Explore every CMA Entertainer of the Year winner and nominee from 1967 through 1979, including the country music artists recognized during the award’s first 13 years.
Written by Amanda Tempel
Published: November 12, 2026
The CMA Entertainer of the Year award dates back to 1967, when the Country Music Association held its first annual awards ceremony. Throughout the late 1960s and 1970s, country music experienced significant growth, with artists reaching new audiences through television, radio, and crossover hits. The award recognized performers whose achievements and influence helped shape country music during this period. Below is the complete list of CMA Entertainer of the Year winners and nominees from 1967 through 1979.
CMA Entertainer of the Year Winners and Nominees: 1967
Winner: Eddy Arnold
Nominees:
Bill Anderson
Merle Haggard
Sonny James
Buck Owens
CMA Entertainer of the Year Winners and Nominees: 1968
Winner: Glen Campbell
Nominees:
Eddy Arnold
Johnny Cash
Merle Haggard
Charley Pride
CMA Entertainer of the Year Winners and Nominees: 1969
Winner: Johnny Cash
Nominees:
Glen Campbell
Roy Clark
Merle Haggard
Charley Pride
CMA Entertainer of the Year Winners and Nominees: 1970
Winner: Merle Haggard
Nominees:
Glen Campbell
Johnny Cash
Roy Clark
Charley Pride
CMA Entertainer of the Year Winners and Nominees: 1971
Winner: Charley Pride
Nominees:
Merle Haggard
Loretta Lynn
Jerry Reed
Conway Twitty
CMA Entertainer of the Year Winners and Nominees: 1972
Winner: Loretta Lynn
Nominees:
Merle Haggard
Freddie Hart
Charley Pride
Jerry Reed
CMA Entertainer of the Year Winners and Nominees: 1973
Winner: Roy Clark
Nominees:
Merle Haggard
Tom T. Hall
Loretta Lynn
Charley Pride
CMA Entertainer of the Year Winners and Nominees: 1974
Winner: Charlie Rich
Nominees:
Roy Clark
Mac Davis
Loretta Lynn
Olivia Newton John
CMA Entertainer of the Year Winners and Nominees: 1975
Winner: John Denver
Nominees:
Waylon Jennings
Loretta Lynn
Ronnie Milsap
Conway Twitty
CMA Entertainer of the Year Winners and Nominees: 1976
Winner: Mel Tillis
Nominees:
Waylon Jennings
Ronnie Milsap
Willie Nelson
Dolly Parton
CMA Entertainer of the Year Winners and Nominees: 1977
Winner: Ronnie Milsap
Nominees:
Merle Haggard
Waylon Jennings
Dolly Parton
Kenny Rogers
CMA Entertainer of the Year Winners and Nominees: 1978
Winner: Dolly Parton
Nominees:
Crystal Gayle
Ronnie Milsap
Kenny Rogers
Mel Tillis
CMA Entertainer of the Year Winners and Nominees: 1979
Winner: Willie Nelson
Nominees:
Crystal Gayle
Barbara Mandrell
Kenny Rogers
Statler Brothers
Source
Country Music Association (CMA) – Past Winners and Nominees
Explore More CMA Entertainer of the Year History
Return to our complete CMA Entertainer of the Year winners list for every winner since 1967, all-time records, and links to nominees by decade.