CMA Awards   -  Archives

Barbara Mandrell is the belle of the ball -- winning both the female vocalist award and her second entertainer of the year trophy. She also co-hosts the show with singer and actor Mac Davis. George Jones retains his male vocalist title, and "He Stopped Loving Her Today" wins its second song of the year award, too. The new band, Alabama, is named instrumental group and vocal group of the year, while Country Music Hall of Famer Chet Atkins is named instrumentalist. Singers David Frizzell and Shelly West earn the duo nod, and Don Williams' record, I Believe in You, is named album of the year. This is also the first year for the Horizon Award, recognizing emerging talent in country music, and the inaugural honor goes to singer Terri Gibbs. The crossover hit "Elvira" gives the Oak Ridge Boys their first single of the year award. Singer Vernon Dalhart and Grand Ole Opry announcer Grant Turner are inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.