Country stars view for awards
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) The stars of country music vie for a host of awards tonight at the eighth annual Country Music Association awards show, to be televised nationally as it is hosted from the Grand Old Opry House by singer Johnny Cash.
Finalists for entertainer of the year include Loretta Lynn. who won the title in 1972, and Roy Clark, who did so in 1973.
Charlie Rich and Olivia Newton John are each nominated for four awards, including entertainer of the year. Rich is up for top male vocalist, top single and top album. Miss Newton-John is a finalist for top femnale vocalist, top album and top single.
Mac Davis, who hosted NBC’s country music special “I Believe in Music,” is the fifth nominee for entertainer of the year.
One of six finalists Minnie Pearl, Owen Bradley, Vernon Dalhrt. Frank “Pee Wee” King. Merle Travis and Kitty Wells will be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
The songs nominated for single of the year include hits in both the country and pop field. Rich’s “Most Beautiful Girl in the World,” Miss Newton John’s “If You Love me,” Ray Stevens “The Streak,” “As Soon as I Hang up the Phone by Miss Lynn and Conway Twitty, and Cal Smith’s “Country Bumpkin” are all in the running.
The winners are selected by the CMA’s 3,300 members Votes are kept secret until announcement tonight.