What Is 1987 Country Music Association Awards

Overview

The 1987 Country Music Association Awards marked a pivotal year in country music history, celebrating top artists and achievements during a time of genre evolution. Held on October 12, 1987, the event took place at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tennessee, a traditional venue for the annual CMA ceremony.

This year highlighted the rise of neotraditional country artists who brought classic sounds back to the forefront. The awards reflected shifting tastes, with artists like Randy Travis and George Strait dominating multiple categories. Below are key details about the event’s significance and outcomes.

• George Strait won Entertainer of the Year, marking his first victory in the category after years of rising prominence in the genre.
• Randy Travis won both Male Vocalist of the Year and Album of the Year for Always & Forever, which sold over 3 million copies in the U.S.
• Reba McEntire secured her second consecutive Female Vocalist of the Year award, solidifying her status as a leading female artist in the late 1980s.
• The Judds won Vocal Duo of the Year, continuing their streak of dominance with three consecutive wins from 1985 to 1987.
• Alabama won Vocal Group of the Year, their fifth win in the category, extending their record for most wins by a group at the time.

Winners and Categories

The 1987 CMA Awards recognized excellence across 12 major categories, reflecting the diversity and depth of country music talent at the time. Each award highlighted different aspects of performance, artistry, and production.

• Entertainer of the Year: George Strait won the night’s top honor, becoming the first true neotraditionalist to win since the early 1980s.
• Male Vocalist of the Year: Randy Travis took the award, beating out George Strait and Ricky Van Shelton in a competitive field.
• Female Vocalist of the Year: Reba McEntire won with strong radio airplay and album sales, particularly from her 1986 release Whoever’s in New England.
• Vocal Group of the Year: Alabama won with over 15 million records sold by 1987, maintaining their commercial dominance.
• Vocal Duo of the Year: The Judds won with hits like 'Give a Little Love' and 'Rockin' with the Rhythm of the Rain.'
• Album of the Year: Randy Travis won for Always & Forever, which spent 11 weeks at No. 1 on the Top Country Albums chart.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 1987 CMA Awards compare to the previous year in key categories:

This consistency in winners across multiple years underscored the stability of country music's top tier during the mid-to-late 1980s. While new artists were emerging, established names continued to dominate the awards, reflecting both fan loyalty and industry support. The 1987 ceremony also marked a transition toward more traditional instrumentation and storytelling, a shift from the pop-influenced country of the early decade.

Why It Matters

The 1987 CMA Awards were significant not just for who won, but for what those wins represented in the broader context of country music’s evolution. They signaled a return to roots-oriented sounds and authentic storytelling, setting the stage for the 1990s country boom.

• George Strait’s win established him as a long-term force in country music, leading to a record-setting career with over 60 No. 1 singles.
• Randy Travis solidified his status as a genre revivalist, helping bring traditional country back to mainstream radio.
• The continued success of The Judds and Alabama showed that family-oriented acts still resonated strongly with audiences.
• Reba McEntire’s dominance highlighted the growing influence of women in country music during a male-dominated era.
• The awards reflected a broader industry shift toward neotraditional country, reducing pop crossover experimentation.
• Hosted by Anne Murray and Dan Seals, the telecast reached an estimated 18 million viewers, boosting CMA visibility.

The 1987 CMA Awards not only honored excellence but also helped shape the direction of country music for the next decade, reinforcing authenticity and musical craftsmanship as core values.