Country Music Awards

The Country Music Awards (CMA) is an annual event celebrating the achievements of country music artists. Established by the Country Music Association, the first awards ceremony was held in 1967, and it has been broadcast on television since 1968. The event is a cornerstone of the country music industry, honoring the best and brightest talents.

Legendary country stars such as Glen Campbell, Loretta Lynn, and Dolly Parton have hosted the show. The CMA Awards are typically held in November at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee, the heart of country music.

The inaugural Country Music Awards took place at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, where they have deep historical roots. The CMA was founded in 1958 by Jimmie Rodgers, Bob Neal, and Fred Rose with the goal of promoting country music artists across America and giving them well-deserved recognition.

The awards are presented in various categories, including New Artist of the Year, Male Vocalist, and Female Vocalist. Special honors are also given to artists who have made significant contributions to country music, such as Merle Haggard and George Jones.

The CMT Music Awards, another major event in the country music industry, honors the best through fan-voted awards. The most recent show, marking its 57th edition, took place on April 11, 2022, at the Municipal Auditorium in Nashville.

The following categories are also awarded:

Entertainer of the Year – Awarded to the artist who has had a successful year in entertainment.

Vocal Duo of the Year – Given to a duo or group with a successful year in entertainment.

Where to Stay

The Hermitage Hotel

Hotel Overview: The Hermitage Hotel is a Nashville icon, offering timeless elegance and luxury just steps away from the Bridgestone Arena.

Rooms: The hotel features spacious, historically inspired rooms with opulent furnishings, marble bathrooms, and modern amenities. Suites offer additional living space and enhanced views of the city.

Restaurants: The Capitol Grille, the hotel’s fine dining restaurant, is renowned for its Southern-inspired dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. The Oak Bar offers a cozy setting for enjoying a cocktail or light meal.

Amenities: Guests can indulge in a luxury spa, a fitness center, and a renowned afternoon tea service. The hotel also features an impressive art collection throughout the property.

ELM Tip: The Hermitage Hotel’s famous Beaux-Arts architecture and historic charm make it a must-stay for those looking to experience the grandeur of Nashville.

Thompson Nashville

Hotel Overview: The Thompson Nashville is a chic, modern hotel located in The Gulch, one of Nashville’s trendiest neighborhoods, known for its stylish design and vibrant atmosphere.

Rooms: The hotel offers contemporary rooms and suites with floor-to-ceiling windows, providing sweeping views of the city. Each room is equipped with luxury bedding, designer furnishings, and modern technology.

Restaurants: Marsh House, the on-site restaurant, specializes in Southern seafood cuisine, while L.A. Jackson, the rooftop bar, offers craft cocktails and small bites with stunning skyline views.

Amenities: The Thompson Nashville features a state-of-the-art fitness center, a rooftop lounge, and easy access to The Gulch’s popular shops and eateries.

ELM Tip: Don’t miss the rooftop bar, L.A. Jackson, for a perfect spot to unwind with a cocktail while taking in the vibrant Nashville skyline.

Note: The Country Music Awards is a major event, and rooms at these high-end hotels sell out quickly. We recommend booking early to secure your stay.

Where to Dine in the City

The Catbird Seat: This upscale, interactive dining experience offers a tasting menu that changes with the seasons. Guests sit around a U-shaped counter and watch the chefs prepare each course, creating a unique and intimate dining experience.

Husk Nashville: Located in a historic mansion, Husk focuses on Southern ingredients and reinterprets traditional dishes with a modern twist. The menu changes daily, depending on what is available from local farmers and purveyors.

What Else to Do

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum: Explore the history of country music through exhibits, memorabilia, and interactive displays at one of Nashville’s most famous attractions.

Ryman Auditorium: Known as the "Mother Church of Country Music," the Ryman Auditorium is a historic venue that has hosted countless legendary performances. Take a guided tour or catch a live show.

Nearest Airport

Nashville International Airport (BNA): Located approximately 8 miles from downtown Nashville, BNA is the primary airport for travelers attending the Country Music Awards.

For Private Aviation: John C. Tune Airport (JWN) serves private jet travelers, offering full-service FBOs and convenient access to Nashville’s top events.

Planning to attend the Country Music Awards?

Whether you need a full itinerary, luxury hotel accommodations, exclusive dining reservations, or a private jet charter, contact us today for a personalized travel experience that meets all your needs.