Page 14 - 2017 Official CMA Program

Dear Fans and Friends,
As Chairman of the Country Music Association Board of Directors, it is my honor to welcome you to The 51st
Annual CMA Awards.
Tonight we start a new chapter of this annual gala, which recognizes our most lauded artists, songwriters,
musicians, producers, engineers and video directors. We celebrate all the nominees - the very heart and soul of
WELCOME
this music that touches all our lives.
I would like us also to take time to reflect on events which have recently impacted our community. We send
prayers and sympathies to the friends and families of those who died last month at the Route 91 Harvest
Festival in Las Vegas, to the hundreds who were injured and to the thousands who were scarred.
Our Country Music community is not confined to the boundaries of Nashville. It is far-reaching across our nation
and globe. Through fires, floods and hurricanes, we have always come together to aid, to support and to heal.
And now is no different.
┴ Sally Williams, CMA Chairman
In so many ways we’re a family. From the passionate fans, to the artists and to all the professionals working
behind the scenes – we’re all so deeply connected.

And at the center of it is the music. Country Music. The music, most of all, brings great joy to our lives. That’s
why we are here tonight.

Tonight the music brings together tens of thousands of fans & friends to the heart of downtown Nashville along
with millions more watching online and on TV worldwide. Tonight we celebrate each other and we lift each
other up. Tonight we prove yet again that the Country Music community is strong.

Thank you all for being with us tonight at our beloved CMA Awards… and thanks for being part of the family

Hello, Country Music fans!
It is my honor to welcome you to “The 51st annual CMA Awards,” broadcast live from Music City on ABC
Television Network.
In light of the recent Las Vegas tragedy, today – more than ever – we realize that music has the power to heal,
bring hope, capture love and ease the pain. Music tends to unite humanity in times of dire need, and for that we
are so very grateful and humble that we work in the country music industry.

Tonight we celebrate the many talented professionals who have achieved the highest levels of our genre and
at the same time honor our country roots. Over 7,600 CMA members have selected our nominees and winners.
Country Music’s Biggest Night™ is here to recognize the past, celebrate the present and encourages the future
growth of Country Music.

Expect an exciting night, as our hosts, Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood, promise to keep the show moving
and entertaining, as they have for the past 9 years.
┴ Bill Simmons, CMA President
We would like to recognize and thank CMA CEO Sarah Trahern and her untiring leadership and passion for the
Country Music community, CMA Board of Directors for their dedication and time well spent providing direction,
ABC Television for their ongoing support and enthusiasm and the CMA staff and members, who are the
backbone of the country music community.
Thank you to Executive Producer, Robert Deaton, for sharing his ingenuity as he brings this night to life! Robert,
Country Music is grateful for your commitment to deliver what is truly the most imaginative, elegant and
impactful Awards show on broadcast television. We cannot thank you enough for your dedication to this time-
honored tradition.
And now sit back, relax and enjoy the show – your show!

12 THE 51st ANNUAL CMA AWARDS