Academy of Country Music

The Academy of Country Music was founded in 1964 in Los Angeles, California as the Country & Western Music Academy. Among those involved in the founding was Eddie Miller and Tommy Wiggins, who joined Mickey and Chris Christensen.^[1]

Contents

History

Whereas the Country Music Association, founded in 1958, was based in Nashville, the Academy sought to promote country/western music in the western states. During the early 1970s, the organisation changed its name to the Academy of Country and Western Music and finally to the Academy of Country Music to avoid confusion about whether the organisation was a music school.^[1] As such, its early membership was largely composed of those country performers based in the west. This is evidenced by the early awards shows being dominated by Bakersfield artists Buck and Bonnie Owens, and Merle Haggard. Due to the convergence of country and western music into one genre in the late 20th century, the Academy and the Association no longer have a significant distinction in the artists each organization promotes and recognizes.
At the first ceremony held in 1966, Buck Owens won Top Male Vocalist and Bonnie Owens won Top Female Vocalist. Haggard was named Top New Male Vocalist, Kay Adams was named Top New Female Vocalist and Buck Owens' band, The Buckaroos, was named Band Of The Year.

1985 Top New Male Vocalist

1986 Album of the Year – "Storms of Life"

1986 Single of the Year – "On the Other Hand"

1986 Top Male Vocalist

1987 Single of the Year – "Forever and Ever, Amen"

1987 Song of the Year – "Forever and Ever, Amen"

2003 Song of the Year – "Three Wooden Crosses