AWARDS

Nashville Then: Randy Travis, Ricky Van Shelton win big at 1989 Music City News Awards

Kyren Harvey
The Tennessean

Thirty years ago, at what would eventually become the CMT Music Awards, Randy Travis and Ricky Van Shelton were the big winners, and Reba McEntire won Female Artist of the Year for the fifth time in a row.

Hosted by country-star sisters Barbara, Irlene and Louise Mandrell, the Music City News Awards attracted the biggest and brightest country music stars of the day. From Van Shelton winning Album of the Year to Travis winning Entertainer of the Year, the night was one for the books. 

"It's a very humbling experience to receive an award like this," Johnny Cash said as he was honored with the Living Legend award.

Traditional country singer Ricky Van Shelton thanks the fans after winning the Single of the Year award to go along with his Album of the Year award during the 23rd Music City News Awards show at the Grand Ole Opry June 5, 1989.

Former President George H.W. Bush offered his congratulations to Cash, calling him a "giant of country music."

"My heart's just a throbbin'," said Grand Ole Opry star Patty Loveless, who won the Star of Tomorrow.

Co-hosts Irlene, left, Barbara and Louise Mandrell open the 23rd Music City News Awards show at the Grand Ole Opry on June 5, 1989, with "The Life Blood of Country Music." The tribute to fans was written by Louise Mandrell's husband, R.C. Bannon.