What Is 1991 Country Music Association Awards

Overview

The 1991 Country Music Association Awards marked a pivotal moment in country music history, celebrating the genre's top artists, songs, and performances from the eligibility year. Held on October 7, 1991, the ceremony took place at the historic Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tennessee, a traditional venue for the event.

This year highlighted the rising dominance of a new generation of country stars, bridging traditional sounds with modern storytelling. The show was hosted by country icon Reba McEntire, who brought her signature charm and stage presence to the proceedings.

• Garth Brooks made history by winning his first Entertainer of the Year award, marking the beginning of his reign as a country superstar.
• Alan Jackson won Male Vocalist of the Year, solidifying his place among the genre's elite with his neotraditional country sound.
• Reba McEntire not only hosted but also won Female Vocalist of the Year, making it a standout night for her career.
• The Judds received the Vocal Duo of the Year award, their eighth win in the category before retiring from touring later that year.
• "I’ve Got a Lot of Livin’ to Do" by Alan Jackson was named Single of the Year, a track from his breakthrough album Don’t Rock the Jukebox.

How It Works

The CMA Awards are determined through a voting process involving members of the Country Music Association, including artists, industry professionals, and broadcasters. Eligibility spans recordings and performances released between specific dates, typically July to June.

• Entertainer of the Year: Awarded to the artist with the most significant impact on country music and live performance. Garth Brooks won in 1991 after selling over 4 million albums that year.
• Male Vocalist of the Year: Given to the male singer with the most consistent vocal excellence. Alan Jackson won, beating out Clint Black and George Strait.
• Female Vocalist of the Year:Reba McEntire claimed the award, her fifth win in the category, showcasing her vocal consistency and fan support.
• Vocal Duo of the Year: The Judds won despite Naomi Judd’s health issues, which led to their retirement announcement shortly after.
• Single of the Year: A fan and industry favorite, "I’ve Got a Lot of Livin’ to Do" beat out Reba’s "Rumor Has It" and others.
• Album of the Year:Don’t Rock the Jukebox by Alan Jackson won, selling over 3 million copies in its first year.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares the major 1991 CMA winners with previous years and key statistics:

The 1991 awards reflected a shift in country music’s center of gravity, with younger artists like Garth Brooks and Alan Jackson rising to prominence while legends like Reba and The Judds maintained their dominance. The night also foreshadowed major transitions, including The Judds’ farewell tour.

Why It Matters

The 1991 CMA Awards were more than just a celebration—they signaled a generational shift in country music, with new artists reshaping the genre’s sound and reach. The event highlighted the growing commercial power of country music, with record sales and concert attendance soaring.

• Garth Brooks’ win marked the beginning of his record-breaking career, which would include over 170 million records sold worldwide.
• Alan Jackson’s success helped revive neotraditional country, influencing a wave of artists who rejected pop crossover trends.
• The Judds’ final win underscored the emotional weight of their retirement due to Naomi Judd’s diagnosis with hepatitis C.
• Reba McEntire’s dual role as host and winner demonstrated her status as a multifaceted powerhouse in the industry.
• The ceremony was broadcast on ABC, reaching millions and boosting country music’s mainstream visibility.
• Don’t Rock the Jukebox becoming Album of the Year cemented Jackson’s artistic credibility and commercial appeal.

Ultimately, the 1991 CMA Awards captured a transformative moment in country music, blending legacy acts with emerging stars and setting the stage for the genre’s 1990s boom.