About The Show
Voted on annually by the members of the Academy of Country Music, these awards showcase the very best talent in the country music genre. Your favorite country stars are sure to be out in full force.
Date: May 7, 1985
The Nominees
Album Of The Year
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Winner: George Strait
Does Ft. Worth Ever Cross Your Mind
- Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Kris Kristofferson Highwayman
- The Judds Why Not Me
- Hank Williams Jr. Five-O
- Alabama Forty Hour Week
Band Of The Year - Non-touring
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Winner:
Jerry Whitehurst/Nashville Now - Mike Smart/Union Station
- Eddie Mattos/Sound Company
- Kimberly Springs
- Geary Hanley Band
- Danny Michaels/Rebel Playboys
- Judy Lee/Laramie Station
- Billy Mize/The Tennesseans
Band Of The Year - Touring
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Winner: Ricky Skaggs
- Willie Nelson Family Band
- Bellamy Brothers
- Gary Morris
- Exile
- Merle Haggard/The Strangers
- Bama Band/Hank Williams Jr.
Best Bass
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Winner:
Joe Osborn - Larry Paxton
- Emory Gordy Jr.
- David Hungate
- Curtis Stone
- Red Wootten
- Larry Barrickman
Best Drums
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Winner:
Archie Francis - Steve Goetzman
- Mark Hendon
- Bill Marshall
- Larrie Londin
- Steve Duncan
- Paul Lime
- Buddy Harman
Best Fiddle
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Winner:
Johnny Gimble - Harold Hensley
- Billy Armstrong
- Doug Atwell
- Mark O'Connor
Best Piano / Keyboard
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Winner:
Glen D. Hardin - Marlin Hargus
- John Hobbs
- Billy Liebert
- David Briggs
Best Steel Guitar
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Winner:
Buddy Emmons - Paul Franklin
- Eddie Long
- Al Vescovo
- J.D. Maness
- Sonny Garrish
Entertainer Of The Year
Female Vocalist Of The Year
Guitar
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Winner:
James Burton - Ray Flacke
- Billy Walker
- Danny Michaels
- Al Bruno
- Chet Atkins
- Jack Daniels
- Wayne Turner
- Bret Rowan
Male Vocalist Of The Year
New Female Vocalist Of The Year
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Winner:
Judy Rodman - Patty Loveless
- Robin Lee
- Liz Boardo
- Tari Hensley
New Male Vocalist Of The Year
Pioneer Award
Single Record Of The Year
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Winner:
Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Kris Kristofferson Highwayman - The Judds Love Is Alive
- Mel McDaniel Baby's Got Her Blue Jeans On
- Lee Greenwood Dixie Road
- Hank Williams Jr. I'm For Love
Song Of The Year
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Winner:
Fred Parris, Troy Seals, Mike Reid Lost in the Fifties (In the Still of the Night) - J.S. Sherrill Some Fools Never Learn
- Eddie Setser, Troy Seals Seven Spanish Angels
- Dave Loggins, J.D. Martin I'll Never Stop Loving You
- Bob McDill Baby's Got Her Blue Jeans On
Specialty Instrument
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Winner:
James Burton - Ricky Skaggs
- Charlie McCoy
- Carl Jackson
- Jerry Douglas
Tex Ritter Award
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Winner:
Sweet Dreams
Video Of The Year
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Winner: George Jones
Who's Gonna Fill Their Shoes
- Ronnie Milsap Lost In The Fifties (in The Still Of The Night)
- Ricky Skaggs Country Boy
- Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson Highwayman
- Alabama Forty Hour Week
Vocal Duet Of The Year
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Winner: The Judds
- Ray Charles & Willie Nelson
- Dan Seals & Marie Osmond
- Bellamy Brothers
- Crystal Gayle & Gary Morris