smyers explains in an interview with Taste of
Country. “It just kind of told the story.”

THE 52nd ANNUAL CMA AWARDS 83

Don’t take the same old journey.
Be somewhere genuine.
Be somewhere amazing.
Be changed.

playanydaygetawaycation

800.828.4244

visithendersonvillenc.org

©2018 Ariat® is a registered trademark of Ariat International, Inc. All rights reserved.

FRFINDEEYOUR
SPIRIT

Visit ariat.com/fashion

BOOTS • SHOES • CLOTHING

CMA CELEBRATES 60 YEARS

COUNTRY MUSIC
ASSOCIATION

CELEBRATES

YEARS

When visionary leaders unite to advance a
common goal, there’s no limit to what they can
accomplish, and the Country Music Association is
a solid testament to that fact. As the organization
celebrates its 60th anniversary, there’s a proud
history of growing the Country format to include
a more diverse audience.

BY DEBORAH EVANS PRICE

86 THE 52nd ANNUAL CMA AWARDS

The first documented RIGHT:
meeting of the new CMA Jo Walker
Board of Directors at the
Andrew Jackson Hotel Meador,
in Nashville in November CMA’s first
1958. (L-R): Nashville music employee who
publisher and booking agent later became
Hubert Long, BMI Canada Executive
executive Harold Moon, Director, in
Nashville music publisher 1959. Photo:
Wesley Rose, recording artist courtesy of the
and producer Mac Wiseman, Country Music
broadcaster and booking Hall of Fame
agent Connie B. Gay. and Museum

Photo: courtesy of the
Country Music Hall of Fame
and Museum

LEFT: Tex Ritter and Founded in 1958, CMA’s
Gene Autry with mission to further Country
the horse named Music was initially a response
“Country Music,” the to the growing popularity of
door prize during rock ‘n roll. “Country Music
a luncheon and was in trouble,” the late CMA Executive
recording session Director Jo Walker-Meador said of
for the promotional those early days. “Rock ‘n roll was
album “The Sounds taking over the airways and so the radio
Of Country Music,” stations were dropping Country Music
on May 14, 1963 at and changing the format.”
the Hotel Roosevelt
in New York, NY. There was also concern about Country
Photo: PoPsie Music’s “image.” During the 1950s, radio
Randolph/Michael stations had adopted exclusive formats,
Ochs Archives/Getty and Country’s hayseed, cornpone,
Images hillbilly stereotypes made it unattractive
as a radio format. In 1961, only 81
LEFT: CMA of America’s 3,500 radio stations
Extravaganza show in programmed Country Music. Thus,
Louisville, Kentucky CMA’s first and most important mission
on March 8, 1959 was to change that state of affairs.
(L-R): Ray Walker
of the Jordanaires, The Country Music Disc Jockey
Earl Scruggs, Association (CMDJA), led by president
Johnny Johnson of Connie B. Gay, met in Miami on Sept.
Ernest Tubb’s Texas 25, 1958. Industry leaders such as
Troubadours, Roger Grand Ole Opry manager Dee Kilpatrick
Miller, Charlie Walker, and legendary publisher Wesley Rose
Ernest Tubb, WSM were in attendance and the general
announcer T. Tommy consensus was that a new organization
Cutrer, Lester Flatt, was needed to better serve the needs
Texas Troubadours of a changing industry.
member Billy Byrd
(partly obscured).
CMA staged multi-
artist performances
to raise money for
the organization and
establish its visibility.

THE 52nd ANNUAL CMA AWARDS 87

CMA CELEBRATES 60 YEARS

The late Ken Nelson, Country Music the organization through its formative BELOW: CMA BOTTOM: Sonny
Hall of Fame member and legendary years. CMA worked hard to be inclusive, established the James and Bobbie
producer who headed Capitol Record’s holding meetings throughout the Country Music Hall of Gentry host
Country division for many years, country to let people know it wasn’t Fame in 1961 to honor the first “CMA
documented CMA’s origins in his just a Nashville organization, but an the trailblazers of the Awards Banquet
book My First 90 Years Plus 3. “It was international one. They also specifically genre. Jimmy Rogers, & Show” in 1967
concluded that the problem was the targeted radio. “We developed what Fred Rose and Hank at the Municipal
CMDJA was only one segment of the we called a radio kit to sell them on Williams were the Auditorium in
industry,” he noted, “and that in order switching to a Country format. They first inductees. Tex Nashville. Photo:
to be successful, the organization helped them to not only format the Ritter (pictured with CMA Archives
must encompass all segments of the station, but on how to program it and Jo Walker Meador
industry—radio and television, music also how to sell it,” said Walker-Meador, and Frances Preston)
publishers, record companies, artists, was inducted in 1963.
managers, bookers and trade papers. Photo: CMA Archives
It was decided to form a Country
Music Association with headquarters in From Main Street
Nashville.” USA to Madison
Avenue, the world
Thus, CMA was born as the first began learning
organization formed to promote a that Country Music
genre of music. Connie B. Gay was was more than
elected President and Wesley Rose the music of rural
was Chairman. Eddy Arnold and Harold America; it was
Moon were Vice Presidents. Hubert the soundtrack for
Long served as Treasurer and Mac American life.
Wiseman was Secretary. The members
of the CMDJA donated the $1,250 in
their treasury to help CMA get started.
Nelson, who served as CMA president
in 1961 and 1962, designed CMA’s
first logo—a note with a world map
imprinted on it, emblazoned with the
words “Best Liked Worldwide.” The
large flag on the note carried “Country
Music Association.”

CMA held its first meeting in November
1958 and in December, they hired
Walker-Meador as secretary, the
organization’s first employee. “I don’t
know who suggested Jo Walker, but
whoever did deserves a medal,” Nelson
once said. “She was hired for a salary
of $375 a month. Without her aptitude,
devotion and dedication, I don’t believe
CMA would have survived.”

After former WSM executive Harry
Stone’s brief 10-month tenure as
Executive Director, the Board decided
that there was no one better to lead
the organization than its original
employee, Walker-Meador, in 1962.
Her resourcefulness, passion and
legendary diplomacy skills shepherded

88 THE 52nd ANNUAL CMA AWARDS

who served as Executive Director until The CMA Awards debuts on going to do with a Tennessee Walking
her retirement in 1991 and continued national television as part Horse, but we gave one away,” recalled
to be a shining light and supporter of NBC’s Kraft Music Hall Preston with a laugh. “That was our goal
of the organization until her death series in 1968. Roy Rogers was to get into these marketplaces and
in 2017. “I remember one year five and Dale Evans host from get Country Music heard.”
stations in major markets switched to the Ryman Auditorium.
Country Music. That was a real cause for Photo: courtesy of Hard work and such innovative ideas
celebration.” Nashville Public Library left their footprint on the Madison
Avenue gatekeepers, but to further
In addition to fighting for more space Walking Horse and cases of Jack advance awareness of Country Music
on the radio dial, CMA also took on Daniels to get the advertisers to stay it soon became obvious that television
Madison Avenue and heavily lobbied to listen to a Country Music show,” the would be an essential tool. In 1967, the
America’s major brands to use Country late Frances Preston once told CMA very first non-televised CMA Awards
Music and its artists in their advertising. Close Up. The former BMI chief was the Banquet & Show was held at Nashville’s
“We used to take shows to advertisers first woman to serve as chairman of the Municipal Auditorium with Sonny James
in Detroit, Chicago and New York. I CMA Board in 1964 and 1965 and served and Bobby Gentry as hosts. Eddy
remember we gave away a Tennessee as president in 1973. Arnold was named the first Entertainer
of the Year. Jack Greene was named
The Walking Horse was given away as Male Vocalist and Loretta Lynn took the
a door prize when CMA presented “The prize for Female Vocalist of the Year.
Sound of Country Music” at the NYC In 1968, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans
Sales Executive Club Luncheon in 1963. hosted the second CMA Awards from
Gene Autry, Tex Ritter, Don Gibson, the Ryman Auditorium. The show was
Leon McAuliffe and Flatt & Scruggs taped and broadcast as part of the
performed at the event. “I don’t know Kraft Music Hall program on NBC a few
what anybody in New York City was weeks later, marking the first time a
music awards show was broadcast on
national television. From Main Street
USA to Madison Avenue, the world
began learning that Country Music was
more than the music of rural America; it
was the soundtrack for American life.

The CMA Awards grew its audience
consistently over the years, both in
person and on TV. The broadcast was
moved to the Grand Ole Opry house
in the mid-1980s, where it remained
until 2005. That’s the year the city
of New York and then-Mayor Michael
Bloomberg came to CMA with a
proposal: bring the CMA Awards to
NYC for one epic extravaganza to
broaden the reach of Country Music
and gain more exposure in the media
capital of the world. Dubbed “Country
Takes NYC,” CMA hosted a week-
long celebration around Manhattan
culminating in the Awards being
broadcast live from the famed Madison
Square Garden. The following year,
the show’s 40th anniversary, the CMA
Awards returned to Nashville and set
up shop in Bridgestone Arena, where it
remains to this day.

THE 52nd ANNUAL CMA AWARDS 89

CMA CELEBRATES 60 YEARS

In 2016, the CMA Awards celebrated ABOVE: CMA creates Fan Fair in 1972, entertainment and 100 exhibit booths
its 50th anniversary with a year- an event geared towards Country fans, and drew 5,000 fans. The next year the
long party that culminated with the CMA Board moved the event to June so
historical single and music video with performances, meet-and-greets that kids would be out of school and the
“Forever Country.” Featuring a mix of with artists, and even a square dance. entire family could travel to Nashville
John Denver’s “Country Roads,” Willie The April event draws 5,000 fans from all for the unique experience. Interestingly
Nelson’s “On the Road Again” and Dolly over the world to Nashville’s Municipal enough, Fan Fair was initially created
Parton’s “I Will Always Love You,” the to provide fans with another forum to
musical event featured 30 CMA Awards Auditorium. Photo: CMA Archives engage with artists other than crashing
winners lending their voices to the the annual DJ convention, held each
collaboration. The music video, directed RIGHT: Fan Fair moved to the fall. “The incentive for Fan Fair was to
by Joseph Kahn, garnered more than 30 Tennessee State Fairgrounds in get the fans out of the fall convention,”
million views and the single, produced 1982 to accommodate more fans. In Walker-Meador said of the event’s
by Shane McAnally, was certified Gold 1996, Garth Brooks sets the record origin. “Fans were coming and the
by RIAA. for longest consecutive autograph artists couldn’t tell whether he or she
signing, going 23 hours without a was talking to a fan or a disc jockey and
As Paisley and Underwood step up to we got some complaints about that. So
the podium this year for their 11th time break. Photo: CMA Archives
as hosts of Country Music’s Biggest
Night, they continue a long line of hobbies. I don’t play golf or collect
entertaining emcees. Over the years, anything,” Deaton shares. “To me, the
Reba McEntire, Johnny Cash, Anne music and putting together a show,
Murray, Glen Campbell, Roy Clark, that’s fun. That’s my hobby. I just always
Barbara Mandrell, Brooks & Dunn, thought it was fascinating and I still do.
Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, Mac I like putting on a show for people to
Davis and Dolly Parton are among the enjoy.”
luminaries to host the CMA Awards.
Vince Gill holds the record for the most As important as the TV shows are in
turns, with 12 years at the podium. “I CMA’s mission to elevate Country Music,
never felt like I was doing television. The for fans there’s nothing like getting up
secret to me was realizing that all those close and personal with their favorite
people in the seats were my friends, artists, and CMA has been facilitating
and that’s who I played to,” Gill says. “It memorable moments since the very
was a great experience and I’m grateful. first Fan Fair was held in April 1972 in
The best feeling in the world was feeling Nashville’s Municipal Auditorium. The
trusted. I felt like the industry trusted gathering featured 20 hours of live
me. The artists trusted me. [former
CMA Awards Executive Producer]
Walter [Miller] trusted me. That was the
greatest feeling.”

In addition to the Awards, CMA has
developed two other highly rated
annual television properties with “CMA
Country Christmas” and “CMA Fest,” a
three-hour special highlighting the best
moments from June’s festival.

Robert Deaton is the man at the center
of all three CMA television properties.
Since 2007, he’s served as executive
producer of the CMA Awards on the
ABC Television Network and is also at
the helm of CMA Country Christmas
and CMA Fest. “I don’t have any

90 THE 52nd ANNUAL CMA AWARDS

Fan Fair moves to we wanted to do something special for
downtown Nashville the fans.”

in 2001 with the In 1982, Fan Fair moved to the
nightly shows at Tennessee State Fairgrounds where
the NFL Tennessee it remained until the event moved to
Titans’ stadium at downtown Nashville in 2001. The move
night. The event downtown was one of necessity as the
is renamed CMA accommodations at the Fairground
Music Festival (now were literally bursting at the seams.
CMA Fest) in 2014 Shepherded by then Executive Director
and is taped for a Ed Benson, Fan Fair moved downtown
primetime network to encompass several sites include
TV special that now Nissan Stadium, Riverfront Park and
airs on ABC. Photo: more. In 2004, the event was renamed
CMA Music Festival. Changing location
CMA Archives and broadening the scope of the event
was a tremendous success. Each year
The CMA Awards bring tens of thousands of fans to
takes a one-year Nashville for four days of non-stop
trip to New York music and entertainment. This year
City in 2005, taking brought the shortened name, CMA
over Manhattan for Fest, and drew fans from all 50 states
a week in what was and 36 foreign countries, who saw
dubbed “Country performances by over 300 artists on 11
Takes NYC.” Brooks stages. “One of our goals is to expose
artists at all stages in their career,”
& Dunn kicked current CMA CEO Sarah Trahern told
off the week by Billboard. “I felt we checked the box on
performing atop that well this year.”
the Madison Square
Garden Marquee. Beyond promoting the artists of
Photo: Michael yesterday and today, CMA is actively
investing in the creators of tomorrow.
Loccisano For more than a decade, the CMA
Foundation has provided resources for
The CMA Songwriters students to able to participate in music
Series is established education programs, donating $21
in 2005 with million to the worthy cause. “It Starts
the inaugural With M.E.,” the CMA Foundation’s first
performance and national cause marketing campaign,
Joe’s Pub in New launched this year to raise awareness
of the benefits of music education. The
York City. (l-r) Jeffrey campaign was announced during the
Steele, Tim Nichols, “CMA Fest” broadcast on ABC, and
Trahern says artists will be enlisted
Bob DiPiero and Craig to create awareness of this special
Wiseman. Photo: Marc initiative. “We are teaming up with our
incredible Country Music community in
Andrew Deley the coming months as individuals share
through social media childhood photos
Brad Paisley and Carrie and personal stories of how music
Underwood have hosted education helped mold them into who
they are today,” she says.
the CMA Awards for 11
consecutive years. Photo:

John Russell/CMA

Beyond promoting
the artists of
yesterday and today,
CMA is actively
investing in the
creators of tomorrow.

THE 52nd ANNUAL CMA AWARDS 91

CMA CELEBRATES 60 YEARS

CMA’s holiday
television special
“CMA Country
Christmas” airs
for the first time
in 2010 with
Sugarland’s
Jennifer Nettles as
host. Photo: John
Russell/CMA

One of the CMA vehicles that continues It’s hard to imagine where CMA establishes a
to spotlight songwriters as the Country Music would be charitable initiative
backbone of the industry is the CMA today without the many in 2006, leading to
Songwriter Series. The brainchild of dedicated people that have the creation of the
award-winning songwriter Bob DiPiero, populated the Country CMA Foundation,
the series is in its 14th year and has Music Association over which provides
presented more than 100 shows in the years sharing their funding for
cities including Austin, Belfast, Chicago, expertise and passion. music education
Dublin, London, Los Angeles, New York, programs across
Paris, Phoenix, Toronto and Washington, the country. Kelsea
D.C. at the renowned Library of Ballerini poses with
Congress and John F. Kennedy Center. band members
Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Tom Douglas, at Oliver Middle
Miranda Lambert, Hillary Lindsey, School in 2016.
Shane McAnally, Lori McKenna, Kacey Photo: Terry Wyatt/
Musgraves, Tim Nichols, Liz Rose, Getty Images
Darius Rucker, Carrie Underwood,
Craig Wiseman and Chris Young are
among the artists and writers who have
participated.

After six decades of service to the
industry, it’s hard to imagine where
Country Music would be today without
the many dedicated people that
have populated the Country Music
Association over the years sharing
their expertise and passion to propel
Country Music forward. How many lives
might not have ever been impacted
by the three chords and the truth of a
great Country song? After 60 years,
CMA’s mission remains strong, and with
today’s technology there are more tools
than ever to reach the world with the
power and poignancy of Country Music.

92 THE 52nd ANNUAL CMA AWARDS



RED CARPET
BY PHYLLIS STARK

Danielle Kacey Musgraves Sure, the CMA Awards red carpet
Bradbery at at walks the red gives Country stars a chance
the 2017 CMA to dress up and show off their
carpet at the 2015 stylish sides, while also providing them
Awards CMA Awards with an opportunity to talk up their
latest projects with scores of media
94 THE 52nd ANNUAL CMA AWARDS outlets. Yet neither of those things tops
the list of reasons why artists enjoy the
experience so much. Rather, they say,
it’s the opportunity to catch up with
each other that makes the red carpet
such a blast.

“I love seeing the other artists,” says
Danielle Bradbery. “I love talking about
the night and which performances
everyone is looking forward to. It’s
an adrenaline rush before the show
whether you’re performing or not.”

Carly Pearce agrees. “I love getting to
hang with all my other artist friends and

Stars Enjoy
the ‘Adrenaline
Rush’ of the
CMA Awards

READY RedCarpet

seeing some of my heroes,” she says. Kristian Bush on
“Plus getting to see what everyone is the red carpet
wearing first.”
at the 2013 CMA
Adds 2018 CMA New Artist of the Awards
Year nominee Brett Young, “I just love
that the Country community is all
together in one place. It’s a lot of fun to
run into your buddies on the carpet and
catch up for a minute or two.”

For two-time 2018 nominee Sugarland’s
Kristian Bush, who lives in Atlanta, away
from Country Music’s hub of Nashville,
“Stepping on the CMA Awards red
carpet is an opportunity to see some
friends—artists, industry and press—
that I unfortunately don’t get to see as
often as I’d like since we are all busy
throughout the year. And I do really love
and get a kick out of seeing everyone
dressed up but acting like they aren’t.”

“The whole idea of getting … judged for
how well I’m dressed and how pretty
my hair and makeup [is] definitely the
weirdest part of walking the carpet,”
says 2018 CMA New Artist of the Year
nominee Lauren Alaina. “But seeing
all of my favorite friends/artists makes
me forget the pressures of all of that
stuff as soon as I see them. There is

Lauren Alaina walks
the red carpet at
at the 2015
CMA Awards

THE 52nd ANNUAL CMA AWARDS 95

RED CARPET READY

For even the most something so special about dressing
established Country up and being a part of the best music
Music stars, the thrill of the year getting awarded and
of seeing someone recognized.”
unexpected at the
CMA Awards can Other artists, including Kacey
quickly turn them Musgraves and Scotty McCreery, relish
into gushing fans being able to share the red carpet
themselves. experience with family members. “For
my first CMA carpet, my nana came
as my date,” three-time 2018 nominee
Musgraves recalls. “We got all glammed
up together and had the best time.
She slayed the interviews and owned
the sparkle. I’ve gotten to take each
member of my family as a carpet date
for different special events and it’s a
really cute memory for me.”

McCreery, who was newly engaged to
now wife Gabi on the 2017 red carpet,
brought her along that year, and says,
“All the journalists wanted to talk
wedding plans. It was so fun to share
that with her.”

For even the most established Country
Music stars, the thrill of seeing someone
unexpected at the CMA Awards can
quickly turn them into gushing fans
themselves.

In 2013, Bush brought his two kids along
to the CMA Awards to give them a
glimpse into his professional life. “Then,
suddenly, Dave Grohl walked around the
corner and I turned into a teenage fan,”
he recalls. “I literally asked my son if he
could take a picture of us together. To
this day, my son will not let me live it
down.”

Sus nobit, si cum rempor
maion nieniamus, ium esti to
volore et accatur mod quam,
occum et voluptas am quatem
labor audisciae cus

P!nk and daughter
Willow at the 2017
CMA Awards

96 THE 52nd ANNUAL CMA AWARDS

AatiShtswcetiaonhrRttedtees2rdMv0ciC1eC3awrrCeepedMertAoyonf

During Bradbery’s first CMA Awards
carpet, she looked up from an interview
and realized Keith Urban was nearby.
“I couldn’t believe what my life had
become,” she remembers thinking.

For other stars, the vitality of the red
carpet is what they enjoy most. “There’s
such an energy on the carpet. You can
always feel the excitement,” Pearce
says.”And I’ve dreamt of that forever, so
it’s a dream come true.”

Young concurs, saying, “There’s just
such a unique energy at award shows
that I love, especially at the CMAs.
There’s so much talent and camaraderie
in this community, [and] everyone that
is nominated is so deserving. You’re
truly cheering each other on, so there’s
a lot of excitement and anticipation.”

Preparing for the event by choosing just
the right outfit and accessories is also
an enjoyable part of the process for a
lot of stars, particularly the members of
2018 New Artist nominees Midland, who
feel they have a standard to uphold.
“There’s a strong tradition dating back
to the golden age of the Opry, where
performers would wear rhinestone
suits so that the people in the back
row could also see the performance,”
says the band’s Cameron Duddy. “So,

Simone Biles Scotty McCreery
at the 2016 walks the red

CMA Awards carpet at the 2016
CMA Awards

THE 52nd ANNUAL CMA AWARDS 97

RED CARPET READY

HinBecCtuaaeMsdrrhplvAienioeteAnwawCstthaoKteruhdrneirssett2rdiy0an15

Carly Pearce at Midland at
the 2017 CMA the 2017 CMA

Awards Awards

98 THE 52nd ANNUAL CMA AWARDS