Yeah, I know right? That's almost impossible to believe. Johnny Cash didn't win every single award known to man? But sadly, it's true. The ACMs refused to award Mr. Cash with any piece of silverware. Which, again, for one of Country's biggest stars, feels like a punch in the gut.
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The ACM Awards
Otherwise known as the Academy of Country Music Awards (but who has time to say all that?) This prestigious awards show has somehow failed to present Johnny with any awards at all. Not even a small category nod.
Mind you, this is an awards show that has been around since 1966. Additionally, Johnny Cash made music up until he died in 2003. You'd think somewhere along that four-decade run, they'd give him something. At least a handshake, maybe?
And it's not like the man hasn't been critically acclaimed. The CMA's have practically covered that man in trophies since they've been around.
In that particular awards show, he's won nine lifetime trophies, including Entertainer of the Year in 1969 and three Album of the Year victories. So like, not too shabby right? Then again, he is Johnny freaking Cash. I don't know many people, even today, who haven't at least heard the name before.
So if he's crushed it at the CMAs the real question becomes, "what gives?". What more could he have done?
Unfortunately, the answer is nothing, and the reasoning is actually pretty fascinating.
The ACM Awards Are...Western?
Yes! Turns out the ACMs are actually the country music award equivalent of the CMAs, but just their West Coast cousins. Historically, this show has been a way to celebrate country music made by artists in the western 13 states.
Sadly for Johnny, he simply did not fit that mold of performer. He grew up in Arkansas and came up in the music world in Memphis and Nashville. Not a single part of that is West Coast. Unfortunately, it was never in the cards for Johnny to win in the ACMs.
Thankfully, the ACMs have expanded to all country music in recent times. Now, there is an incredible amount of crossover with the winners of the CMAs. Which makes sense to me, it's all Country.
