The Country Music Association was founded in 1958 in Nashville, Tennessee. This was the first trade organization to promote a particular genre of music. Their Vision Statement reads:
“CMA is dedicated to bringing the poetry and emotion of Country Music to the world.”
We will continue the tradition of leadership and professionalism, promoting the music, and recognizing excellence in all its forms.
While fostering a spirit of community and sharing, we will respect and encourage creativity and the unique contributions of all.
CMA will be a place to have fun and celebrate success. We will take risks, embrace change, and always exceed the expectations of those we serve.”
Originally, there were only 233 members in the Country Music Association, but since the association has grown to include over 6,000 members in 41 countries worldwide. Anyone in the music industry can become a member. There are options to become an individual member as well as registering an entire company or corporation as a member. There are annual dues that go toward the CMA Awards, the CMA Festival, funding to maintain and expand the Country Music Hall of Fame and funding for marketing the awareness of Country music. Benefits of being a member include, voting in the CMA Awards, Bi-monthly magazines, the opportunity to buy tickets to the CMA Awards and the CMA Festival.
The CMA is responsible for erecting several institutions dedicated to country music. The most notable is the Country Music Hall of Fame, built in 1961 In Nashville, Tennessee. Their goal is to immortalize and honor all of the greatest contributors to country music. Jimmie Rodgers, Fred Rose and Hank Williams were the first to be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. As an extension of the Country Music Hall of Fame, several educational programs were created as well as a Country Music Foundation Library in 1968.
The CMA awards are the Country Music Association Awards held annually, typically in either October or November, to celebrate the country artists and groups for their contributions of that year. Votes are placed by the business members of the association nominating various celebrities for different award categories. The CMA’s first began their awards ceremony in Nashville , Tennessee in 1967. The first televised event was held in Nashville, the following year but aired weeks after the ceremony. The first live telecast was I 1969. The Awards are given to one artist or group in the following twelve categories:
- Entertainer
- Male Vocalist
- Female Vocalist
- New Artist
- Vocal Group
- Vocal Duo
- Single
- Album
- Song
- Music Event
- Music Video
- Musician
Though the association is most known for its annual CMA awards, the Association also awards several different honors. They include:
- The Chairman’s Award of Merit
- CMA Boards President Award
- CMA Close Up Award of Merit
- Connie B. Gay Award
- Global Country Artist Award
- International Artist Achievement Award
- International Country Broadcaster Award
- Irving Waugh Award of Excellence
- Jo-Walker Meador International Award
- Joe Talbot Award
- Media Achievement Award
- Number 1 Recognition
- Triple Play Awards
- Wesley Rose International Media Achievement Award
The CMA also hosts a CMA Music Festival where all of country music’s hottest artists and groups gather together to perform for the public. This event is also known as the “Fan Fair” and like the CMA Awards, is held annually.