CMA Presents Several Industry Honors

THE COUNTRY MUSIC ASSOCIATION PRESENTS SEVERAL INDUSTRY HONORS

Bill Malone (Joe Talbot Award), Mike Curb (Irving Waugh Award of Excellence), Al Andrews (CMA Foundation Humanitarian Award) and Clarence Spalding (J. William Denny Award) are Honored During CMA Board of Directors Meeting

The Country Music Association presented several of its industry honors during its Board of Directors meeting this past week. On Wednesday, Dec. 4, Country Music Hall of Fame member Marty Stuart presented Bill Malone (Country Music historian) with the 2024 Joe Talbot Award in recognition of his outstanding leadership and contributions to the preservation and advancement of Country Music’s values and traditions.

Also during Wednesday’s Board reception, Jim Beavers (Composer and CMA Board member) presented Mike Curb (Chairman and Owner, Curb Records and Curb Word Entertainment) with the 2024 Irving Waugh Award of Excellence, which is awarded to an individual who is the originator and caretaker of demonstrated ideas and actions that have dramatically broadened and improved Country Music’s influence on a national or international level for the benefit of the industry as a whole. Country artist Charlie Worsham presented Al Andrews (Founder and Former Executive Director, Porter’s Call) with the 2024 CMA Foundation Humanitarian Award, awarded to an individual who has served as a humanitarian through community leadership, financial support, personal volunteerism and advocacy.

During the Board dinner on Thursday, Dec. 5, Clarence Spalding (Founder, Spalding Entertainment) was presented with the 2024 J. William Denny Award by Country Music Hall of Fame member Kix Brooks. This award is presented in recognition and appreciation of a lifetime of dedication, distinguished service and meritorious contributions to the CMA Board of Directors.

Additionally, in recognition of their service to the CMA Board of Directors, CMA Chief Executive Officer Sarah Trahern presented mementos to outgoing CMA Board Chairman Kella Farris (Partner, Farris, Self & Moore LLC) as well as current President and incoming 2025 CMA Board Chairman Jennie Smythe (Founder and CEO, Girlilla Marketing). Farris also presented the CMA Chairman’s Award to Amy Smartt (CMA Senior Vice President, Finance and Administration). This award is not given annually, but when the incumbent Chairman feels an individual, through outstanding service to CMA, merits the recognition.

About the Country Music Association

Founded in 1958, CMA is the premier trade association of the Country Music industry. Representing professionals making a living in Country Music globally, the organization serves as a critical resource of support and information, honors excellence in the genre and provides a forum for industry leadership. CMA is dedicated to expanding Country Music around the world through a number of core programs and initiatives including the organization’s three annual television properties—the CMA Awards, “CMA Fest” and “CMA Country Christmas,” all of which air on ABC. The organization’s philanthropic arm, the CMA Foundation, works tirelessly to provide equitable access to music education in order to create impactful change for students and teachers across the United States.