Academy of Country Music: History, Vision, and Global Impact of Country Music

The Academy of Country Music (ACM) is one of the most significant and influential institutions in the history of country music. While today it’s associated with major television productions, world-class stars, and global broadcasts, its origins stemmed from a clear need to give country music a platform outside the dominant Nashville scene—particularly on the West Coast of the United States.

Logo © Academy of Country Music

Founding and Early Years (1964–1965)

The Academy was officially founded in 1964 in Los Angeles when performer Tommy Wiggins, songwriter Eddie Miller, and club owners Mickey Christensen and Chris Christensen joined forces with other artists, radio directors, and record label representatives. Together they established what was then called the Academy of Country and Western Music.

Their vision was straightforward:

• Promote country music across 13 Western states,
• Provide institutional support for West Coast artists,
• Preserve the authentic Western and honky-tonk identity of the genre.

They offered special support to performers like Billy Mize, Johnny Bond, Glen Campbell, Merle Haggard, Roger Miller, Buck Owens, Wynn Stewart, Jimmy Wakely, and Tex Williams—artists who defined West Coast country and the Bakersfield sound.

By 1965, the official Board of Directors was established, giving the Academy a stable structure and foundation for long-term growth.

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ACM Awards and the Television Era

The ACM Awards were launched in the mid-1960s, and in 1972 the ceremony made its first national television appearance, broadcast in syndication on ABC. This gave country music a powerful media platform and helped it break out of regional boundaries.

In 1974, Gene Weed took over production and direction of the show. In 1979, the Academy partnered with Dick Clark Productions, with Dick Clark and Al Schwartz as producers and Weed continuing as director. During this period, Bill Boyd was named executive director of the Academy and talent coordinator for the broadcast.

Under their leadership, the ACM Awards moved from NBC to CBS, and in the modern era, found a permanent home on Prime Video.

Locations, Las Vegas, and Historic Record

From the 1960s through 2002, the ACM Awards were held in Los Angeles. In 2003, the ceremony left Southern California for the first time and moved to Las Vegas at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino Events Center, then to the MGM Grand Garden Arena in 2006, which became its signature venue for years.

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A landmark moment came in 2015 when, for its 50th anniversary, the Academy moved the show to AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys. Tickets sold out in 18 minutes, and the event drew over 70,000 live attendees, earning it a Guinness World Record as the most-attended awards show ever held live. After that success, the Academy returned to Las Vegas in 2016.

Leadership of the Academy

In 1995, Fran Boyd became executive director following the death of her husband, Bill Boyd. Over 34 years, Fran Boyd was a key figure in the Academy’s stability and growth.

After her retirement, Bob Romeo, a concert promoter and longtime board member, took over as executive director for 12 years.

From 2016 to 2018, Pete Fisher, former general manager of the Grand Ole Opry, served as executive director, further strengthening the Academy’s ties to country music tradition.

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In January 2020, Damon Whiteside, a marketing expert from Southern California, became executive director. His strategy focuses on five key areas:

• Television
• Digital business
• Active board engagement
• Staff growth
• Serving the music industry

Since 2020, the Academy has relocated its headquarters from Los Angeles to Nashville, solidifying its connection to the traditional heart of country music. Today, it boasts over 5,000 members worldwide—a record high.

Pandemic and Format Redefinition (2020–2021)

The year 2020 brought the greatest challenge in the Academy’s history. The 55th ACM Awards were postponed for the first time ever due to the pandemic. After canceling Las Vegas plans, the show moved to Nashville and was held at three iconic venues:

• Grand Ole Opry House
• Ryman Auditorium
• The Bluebird Cafe

The broadcast, titled “Night of Heart & Hits – Live from Nashville,” featured an intimate format with artists sharing personal stories about their songs and inspirations. The 56th edition continued this concept with hosts Keith Urban and Mickey Guyton.

New Era of Spectacle and Crossovers

The 57th ACM Awards returned to Las Vegas, live from Allegiant Stadium, becoming the first major awards show to air entirely live. Dolly Parton hosted, joined by co-hosts Gabby Barrett and Jimmie Allen.

The 58th ceremony (2023) returned to Texas, with Dolly Parton and Garth Brooks as hosts.

The 59th ACM Awards took place in Frisco, Texas, with Reba McEntire as host, achieving major success thanks to cross-genre collaborations that expanded the audience. The Academy has facilitated crossover collaborations with artists like Beyoncé, Post Malone, and Jelly Roll, broadening the genre’s reach and emphasizing its inclusivity.

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60th Anniversary ACM Awards

In 2025, the Academy celebrated the 60th anniversary of the ACM Awards on May 8 at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas, with a live broadcast on Prime Video. Reba McEntire returned as host for the 18th time—a record in Academy history.

Top winners included Ella Langley with five awards, including New Female Artist of the Year, and Lainey Wilson with four, including a second consecutive Entertainer of the Year and Female Artist of the Year. Chris Stapleton won Male Artist of the Year, while Old Dominion set a record with their ninth consecutive Group of the Year win. Zach Top was named New Male Artist of the Year. Special moments included the inaugural Alan Jackson Lifetime Achievement Award for Alan Jackson and a Triple Crown for Keith Urban.

Following the event, the ACM extended its partnership with Prime Video through 2028.

Philanthropy: ACM Lifting Lives

The Academy is more than just awards shows—it has supported charitable work for decades. ACM Lifting Lives, established as a philanthropic arm in 2006, has donated millions of dollars to music therapy programs in hospitals, schools, and centers for veterans, children, and people with disabilities. In 2025, the organization surpassed $1 million in donations to three Nashville nonprofits supporting the music industry, and—inspired by Jelly Roll—raised over half a million more. This demonstrates that the ACM is not only about entertainment but also a force for community good.

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Record Holders and Legacy

The ACM Awards boast a rich tradition of records. Miranda Lambert is the most-awarded artist in history with more than 37 wins. Garth Brooks holds the record for Entertainer of the Year with seven victories. Reba McEntire has the record for most hosting appearances with 18. Brooks & Dunn have 17 Duo of the Year wins, and in 2025 Old Dominion set a record with their ninth Group of the Year award. Chris Stapleton has eight Album of the Year wins (as artist and producer).

These records reflect the enduring legacy of country music and the ongoing contributions of its artists.

ACM Honors: Industry Awards

In addition to the main ceremony, since 2008 the Academy has hosted ACM Honors—an intimate Nashville event dedicated to off-camera awards (Studio Recording Awards, Industry Awards), songwriters, and special recognitions. The 18th ACM Honors took place on August 20, 2025, at The Pinnacle in Nashville, hosted by Carly Pearce. This evening celebrates producers, engineers, promoters, and icons like Randy Travis, Eric Church, and Jessie Jo Dillon, underscoring the Academy’s support for the entire country music ecosystem.

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Looking Ahead

The next, 61st ACM Awards is scheduled for May 17, 2026, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, with a live broadcast on Prime Video. This marks a return to Las Vegas after several years in Texas, highlighting the Academy’s dynamic evolution.

Conclusion

From humble beginnings in Los Angeles in 1964 to global broadcasts on Prime Video, the Academy of Country Music remains a guardian of tradition, a driver of innovation, and a key voice in the country music industry. Its history mirrors the evolution of the genre itself—from regional music to a worldwide cultural force. With a focus on crossovers, philanthropy, and inclusivity, the ACM continues to shape the future of country music.

Author: Borna Cuk

This post is based on official ACM resources. Visit https://www.acmcountry.com for more. All visuals: AI-generated artwork created with Sora, inspired by the Academy of Country Music.

December 26, 2025