The 15th annual Country Music Association Awards ceremony took place on October 12, 1981, at the iconic Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tennessee. This event, a significant moment in country music,
brought together many of the genre's leading figures to celebrate achievements from the past year. The evening was co-hosted by two prominent CMA Award winners, Mac Davis and Barbara Mandrell, setting a tone of recognition and camaraderie. The awards were broadcast on CBS, allowing a wide audience to witness the festivities and honor the artists.
Hosts and Multiple Wins
Mac Davis and Barbara Mandrell, both respected figures in country music, shared the hosting duties for the 1981 ceremony. Their presence added a familiar and celebrated touch to the proceedings. Beyond her hosting role, Barbara Mandrell also had a highly successful night, tying with the group Alabama for the most wins, each securing two awards. This dual achievement underscored Mandrell's significant impact on country music during that period, both as a performer and as a public face of the genre. Alabama's multiple wins further solidified their rising prominence in the country music landscape.
Key Award Categories and Honorees
The 1981 CMA Awards recognized excellence across various categories. In the highly competitive Male Vocalist of the Year category, the honor went to George Jones, a legendary figure known for his distinctive voice and emotional delivery. Ronnie Milsap was also among the nominees, showcasing the depth of talent in male country vocals that year. For Female Vocalist of the Year, Barbara Mandrell took home the award, adding to her successful evening. Other notable nominees in this category included Terri Gibbs, Emmylou Harris, Loretta Lynn, and Anne Murray, representing a strong field of female artists.
Group and Duo Recognition
Group performances were also celebrated, with Alabama earning the Vocal Group of the Year award. They were nominated alongside other popular groups such as The Bellamy Brothers, Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers, The Oak Ridge Boys, and The Statler Brothers. The Vocal Duo of the Year award was presented to David Frizzell and Shelly West. This category also featured well-known pairings like Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn, George Jones and Tammy Wynette, Moe Bandy and Joe Stampley, and Waylon Jennings and Jessi Colter, highlighting the rich tradition of duets in country music. These awards acknowledged the collaborative spirit and vocal harmonies that were integral to many country hits of the era.
Notable Songs and Albums
The Single of the Year award went to "Elvira" by The Oak Ridge Boys, a song that achieved widespread popularity. Other nominated singles included Don Williams' "I Believe in You," Barbara Mandrell's "I Was Country (When Country Wasn't Cool)," Alabama's "Old Flame," and Terri Gibbs' "Somebody's Knockin'." The Song of the Year, which recognizes the songwriters, was awarded to Bobby Braddock and Curly Putman for "He Stopped Loving Her Today." The Album of the Year category saw nominations for 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," reflecting a diverse range of successful albums from the year.
