The Evolution of the ACM Awards: 60 Years of Country Music Excellence

The Academy of Country Music Awards—better known to fans as the ACMs—is turning the big 6-0 this year. That’s sixty years of unforgettable performances, emotional speeches, rising stars, and legendary moments that remind us all why we love country music in the first place.

What started as a small celebration of Western talent has grown into one of country music’s biggest nights. It’s a night where legends are honored, new stars are born, and unforgettable moments happen live on stage. But the ACM Awards are more than just a show—they’ve become a mirror of country music’s journey, capturing every major shift, sound, and superstar along the way.

So sit back, maybe pour yourself a glass of sweet tea or crack open a cold beer, and let’s take a stroll down memory lane to see how the ACMs grew from a local event to one of the most beloved nights in country music.

The Humble Beginnings (1960s–70s): California Dreamin’ with a Country Twist

Did you know the ACMs were actually born in California? Yep—way out West, far from Nashville. Founded in 1964, the Academy of Country Music was created to give recognition to the incredible artists and musicians in the Western U.S., especially those part of the gritty, electrified Bakersfield Sound—a twangy, rough-around-the-edges alternative to the polished Nashville style.

The first awards show happened in 1966, and it was a simple affair—no red carpets, no massive TV ratings, just a bunch of country-loving folks getting together to celebrate the music. Early winners like Merle Haggard, Buck Owens, and Bonnie Owens set the tone, bringing authenticity and edge to the ACM’s earliest chapters.

This was the beginning of something special. The ACMs weren’t trying to copy Nashville—they were writing their own story.

The 80s & 90s: Country Goes Mainstream—and the ACMs Help Lead the Way

As country music’s popularity started to skyrocket in the 1980s and ‘90s, so did the ACM Awards. With the show now airing nationally on major TV networks, millions of viewers could tune in to watch their favorite stars perform and take home trophies.

And wow—what a lineup those years gave us.

We saw Reba McEntire win her first Female Vocalist award and never look back. George Strait became the King of Country before our eyes. Garth Brooks took the stage with a level of energy and charisma that would change the genre forever. And don’t even get us started on Alan Jackson, Brooks & Dunn, Shania Twain, and all the other icons who turned country into a global phenomenon.

The ACMs became more polished during this era—bigger stages, flashier sets, and epic performances—but they never lost that down-home charm. Through all the glitz, it was still about the music. Always the music.

Today: Celebrating the Past, Embracing the Future (2020s & Beyond)

Now, here we are in 2025, and the ACMs are hitting their 60th anniversary. That’s six decades of music, memories, and milestones. And this year’s show isn’t just about looking back—it’s about pushing forward.

Country music is more expansive than ever. From the viral hits you hear on TikTok to the deeply personal ballads that bring tears to your eyes, there’s no one-size-fits-all anymore—and that’s what makes it beautiful.

The ACM Awards continue to champion both the legends (like Dolly, Reba, and George) and the next generation (think Lainey Wilson, Jelly Roll, Zach Bryan, and Megan Moroney). It’s a beautiful blend of past and future, tradition and innovation.

Expect jaw-dropping performances, heartfelt speeches, and maybe even a few surprises when this year’s show airs. Because if there’s one thing the ACMs have proven time and time again—it’s that country music has a way of bringing people together like nothing else.

Hosted by 16-time ACM Award-winning entertainment icon, Reba McEntire, the ACM Awards will be free to stream live exclusively for a global audience across 240+ countries and territories on Prime Video and the Amazon Music channel on Twitch from Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas on Thursday, May 8 at 8 p.m. EDT / 7 p.m. CDT / 5 p.m. PDT.