CMA Awards   -  Archives

One of the most controversial moments in CMA history happens during this live broadcast. The reigning entertainer of the year, Charlie Rich, is presenting the award for that same category. But instead of announcing John Denver as the winner, Rich sets fire to the card in disgust. Denver is in Australia at the time and accepts the award via satellite. Denver's self-penned "Back Home Again" is named song of the year, and Freddy Fender's hit, "Before the Next Teardrop Falls," earns single of the year honors. Waylon Jennings' nod as male vocalist cements mainstream country's acceptance of the Outlaw movement, and Dolly Parton wins her first solo CMA award (without Porter Wagoner) as female vocalist of the year. Ronnie Milsap's A Legend in My Time receives the album of the year nod, while the combination of Roy Clark and Buck Trent secure the instrumental group award. Fiddler and mandolinist Johnny Gimble wins his first instrumentalist of the year honor. Comedienne and beloved Grand Ole Opry star, Minnie Pearl, is inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.