November 5, 2003

CMA Awards Praise ‘Three Wooden Crosses’

BMI Award-winning songwriter Doug Johnson claimed the top writing prize at the 37th annual CMA Awards, when "Three Wooden Crosses" was named Song of the Year. Johnson accepted the honor with co-writer Kim Williams, and on behalf of BMI publishers Sweet Radical Music and Mike Curb Music.

Doug Johnson and Kim Williams

Martina McBride collected her second straight Female Vocalist of the Year trophy, while Brooks & Dunn accepted their 11th Vocal Duo prize. Rascal Flatts, last year's Horizon winner, was named Vocal Group of the Year.

Martina McBride

Vince Gill

Guitarist Randy Scruggs was recognized as Musician of the Year for the second time. Jimmy Buffett claimed his first CMA Award when his collaboration with Alan Jackson, "It's Five O'Clock Somewhere," was voted Vocal Event of the Year.

Brooks & Dunn

Highlighting the ceremonies were the Hall of Fame inductions of Carl Smith and the late Floyd Cramer. Vince Gill hosted the show for the 12th consecutive year, broadcast live on CBS from the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville.

Rascal Flatts

Alan Jackson and Jimmy Buffett

Randy Scruggs

Carl Smith

photos courtesy of Country Music Association