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34th
Annual Country Music Association Awards
Written
By Rick Ellis, October 4th, 2000
It's a reflection
of the current confusion in country Music that while I remain a
fan of the sound, I can't stomach the current retrenchment that
I hear on my local country music stations. Caught up in one of its
periodic cleansings of pop influences, most of country radio is
expanding its playlist of older tunes, while trying its best to
ignore anything that doesn't fit Nashville's definition of "country."
To put it mildly,
the country music industry is facing an identity crisis this year.
The Nashville Network is now owned by Viacom/CBS and is moving away
from its country music roots. Music sales have been slumping, and
everyone worries a bit about the future. To make matters worse,
several labels have been hit with reorganizations, as some of the
power moves away from Nashville to New York and other corporate
centers.
So I guess it's
no surprise that many in the industry would like to go back to the
past. Newcomers like Brad Paisley are being hailed as the future
of country music, and old favorites such as Garth Brooks and Shania
Twain aren't even nominated for awards this year. Hell, even Kenny
Rogers has staged a comeback, complete with a big hit record.
Still, in the
end, the more mainstream segment of country not only continues to
put out the most interesting music--but they continue to win awards.
The Dixie Chicks grabbed four this time around, and other contemporary
acts such as Faith Hill and Lee Ann Womack also did well.
For viewers,
the CMA's continue to be a consistent treat to watch. Long time
host Vince Gill sets just the right friendly mocking mood. And even
though the three-hour broadcast sounds a bit excessive, unlike most
awards shows the time is mostly spent on live performances. The
Dixie Chicks delivered a scathing and fun rendition of "Sin
Wagon," and Martina McBride was stellar (as always). With the
exception of one off-key note, Lee Ann Rimes did a solid version
of "I Need You." And newcomers Montgomery Gentry brought
on veteran Charlie Daniels to help boost their sound. There wasn't
one bad performance, which is more than most awards shows can boast.
As always, the
CMA's are a treat.
The Winners
This Year:
Male Vocalist
Of The Year:
Tim McGraw
Female Vocalist
Of The Year:
Faith Hill
Entertainer
Of The Year:
Dixie Chicks
Vocal Group
Of The Year:
Dixie Chicks
Vocal Duo
Of The Year:
Montgomery Gentry
Musician
Of The Year:
Hargus "Pig" Robbins
Album Of
The Year:
Fly - Dixie Chicks
Single Of
The Year:
"I Hope You Dance" - Lee Ann Womack
Song Of The
Year:
Mark D. Sanders and Tia Sillers - "I Hope You Dance"
Video Of
The Year:
Dixie Chicks - "Goodbye Earl"
Vocal Event
Of The Year:
George Strait (a duet with Alan Jackson) - "Murder on Music Row"
Horizon Award:
Brad Paisley
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