Jack Daniels Green Label

CMA Music Festival is steeped in more than three decades of Fan Fair ® tradition. Since Fan Fair was born in 1972, Country Music fans have poured into Nashville, Tennessee, travel around the world to see their favorite artists perform, to get that coveted autograph and to create lasting memories.

CMA Music Festival is unique among music festivals. It is a celebration of four days of American music that features artist interaction / fan, signing autographs, photos, more than 100 hours of concerts, family activities and much more.

Every year, hundreds of artists and celebrities appear at CMA Music Festival - from rising stars, to current favorites and legends. CMA Music Festival is a veritable stomping ground for both those who love making music and those who love to hear it.

Presented annually by the Country Music Association, this world class event has grown to attract nearly 200,000 fans worldwide in 2007, while raising money for "Keep the Music Playing", a music education initiative in local public schools through a partnership with the Alliance of Nashville public education. Since the co-creation "Keep the Music Playing" in 2006, CMA has donated more than $ 2.2 million due to revenues generated Music Festival CMA.

History of the Music Festival CMA

Fan Fair began in response to overcrowding at the annual convention of the Nashville country music DJ. The large number of artists from these countries have attracted a greater number of fans hoping for a glimpse of their favorite stars. CMA, and the Grand Ole Opry, has decided that if a festival were created specifically for fans at a different time of year, it would not only relieve congestion but it would be another opportunity to present the country music.

1970

The first Fan Fair held April 12 to 15, 1972, Nashville Municipal Auditorium, home to some of the more famous artists of country music that's made more than 20 hours of live entertainment. Guest artists included Roy Acuff, Loretta Lynn, Tom T. Hall, Freddie Hart, Nat Stuckey, Billy "Crash" Craddock, Ernest Tubb, Del Wood, Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper and Pee Wee King, among others. About 5,000 people attended the first Fan Fair. With over 100 exhibition stands, the spectators could engage in taking pictures and autograph sessions with artists. The Odessa Chuck Wagon Gang of Odessa, Texas, served as their "Texas Menu" barbecue, beans, lettuce, onions, pickles, bread and drinks.

The first Fan Fair was barely begun before the fans and artists began to investigate the date for next year. Fan Fair 1973 has been moved to June, one month travel peak, which provides for better weather in April. Just over 10,000 fans - more than twice the first year - have participated.

Fans present at Fan Fair 1974 Country Music witness history as Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton performed a duet for what would be the last time in over a decade. The festivities were also highlighted by an unexpected visit from former Beatle and country music fan Paul McCartney, a visit that would trigger a tradition of cross-gender artist appearances at the festival.

1980

With the popularity explosion of Country Music Fan Fair has continued to grow each year. In 1982, the event was moved to the fairgrounds of Tennessee to accommodate more fans. That same year, the celebrity softball tournament has been replaced by the All-American Games competitions countries. This event was held annually until 1988 and has benefited the Special Olympics of Tennessee. In 1989, more shows were added to take the place of games.

In 1985, Patty Loveless, Vince Gill asked for his autograph at Fan Fair and was photographed with him. It was not a star, but Vince said it would be soon. Two years later, Vince sang on his record and it finally won C.