What Happened in Country Music in 1970?
What happened in country music in 1970? This was the year that the genre truly exploded in popularity, with a number of huge hits coming out of Nashville. Some of the biggest names in country music released career-defining albums this year, including Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, and Merle Haggard. The 1970s would go on to be one of the most successful decades in country music history, but it all started with this incredible year.
The Year in Review
1970 was an eventful year in country music. Loretta Lynn released her signature song “Coal Miner’s Daughter”, while Merle Haggard continued to dominate the charts with hits like “Okie from Muskogee”. The year also saw the debut of The Statler Brothers and the first album from The Eagles.
Notable Releases
1970 was a big year for country music. Some of the biggest names in the genre released new albums, including Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, and Loretta Lynn. These three artists would go on to define country music for decades to come.
Cash’s album At San Quentin was one of his most successful, reaching #1 on the country charts and #2 on the pop charts. The album featured the now-classic song “A Boy Named Sue,” which would become one of Cash’s signature tunes. Dolly Parton released her second solo album, Hello, I’m Dolly, which featured the hits “Joshua” and “Daddy Was an Old-Time Preacher Man.” Loretta Lynn’s album Van Lear Rose was also a big success, reaching #1 on the country charts and winning two Grammy Awards.
Other notable releases in 1970 included Bob Dylan’s Self Portrait, which featured his now-famous duet with Johnny Cash on “Girl from the North Country,” and George Jones’ album My Very Special Guests, which featured duets with some of country music’s biggest stars, including Tammy Wynette and Merle Haggard.
Mainstream Success
Though it would take a few more years for country music to achieve widespread mainstream success, 1970 was an important year for the genre nonetheless. A number of key events took place that would help propel country music into the national spotlight in the years to come.
One of the most significant moments in country music history took place in 1970 with the release of the album He Knows My every Need by none other than Conway Twitty. The album shot to the top of the country charts and established Twitty as one of country music’s brightest stars. He would go on to release a string of successful albums and singles throughout the 1970s.
Another significant event that occurred in 1970 was the founding of the Country Music Association (CMA). The CMA is an important organization within the country music industry that is responsible for promoting and celebrating country music throughout America. The CMA Awards, which are now televised annually, were first held in 1967 but did not gain widespread popularity until 1970, when they were broadcast on national television for the first time.
Though it would be a few more years before country music achieved true mainstream success, these and other events that took place in 1970 helped lay the groundwork for country’s eventual rise to prominence.
The CMA Awards
This year marked the first time the CMA Awards were held, and they were a big success. Many of country music’s biggest stars were in attendance, and the awards show was broadcast on NBC. The CMA Awards are still going strong today, and they are now one of the most prestigious awards shows in country music.
Entertainer of the Year
The top prize at the Country Music Association Awards is Entertainer of the Year, and in 1970 that honor went to Glen Campbell. It was the first time he’d won the award, though he’d been nominated five times before. He’d also won three Grammy Awards by this point in his career.
Male Vocalist of the Year
The Male Vocalist of the Year award was first presented at the 1st Annual CMA Awards in 1970. The award is presented to a male artist for his vocal performance on a recording released during the eligibility period.
In 1970, the award was presented to Charlie Rich for his performance on “A Very Special Love Song.”
Female Vocalist of the Year
The first ever CMA Awards were held on October 5, 1970, at Nashville’s Municipal Auditorium. The show was hosted by Dinah Shore and featured performances by Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Loretta Lynn, and Charlie Rich. All four of those artists would go on to win the Entertainer of the Year award at least once. The first ever award for Female Vocalist of the Year was presented to Lynn.
Vocal Duo of the Year
The CMA Awards are the Country Music Association’s annual awards show, honoring the best in country music. The show was first held in 1967 and has been held every year since then. This year’s show will be broadcast live on ABC on November 8th, at 8:00 pm ET.
The Vocal Duo of the Year award was first given out at the 2nd CMA Awards in 1968. The award is given to a male/female duo for their vocal performances on a single or album. This year’s nominees are:
-Dan + Shay
-Brooks & Dunn
-Florida Georgia Line
-Maddie & Tae
-Thompson Square
Vocal Group of the Year
The CMA Awards is an annual event that recognizes and honors the best in country music. The Vocal Group of the Year award is given to the artist or group who has made the greatest impact on the genre in the past year.
This year, the award went to The Judds, a mother-daughter duo who rose to prominence in the early 1980s with their debut album, Wynonna & Naomi. The Judds went on to release seven studio albums, sell more than 20 million records, and win five Grammy Awards. They are considered one of the most successful country music acts of all time.
The ACM Awards
The Academy of Country Music Awards were first held in 1966, and they have been held every year since. The award is given to country music artists in recognition of their achievements. The 1970 ACM Awards were held on March 14, 1970, in Los Angeles, California.
Top Male Vocalist
The top male vocalist at the ACM Awards in 1970 was Johnny Cash. He was also nominated for Entertainer of the Year but lost out to Merle Haggard.
Top Female Vocalist
The top female vocalist at the 1970 ACM Awards was Lynn Anderson. She was also nominated for Top New Artist, but lost to Tom T. Hall.
Top Vocal Duo
The Academy of Country Music Awards were first held in 1966, honoring the best in country music for the previous year. The award for Top Vocal Duo was first presented in 1970, and has been presented every year since. The award goes to the duo who had the most successful year in country music, as determined by the Academy’s voting members.
The award for Top Vocal Duo is one of the Academy’s highest honors, and is a reflection of the popularity and success of the duo throughout the year. Many of country music’s most popular and decorated duos have been honored with this award, including Brooks & Dunn, Alabama, Joey + Rory, and more.
Top Vocal Group
The top vocal group award went to the Statler Brothers for “More Than a Name on a Wall.” The song was written by Harold Reid and Don Reid and was included on the album, Carry Me Back. Harold and Don Reid are brothers and founding members of the group. The Statler Brothers were also inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame this year.
Other Notable Awards
Music of all genres saw vast changes in 1970, and country was no different. Some of the most notable changes in country music this year include the founding of the Country Music Association, the first CMA Awards show, and the start of the Outlaw Country movement.
Grammy Awards
The 12th Annual Grammy Awards were held on March 18, 1970, at Nashville’s Municipal Auditorium. This was the first time the show was held outside of Los Angeles. Chet Atkins was awarded his ninth and final Grammy for Best Country Instrumental Performance for his work on “Yankee Doodle Dixie.” Cowboy Copas, Hawkshaw Hawkins, Patsy Cline, andManager Randy Hughes (Cline’s widower) were killed in a plane crash en route to the event. Tammy Wynette won her first Grammy for Stand by Your Man.
American Music Awards
In addition to the Grammy Awards, country music artists are also recognized by the American Music Awards. The first American Music Awards ceremony was held in 1974, and it has been held annually since then. Unlike the Grammys, which are voted on by music industry professionals, the American Music Awards are voted on by the general public. Winners are determined by online voting and are announced during a live ceremony that is usually broadcast on television.
Some of the most notable American Music Awards winners in 1970 were Loretta Lynn, who won for Favorite Female Artist; Merle Haggard, who won for Favorite Male Artist; and Johnny Cash, who won for Favorite Male Artist and Favorite Album.
Conclusion
Looking back, it’s easy to see that 1970 was an important year in country music history. Not only did a number of new artists emerge on the scene, but several existing artists reached new heights in their careers. The country music sound continued to evolve as well, with more and more artists beginning to experiment with different styles and influences. All in all, it was a very exciting time for country music fans!
