ABOUT CMA CLOSE UP MAGAZINE
 

In order to better serve our members and the Country Music community, many of whom are still working remotely during this time, CMA will continue to distribute CMA Close Up digitally. This format will allow CMA to provide readers with relevant, up-to-date stories right to their inboxes. CMA Close Up has and will continue to educate, inform and celebrate those in and around our Country Music community through storytelling.

CMA CLOSE UP MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2022

IN THIS ISSUE

Honoring the Touring Legend,
Randy “Baja” Fletcher

Randy “Baja” Fletcher, touring veteran and the first ever recipient of the CMA Touring Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017, passed away today, August 27, 2021.

“Today our community is mourning a leader and mentor to many in our industry. Our hearts are with his daughters and family, as well as his numerous road families through the years. His influence has reached generations of artists and crew personnel. He played an integral role in some of Country’s most pioneering tours and supported the careers of some of the most celebrated Country Music icons. His impact is far-reaching. He will be dearly missed.”—Sarah Trahern, Country Music Association CEO

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PAST CMA CLOSE UP ISSUES

MAY 2022

  • Paved with Persistence: The Road to Country Music Stardom with CMA Female Vocalist of the Year Carly Pearce
  • Get to Know CMA Board President Charlie Morgan
  • CMA Celebrates Triple Play Songwriter Recipients
  • CMA Research: Members' Look Into the Future of Country Music
  • Artist Spotlight: A Conversation with Brittney Spencer and Lainey Wilson
  • CMA Member Profile: Matt Stubbs
  • "Dream Partners:" How the CMA Foundation's Data-Driven Model Creates Opportunities for All Members to Make a Difference
  • CMA Fest Returns: Meet the People Making It Happen
  • Mental Health 101
  • In Memoriam: Naomi Judd
  • In Memoriam: Hargus "Pig" Robbins
  • In Memoriam: Ralph Emery

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DECEMBER 2021

  • CMA New Artist of the Year Profile – Jimmie Allen
  • A Look Back at “The 55th Annual CMA Awards”
  • The CMA Awards Portrait Studio Honors the Industry’s Return to the Road
  • Turning the Spotlight Around: The CMA Awards Pay Tribute to the 2020 CMA
  • Foundation Music Teachers of Excellence
  • More Than Music: How Chevy Used the CMA Awards to Tell a Story of Perseverance and Friendship

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OCTOBER 2021

  • The Judds: A Journey to Country Music's Highest Honor
  • "CMA Summer Jam"
  • CMA Member Profile: Natalie Hemby
  • The Spotlight: BRELAND & Lily Rose
  • Reflections and Connections: The CMA Foundation's 10-Year Path to Venture Philanthropy
  • Country Music in the Age of Streaming
  • Member Programming

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JUNE 2021

  • Kane Brown - Creating Worldwide Beautiful
  • The Spotlight: Shy Carter
  • Magic Moments: A Music Industry Journey with Jim Beavers
  • Thinking on Their Feet: How Three Members of the Touring Community Created Unique Solutions During the COVID-19 Pandemic
  • “To Teach Is to Love”: How the CMA Foundation’s Mentor M.E. Program Fuels Passion for New and Veteran Teachers

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JANUARY 2021

  • Remembering a Legend: The Legacy of Walter C. Miller
  • Pandemic Relief: How CMA's Investments in Nonprofit Partners Are Aiding the Industry
  • Ashley McBryde Fulfills Lifelong Band Director Dream as Inaugural CMA Foundation Unified Voices for Music Education Artist Ambassador
  • The Spotlight: Mitchell Tenpenny
  • For the Love of Country Music: Marty Stuart's Journey to the Country Music Hall of Fame

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SEPTEMBER 2020

  • An Inside Look At Dean Dillon's Songwriting Legacy
  • Candice Watkins
  • Sending Out an S.O.S.
  • Unified Voices for Music Education
  • Breaking Through in a Pandemic
  • The Spotlight: Caitlyn Smith
  • "The 54th Annual CMA Awards" Nominations Announcement

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