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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SEPTEMBER 24, 1997

GEORGE STRAIT TOP CMA AWARD WINNER: GARTH BROOKS NAMED ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR

NASHVILLE - Multi-platinum, multi-talented superstar George Strait was the top award winner with two CMA Awards. Strait won Album of the Year for CARRYING YOUR LOVE WITH ME and Male Vocalist of the Year. Garth Brooks took home the prestigious Entertainer of the Year trophy, his first win in that category since 1992, during "The 31st Annual CMA Awards" on CBS-TV tonight.

Trisha Yearwood took home the Female Vocalist of the Year Award after receiving a standing ovation for her performance of "How Do I Live" from the soundtrack of the blockbuster movie ConAir. She graciously accepted the award reflecting, "Thank you. I accept that this is what I have wanted ever since I saw Reba McEntire win Female Vocalist of the Year and stand on this stage and say into the TV set, ‘If you have a dream, you can make it come true.’ I believed you Miss Reba, and I’m here."

For the sixth consecutive year, Brooks & Dunn received the Vocal Duo of the Year Award. Kix Brooks remarked, "Once again we thank you…We realize someday, probably sooner than later, someone else will stand up here and take this. I hope you have the opportunity to have as much fun as we’ve had."

Deana Carter, nominated for the first time in her career, won Single of the Year for her number-one hit "Strawberry Wine". She acknowledged the writers by saying, "I have to say thank you to Matraca Berg and Gary Harrison for the most awesome song." The writers went on to take the Song of the Year Award for Carter’s breakthrough single.

LeAnn Rimes, another first-time CMA Award winner, in accepting the prestigious Horizon Award said, "This award means so much to me. I’ve always dreamed about walking up on the CMA stage." In addition, LeAnn is the youngest artist ever to win a CMA Award.

Harlan Howard, Brenda Lee and Cindy Walker were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. Howard, who was honored by Travis Tritt, proudly stated, "…37 years on Music Row…and this is my first CMA Award." Cindy Walker left the audience in tears with her heartfelt poem explaining that she was wearing the dress her late mother bought in the ‘80s and asked her to wear for this particular night and this particular honor.

The three-hour CBS telecast featured more than 25 performances by a stellar line-up of Country artists. George Strait took the stage for "Carrying Your Love With Me", and host Vince Gill was joined by Shelby Lynne for a performance of his hit single "You and You Alone". Toby Keith and rock star Sting teamed up with Musician of the Year nominees for Sting-penned "I’m So Happy I Can’t Stop Crying". Other highlights included Shania Twain’s first public performance this year, Clint Black and Martina McBride’s first television performance of "Still Holdin’ On" and a musical finale featuring Alabama and the whole cast singing "Make A Miracle".

"The 31st Annual CMA Awards" was produced by Walter C. Miller and directed by Paul Miller. Donald K. Epstein wrote the script. A stereo-radio simulcast of the gala event was satellite-delivered by MJI Broadcasting and BBC radio. The program will be televised via tape around the world, including the UK by BBC 2.

The winners of "The 31st Annual CMA Awards" are:

For more information on the CMA Awards, Internet users can locate the CMA website using the address CMAawards.com

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