**1999 Country Music Association Awards**
**Definition:**
The 1999 Country Music Association Awards was the 33rd annual ceremony honoring outstanding achievements in the country music industry. Held in Nashville, Tennessee, the event recognized the top artists, albums, and songs of the year 1999.
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## 1999 Country Music Association Awards
The 1999 Country Music Association (CMA) Awards marked the 33rd edition of the prestigious annual event celebrating excellence in country music. The ceremony took place on October 6, 1999, at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tennessee, a venue synonymous with country music heritage. The awards recognized the most influential and successful artists, producers, and industry professionals from the eligibility period, highlighting their contributions to the genre.
### Background and Significance
The CMA Awards, established in 1967, have become one of the most significant events in the country music calendar. By 1999, the awards had grown in prominence, serving as a barometer for commercial success and artistic achievement within the genre. The 1999 ceremony continued this tradition, showcasing both established stars and emerging talents.
The late 1990s were a dynamic period for country music, characterized by a blend of traditional sounds and contemporary influences. Artists like Garth Brooks, Shania Twain, and Vince Gill had expanded the genre’s audience, while new acts were beginning to make their mark. The 1999 CMA Awards reflected this diversity, with nominees and winners representing a range of styles and approaches.
### Ceremony Details
– **Date:** October 6, 1999
– **Location:** Grand Ole Opry House, Nashville, Tennessee
– **Broadcast Network:** CBS
– **Hosts:** Vince Gill and Reba McEntire
The choice of Vince Gill and Reba McEntire as hosts underscored the ceremony’s blend of tradition and modernity. Both artists were highly respected figures in country music, known for their vocal talents and contributions to the genre. Their hosting duties added a sense of familiarity and professionalism to the event.
### Major Award Categories and Winners
The CMA Awards feature numerous categories, including Entertainer of the Year, Male and Female Vocalist of the Year, Album of the Year, Song of the Year, and more. The 1999 ceremony honored artists across these categories, reflecting the year’s achievements.
#### Entertainer of the Year
– **Winner:** Garth Brooks
Garth Brooks secured the Entertainer of the Year award for the fourth time, cementing his status as one of country music’s most influential performers. His dynamic stage presence and crossover appeal had made him a dominant figure throughout the decade.
#### Male Vocalist of the Year
– **Winner:** Vince Gill
Vince Gill’s win for Male Vocalist of the Year marked his fifth time receiving this honor. Known for his smooth tenor voice and instrumental prowess, Gill was a critical favorite and a consistent presence in the awards.
#### Female Vocalist of the Year
– **Winner:** Martina McBride
Martina McBride earned the Female Vocalist of the Year award, recognized for her powerful vocals and emotive performances. Her work in 1999, including the hit single “I’m Gonna Love You Through It,” resonated with both fans and critics.
#### Album of the Year
– **Winner:** *A Place in the Sun* – Tim McGraw
Tim McGraw’s album *A Place in the Sun* won Album of the Year, highlighting his continued success as a leading country artist. The album featured several chart-topping singles and showcased McGraw’s blend of traditional and contemporary country sounds.
#### Song of the Year
– **Winner:** “This Kiss” – Written by Robin Lerner, Annie Roboff, and Beth Nielsen Chapman; performed by Faith Hill
“This Kiss” was awarded Song of the Year, a testament to its widespread popularity and enduring appeal. Faith Hill’s performance helped the song become one of the defining country-pop hits of the late 1990s.
#### Single of the Year
– **Winner:** “Amazed” – Lonestar
Lonestar’s “Amazed” won Single of the Year, reflecting its massive commercial success and crossover appeal. The ballad became a staple on both country and pop radio stations.
### Other Notable Winners
– **Vocal Group of the Year:** Dixie Chicks
– **Vocal Duo of the Year:** Brooks & Dunn
– **New Artist of the Year:** Jo Dee Messina
– **Musician of the Year:** Brent Mason (Guitar)
The Dixie Chicks, who would later become one of the most influential country groups of the early 2000s, were recognized for their vocal harmonies and instrumental skills. Brooks & Dunn continued their dominance as a vocal duo, while Jo Dee Messina’s emergence as New Artist of the Year signaled the arrival of fresh talent.
### Performances and Highlights
The 1999 CMA Awards featured performances by many of the night’s nominees and winners, providing a showcase of the genre’s diversity. Highlights included:
– Garth Brooks delivering a high-energy rendition of one of his hits, demonstrating his reputation as a dynamic live performer.
– Faith Hill performing “This Kiss,” captivating the audience with her charismatic stage presence.
– A collaborative performance by Vince Gill and other artists, emphasizing the camaraderie within the country music community.
The ceremony also paid tribute to country music legends and acknowledged the genre’s rich history, balancing contemporary achievements with respect for tradition.
### Impact and Legacy
The 1999 CMA Awards reflected the state of country music at the turn of the millennium. The event underscored the genre’s commercial vitality and artistic diversity, with winners representing a range of styles from traditional ballads to country-pop crossover hits.
Garth Brooks’ continued recognition as Entertainer of the Year highlighted his role in expanding country music’s audience, while the success of artists like Faith Hill and Tim McGraw demonstrated the genre’s evolving sound. The emergence of new artists such as Jo Dee Messina indicated a healthy pipeline of talent poised to shape the future of country music.
The ceremony also reinforced Nashville’s status as the heart of the country music industry, with the Grand Ole Opry House serving as a symbolic and practical venue for the event.
### Conclusion
The 1999 Country Music Association Awards celebrated the achievements of a vibrant and evolving genre. By honoring both established stars and emerging artists, the ceremony captured a snapshot of country music at a pivotal moment. The awards not only recognized commercial success but also artistic excellence, contributing to the ongoing narrative of country music’s growth and transformation.
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**Meta Description:**
The 1999 Country Music Association Awards honored the top country music artists and achievements of the year, featuring performances and awards at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry House. Highlights included Garth Brooks winning Entertainer of the Year and Faith Hill’s “This Kiss” receiving Song of the Year.