What Is 1979 Country Music Association Awards

Overview

The 1979 Country Music Association Awards marked the 13th annual ceremony honoring excellence in country music. Held on October 15, 1979, at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tennessee, it celebrated the genre's top performers, songwriters, and industry contributors during a transformative era for country music.

Hosted by country singer Vernon Oxford, the event featured performances and awards recognizing achievements from the previous year. This edition was notable for highlighting artists who were expanding country’s reach into pop markets, reflecting the genre’s growing mainstream appeal.

• Kenny Rogers won the night’s top honor, Entertainer of the Year, cementing his status as a leading figure in late-1970s country-pop fusion.
• Dolly Parton took home Female Vocalist of the Year, her second win in the category after first claiming it in 1975.
• The Band won Musical Group or Duo of the Year, a rare win for a group with rock roots but deep country influences.
• Crystal Gayle won Single of the Year for 'Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue,' a song that crossed over to pop charts.
• Willie Nelson received the Song of the Year award for 'Mama Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys,' co-written with Ed Bruce.

Major Award Winners and Significance

The 1979 CMA Awards highlighted a pivotal moment when country music began blending with pop and rock influences. Artists like Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton were achieving national fame, and the awards reflected this cultural shift.

• Entertainer of the Year: Kenny Rogers – First win in this category, recognizing his massive popularity and record sales.
• Male Vocalist of the Year: Ronnie Milsap – Won for the third time, affirming his dominance in the genre.
• Female Vocalist of the Year: Dolly Parton – Her second win, following her 1975 victory.
• Album of the Year: 'Great Balls of Fire' by Jerry Lee Lewis – A comeback album that revived his career.
• Horizon Award (now New Artist): Ricky Skaggs – Recognized as a rising talent in traditional country and bluegrass.
• Musical Event of the Year: 'Good Old Boys' by Waylon Jennings – Theme song for the TV show 'The Dukes of Hazzard.'

Comparison at a Glance

Award outcomes from 1979 compared to previous years reveal shifts in style and audience preferences across country music.

The table illustrates how the 1979 awards favored artists with mainstream appeal over traditional or outlaw country figures. While Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson remained influential, the industry was embracing smoother production and broader lyrical themes, aligning with trends in pop music.

Why It Matters

The 1979 CMA Awards are remembered for reflecting the commercialization and diversification of country music at the end of the 1970s. The wins by artists like Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton underscored the genre’s expanding reach beyond rural audiences.

• Crossover appeal became a key metric of success, as seen in Crystal Gayle’s pop-charting single.
• Kenny Rogers’ Entertainer win signaled the industry’s embrace of polished, radio-friendly performances.
• The Band’s victory highlighted respect for musicianship, even from non-traditional country acts.
• Ricky Skaggs’ Horizon Award foreshadowed a return to bluegrass and traditional sounds in the 1980s.
• Television influence was evident in Waylon Jennings’ win for 'The Dukes of Hazzard' theme.
• Vernon Oxford’s hosting was controversial, as he lacked the fame of previous hosts like Glen Campbell.

Ultimately, the 1979 CMA Awards captured a turning point in country music history—balancing tradition with innovation and setting the stage for the genre’s 1980s evolution.