A website dedicated to preserving and promoting the history of Australian |
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– Slim, Chronicler of the Bush A Tribute to The McKean Sisters Arch Kerr – pioneer record producer Australia's College of Country Music Brief History of the Golden Guitar Awards Country Music Capital Meets Music City History of the College of Country Music HOW THE CMAA WAS BORN How Tamworth became Country Music Capital How the College of Country Music Works Narrative! Narrative! Narrative! Origins of the Tamworth Country Music Festival For more information Email info@historyofcountrymusic.com.au Disclaimer All matters relating to the conduct of this site remain under the total control of Max Ellis or his nominees who will endeavour to ensure the accuracy and balance of the content and proper conduct of the site but, subject to legal requirements, cannot be held responsible for any digression or non-compliance in respect of these matters. |
How the CMAA was born The Country Music Association of Australia was formed late in 1991. This followed a decision by the then organisers of the Australasian Country Music Awards, (Radio 2TM) to discontinue the traditional Awards night, started in 1973. Instead Golden Guitars were to be presented at a number of different venues during the Festival.
A small group comprising Slim Dusty, John Williamson, Joy McKean, Phil Matthews and Max Ellis decided to start an organisation which would fight for the interests of the Australian country music industry particularly in regard to the Awards. The Country Music Association of Australia was launched in Tamworth in January 1992 with Slim Dusty at Chairman, John Williamson as Vice Chairman, Joy Mckean as Treasurer, Max Ellis as Secretary and Phil Matthews as Public Officer. A Board of 18 industry members was appointed. Funding was generated by a huge concert at the Rodeo Arena in January 1992 with virtually all the industry’s major artists performing for free. It raised over $40,000. In addition APRA gave a $10,000 grant as well as legal assistance. By June 1992 the CMAA had achieved it’s first of many achievements. After lengthy negotiations, Radio 2TM generously agreed to hand over the Awards with out charge to the new body. The CMAA was underway. These were the principles upon which it was established: Objects of the Country Music Association of Australia • To encourage, develop and promote Australian Country Music. • To represent and protect the interests of all sections of the Australian country music industry. • To organise and stage activities which will contribute to the maintenance and growth of Australian Country Music industry in this country and abroad. • To promote knowledge of, interest in and respect for the heritage of Australian Country Music and the people who create and perform it. • To undertake or support an activity or program which will ultimately serve to fulfill the objects detailed above. The first Board of the CMAA was
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This actually occurred in January 1992 and was deemed a failure by the industry. The decision to change the format was taken by 2TM (through it's subsidury BAL Marketing) without consultation with the industry. Artists, record companies, songwriters and other industry people were incensed by the change to our long established ”night of nights”.Compiled and produced in Tamworth, Australia's Country Music Capital © Copyright GM Ellis Material on this site can be down loaded. Where copyrights on pictures or other content are known to exist, approvals for use have been obtained. If you have any query regarding material on the site please contact the site manager