Nashville Nominates Its Best Of The Year
NASHVILLE, TENN - (AP)
Olivia Newton-John, the Australian vocalist, and veteran entertainer Charlie Rich lead the list of artists who have a good chance of becoming this year’s top country singer.
The Country Music Association listed both entertainers as nominees in four categories, including entertainer of the year, for the eighth annual CMA awards.
Nominees for the best single record of the year include Miss Newton-John’s “If You Love Me Let Me Know,” written by John Rostill, and Rich’s “The Most Beautiful Girl in the World,” written by Norro Wilson and Billy Sherrill. Rich was top winner in last year’s ceremonies with three awards.
JOHNNY CASH will be the host for the awards presentation, which will be broadcast live by BS (Channel 2 in Detroit) from the Grand Ole Opry House.
Finalists in the music categories include:
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR: Roy Clark, Mac Davis, Loretta Lynn, Olivia Newton-John, Charlie Rich.
SINGLE OF THE YEAR: “As Soon as I Hang Up the Phone,” Loretta Lynn and Conway Twitty, “Country Bumpkin,” Cal Smith; “If You Love Me Let Me Know,” Olivia Newton-John; “The Most Beautiful Girl in the World,” Charlie Rich, and “The Streak,” Ray Stevens.
ALBUM OF THE YEAR: “Country Bumpkin,” Cal Smith: “If We Make It Through December,” Merle Haggard; “If You Love Me Let Me Know,” Olivia Newton-John “A Very Special Love Song,” Charlie Rich; “You’ve Never Been This Far Before,” Conway Twitty.
FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR: Loretta Lynn, Anne Murray, Olivia Newton-John, Dolly Parton, Tanya Tucker.
MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR: Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings, Ronnie Milsap, Charlie Rich, Cal Smith.
INSTRUMENTALIST OF THE YEAR: Chet Atkins, Roy Clark, Lloyd Green, Charlie McCoy, Don Rich.