Country Music Association

The Country Music Association (CMA) held its first award ceremony in 1967. The winner of the first "Entertainer of the Year" award was singer, Eddy Arnold. The association's 36th ceremony was held in Nashville on November 6 2002 and there were awards in the following 12 categories, including Entertainer, Male Vocalist, Female Vocalist, Horizon, Vocal Group, Vocal Duo, Single, Album, Song, Vocal Event, Music Video, and Musician.

2002 Awards

Entertainer of the Year - Alan Jackson

Female Vocalist of the Year - Martina McBride

Male Vocalist of the Year - Alan Jackson

Music Video of the Year - Brad Paisley

Vocal Group of the Year - Dixie Chicks

Song of the Year - Alan Jackson

Vocal Duo of the Year - Brooks and Dunn

Album of the Year - Alan Jackson

Musician of the Year - Jerry Douglas

Vocal Event of the Year - Willie Nelson and Lee Ann Womack

Horizon Award - Rascal Flatts

Single of the Year - Alan Jackson

Music Video of the Year (Director) - Peter Zavadil

Album of the Year (Production) - Keith Stegall

Single of the Year (Production) - Keith Stegall

The Country Music Hall of Fame

The association also maintains the Country Music Hall of Fame which it founded in 1961. The Hall of Fame is devoted to the recognition of individuals for their outstanding contributions to Country Music. There are currently 86 individuals or groups that have been awarded the accolade of member.

Jimmie Rodgers, Fred Rose and Hank Williams were the first inductees to the Hall of Fame in 1961. The election of Country Music Hall of Fame members takes place annually. For a complete list of members see Hall of Fame Members.