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1996 CMA Entertainers of the Year: Brooks & Dunn

30th Annual CMA Awards

Host: Vince Gill
Venue: Grand Ole Opry House
City: Nashville, Tenn.
Date: Oct. 2, 1996

Entertainer of the Year: Brooks & Dunn

30th Annual CMA Awards Summary

Hosted by Vince Gill, the show opens with newcomer LeAnn Rimes performing her hit, "Blue." Brooks & Dunn become the first duo in history to win entertainer of the year honors. George Strait reclaims his male vocalist award title after a 10-year hiatus from the category. Strait's Blue Clear Sky also wins album of the year and his hit, "Check Yes or No," earns single of the year. Gill's collaboration with Dolly Parton on her classic "I Will Always Love You" takes home the vocal event honor, and his self-penned "Go Rest High on That Mountain" gets the song of the year award. Newcomer Bryan White receives the Horizon Award, and Patty Loveless earns her first female vocalist award. Junior Brown's humorous "My Wife Thinks You're Dead" takes the music video of the year award. The Country Music Hall of Fame welcomes singers Patsy Montana, Ray Price and Buck Owens.

Entertainer of the Year

Winner: Brooks & Dunn
Nominees:

Male Vocalist of the Year

Winner: George Strait
Nominees:

Female Vocalist of the Year

Winner: Patty Loveless
Nominees:

Horizon Award

Winner: Bryan White
Nominees:

Vocal Group of the Year

Winner: The Mavericks
Nominees:

Vocal Duo of the Year

Winner: Brooks & Dunn
Nominees:

Vocal Event of the Year

Winners: Vince Gill and Dolly Parton
Song Title: "I Will Always Love You"
Nominees:

Album of the Year

Winner: George Strait
Album Title: Blue Clear Sky
Nominees:

Song of the Year

Winner: Vince Gill
Song Title: "Go Rest High on That Mountain"
Nominees:

Single of the Year

Winner: George Strait
Song Title: "Check Yes or No"
Nominees:

Musician of the Year

Winner: Mark O'Connor
Nominees:

Music Video of the Year

Winners: Junior Brown and Michael McNamara
Video Title: "My Wife Thinks You're Dead"
Nominees: