The 1981 Country Music Association Awards, held on October 12 at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tennessee, showcased a vibrant cross-section of country music talent. Hosted by Mac Davis and Barbara Mandrell, the ceremony not only celebrated the winners but also highlighted a strong field of nominees across numerous categories. This detailed look into the various awards reveals the artists and works that defined country music in the early 1980s,
from vocalists and groups to instrumentalists and songwriters.
Recognizing Vocal Excellence: Male and Female Vocalists
The Male Vocalist of the Year category featured a lineup of country music giants. George Jones, a revered figure in the genre, ultimately took home the award. His fellow nominees included Ronnie Milsap, known for his crossover appeal; Willie Nelson, an outlaw country icon; Kenny Rogers, a superstar with a string of hits; and Don Williams, celebrated for his smooth baritone. On the female side, Barbara Mandrell was honored as Female Vocalist of the Year, adding to her successful night as a co-host and multiple award winner. She was nominated alongside Terri Gibbs, Emmylou Harris, Loretta Lynn, and Anne Murray, all significant voices in country music at the time.
Honoring Groups, Duos, and Instrumentalists
Group and duo performances were also a central part of the awards. Alabama, a band that would go on to achieve massive success, won Vocal Group of the Year. Their competition included The Bellamy Brothers, Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers, The Oak Ridge Boys, and The Statler Brothers. The Vocal Duo of the Year award went to David Frizzell and Shelly West, who were nominated alongside other iconic pairings such as Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn, George Jones and Tammy Wynette, Moe Bandy and Joe Stampley, and Waylon Jennings and Jessi Colter. Beyond vocalists, the Instrumentalist of the Year award recognized Chet Atkins, a legendary guitarist. Other nominees in this category were Floyd Cramer, Johnny Gimble, Charlie McCoy, and Hargus "Pig" Robbins, all highly respected musicians. Alabama also secured a win for Instrumental Group of the Year, demonstrating their versatility, with nominees including Charlie Daniels Band, Don Williams Band, Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers, and Oak Ridge Boys Band.
Celebrating Songs, Albums, and Emerging Talent
The Single of the Year award was presented to "Elvira" by The Oak Ridge Boys, a catchy and memorable hit. The Song of the Year, which acknowledges the craft of songwriting, went to Bobby Braddock and Curly Putman for "He Stopped Loving Her Today." This category also saw nominations for "Elvira" (written by Dallas Frazier), "I Believe In You" (by Roger Cook and Sam Hogin), "I Was Country (When Country Wasn't Cool)" (by Kye Fleming and Dennis Morgan), and "I'm Just An Old Chunk Of Coal" (by Billy Joe Shaver). The Album of the Year category featured a strong selection of records, including Don Williams' "I Believe in You," Dolly Parton's "9 To 5 And Odd Jobs," Alabama's "Feels So Right," George Jones' "I Am What I Am," and Ronnie Milsap's "Out Where The Bright Lights Are Glowing." The Horizon Award, designed to recognize emerging talent, was given to Terri Gibbs, with Rosanne Cash, Boxcar Willie, T.G. Sheppard, and David Frizzell and Shelly West also nominated, indicating a promising future for these artists in country music.
