News & Publications
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nov. 1, 1999
CMA HONORS HAZEL SMITH WITH CMA MEDIA ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Nashville – Hazel Smith has been named the recipient of the 1999 CMA Media Achievement Award. CMA established the award to recognize outstanding achievements in the media as they relate to Country Music. Print journalists, editors, authors, television writers and producers are eligible for the annual award. Smith, a long-time correspondent for Country Music Magazine, was presented with the award at a surprise reception in Nashville attended by members of her family and many music industry associates and admirers. Among the well wishers were Connie Smith, Hall of Famer Earl Scruggs, members of BR5-49, Brad Paisley, Lee Roy Parnell, George Ducas and Clint Daniels. Marty Stuart added a spark to the evening with his colorful stories of his longtime friendship with Smith. Besides the show of appreciation of those on hand, Hazel also received notes and gifts from Garth Brooks, George Strait, Reba McEntire, Vince Gill, Trisha Yearwood, Pam Tillis, Lee Ann Womack, the Grand Ole Opry Group and BMI, just to name a few of those expressing their gratitude for her continued support of Country Music.
Smith first came to Nashville in 1969 from her home in Caswell County, North Carolina. She secured a songwriting contract, scoring cuts from the likes of Tammy Wynette, before going on to work for Tompall Glaser, who hired her to do publicity. During this time, Smith coined the phrase “The Outlaws,” in reference to Glaser, Waylon Jennings, Kris Kristofferson and Kinky Friedman, who would infuse Country Music with their own unique styles in the early ‘70s.
Smith was soon approached about writing a column for the brand new COUNTRY MUSIC MAGAZINE, a job she holds until this day. Between her journalistic duties and her stint with Glaser, Smith variously managed several artists, including her sons, The Smith Brothers, ran Ricky Skagg’s office, worked with Dr. Hook’s manager and constantly upheld the image and viability of Country Music. Smith put together compilation packages for K-Tel Records and has done innumerable liner notes, repackages and compilations for various other labels. These days, in addition to her column for COUNTRY MUSIC, she is the Nashville correspondent for WFMS, WIL, KKIK, KMAG, KKYR radio and syndicated by Heartland Radio.
Past winners have included Jack Hurst of the CHICAGO TRIBUNE, David Zimmerman of USA TODAY, noted Nashville music journalist and Country Music historian Robert K. Oermann, TENNESSEAN music writer Jay Orr and BILLBOARD bureau chief Chet Flippo.
Founded in 1958, the Country Music Association was the first trade organization formed to promote a type of music. More than 6,800 music industry professionals and companies from 43 countries around the world are members of CMA. The organization’s objectives are to guide and enhance the growth of Country Music and to demonstrate it as a viable medium to advertisers, consumers and media throughout the world. CMA is headquartered in Nashville with offices/representatives in London, Cologne and Sydney.