For the first time, the CMA Awards show is simulcast on radio. Listeners and viewers witness Dolly Parton's first win as entertainer
of the year. Crystal Gayle is once again named female vocalist of the year, and her hit single, "Don't It Make My Brown Eyes
Blue," gives song of the year honors to writer Richard Leigh. Crooner Don Williams wins his first male vocalist trophy, and
the Oak Ridge Boys unseat the Statler Brothers as vocal group. Ronnie Milsap's record, It Was Almost Like a Song, earns
the album trophy while the Kendalls' "Heaven Is Just a Sin Away" takes home single of the year. Comedian and Grand Ole Opry
star Grandpa Jones is inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.