Country Music Association

Country_Music_Association_logo

Country Music Association

The Country Music Association (CMA) is a trade organization dedicated to promoting and supporting the country music genre. Founded in 1958, the CMA is headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, the heart of the country music industry. The association's mission is to bring together professionals in the country music industry and to promote the genre to a wider audience.

History

The CMA was established in 1958 by a group of industry professionals who recognized the need for an organization to represent the interests of country music. The founding members included executives from record labels, radio stations, and music publishing companies. The first president of the CMA was Ken Nelson, a prominent figure in the country music industry.

CMA Awards

One of the most notable contributions of the CMA is the annual CMA Awards, which began in 1967. The awards recognize outstanding achievement in the country music industry and are considered one of the most prestigious honors in the genre. Categories include Entertainer of the Year, Album of the Year, and Song of the Year. The awards ceremony is broadcast live on television and attracts millions of viewers each year.

CMA Music Festival

The CMA also organizes the CMA Music Festival, an annual event held in Nashville. The festival, which began in 1972 as "Fan Fair," features performances by top country music artists, meet-and-greet sessions with fans, and various other activities. The event draws thousands of country music fans from around the world and is a significant source of revenue for the city of Nashville.

CMA Foundation

In addition to promoting country music, the CMA is committed to supporting music education through the CMA Foundation. Established in 2011, the foundation provides funding for music education programs across the United States. The foundation's goal is to ensure that every child has access to a quality music education, regardless of their background or financial situation.

Membership

Membership in the CMA is open to individuals and organizations involved in the country music industry. Members include artists, songwriters, producers, managers, and other industry professionals. Benefits of membership include access to industry resources, networking opportunities, and voting rights for the CMA Awards.

Related Pages

• Nashville, Tennessee
• CMA Awards
• CMA Music Festival
• Country music
• Ken Nelson (music executive)

See Also

• Academy of Country Music
• Grand Ole Opry
• Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

This country music related article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it.