The CMA Music Festival is steeped in more than three decades of tradition. Since the festival's birth as Fan Fair in 1972, Country Music fans have poured into Nashville, Tennessee, traveling from around the globe to see their favorite artists perform, to get that coveted autograph and to create lifelong memories. Country music, once known as country and western music, is a popular musical form developed in the southern United States, with roots in traditional folk music, spirituals, and the blues. ... Downtown Nashville at dusk, viewed from the Gateway Bridge Nashville is the capital of the U.S. state of Tennessee. ... State nickname: Volunteer State Other U.S. States Capital Nashville Largest city Memphis Governor Phil Bredesen Official languages English Area 109,247 km² (36th)  - Land 106,846 km²  - Water 2,400 km² (2. ...

CMA Music Festival/Fan Fair is unique among music festivals. It is a four-day celebration of America’s music that features artist/fan interaction, autograph signings, photo opportunities, more than 45 hours of concerts, family activities and much more.

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

Presented annually by the Country Music Association, this world-class event regularly attracts more than 130,000 fans from around the world and raises money for charities designated by the participating artists through CMA’s "Cause For Celebration!" campaign. The Country Music Association (CMA) was founded in 1958 in Nashville, Tennessee. ...

History

Fan Fair began in response to overcrowding at the annual Country Music DJ convention in Nashville. The large number of Country artists in attendance attracted a larger number of fans hoping for a glimpse of their favorite stars. CMA, along with the Grand Ole Opry, decided that if a festival were created especially for the fans at another time of the year, it would not only relieve the congestion, but it would be another opportunity to showcase Country Music. The Grand Ole Opry is a weekly Saturday night country music radio program broadcast live on WSM Radio in Nashville, Tennessee. ...

The first Fan Fair, held April 12–15, 1972, at Nashville's Municipal Auditorium, hosted some of Country Music's most noted artists who performed more than 20 hours of live entertainment. Featured 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. Approximately 5,000 people attended the first Fan Fair. With more than 100 exhibit booths, fans could indulge in picture taking and autograph sessions with the artists. The Odessa Chuck Wagon Gang of Odessa, Texas, served up their "Texas Menu" of barbecue, beans, slaw, onions, pickles, bread and beverages. Roy Claxton Acuff (15 September 1903 - 23 November 1992) was an American country musician. ... A database query syntax error has occurred. ... Ernest Dale Tubb (February 9, 1914 - September 6, 1984) was one of the pioneers of American country music. ...

The first Fan Fair was scarcely started before fans and artists began inquiring about the date for the next year. Fan Fair 1973 was moved to June, a peak travel month, which provided better weather conditions than April. Just over 10,000 fans—twice as many as the first year—attended. 1973 was a common year starting on Monday. ...

Fans in attendance at Fan Fair 1974 witnessed Country Music history as Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton performed as a duo for what would be the last time in more than a decade. The festivities were also highlighted by an unexpected visit by former Beatle and Country Music fan Paul McCartney, a visit that would spark a tradition of cross-genre artist appearances at the festival. 1974 is a common year starting on Tuesday (click on link for calendar). ... Porter Wagoner (b. ... Dolly Parton (born January 19, 1946) is an American country singer, songwriter and actress. ... Paul McCartney, as photographed by John Kelley for the 1968 LP The Beatles (aka The White Album). Sir James Paul McCartney, KBE, MBE (born June 18, 1942), better known as Paul McCartney, is a British musician, composer, and producer, who first came to prominence as a member of The Beatles. ...

With the exploding popularity of Country Music, Fan Fair continued to grow each year. In 1982, the event was moved to the Tennessee State Fairgrounds to accommodate more fans. Also that year, the celebrity softball tournament was replaced by the All American Country Games competition. This event was held each year through 1988 and benefited Tennessee Special Olympics. In 1989, more shows were added to take the place of the games. 1982 is a number and represents a common year starting on Friday of the Gregorian calendar Events January January 6 - William Bonin is convicted of being the freeway killer. January 8 - AT&T agrees to divest itself of twenty-two subdivisions January 11 - Mark Thatcher, son of the British Prime... 1988 is a leap year starting on a Friday of the Gregorian calendar. ... 1989 is a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

In 1985, Patty Loveless asked Vince Gill for his autograph at Fan Fair and had her photo taken with him. She wasn't a star, but told Vince she would be soon. Two years later, Vince sang on her record and she eventually won CMA Awards Female Vocalist of the Year. 1985 is a common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Hits include: Think About Elvis You Dont Seem to Miss Me Lonely Too Long The Last Thing How Can I Help You That Kind of Girl ... Vince Gill Vince Gill (born April 12, 1957) is an American country music musician and singer. ...

Fan Fair celebrated its 20th anniversary in 1991 with an expanded show schedule. More than 65 Country artists appeared in more than 34 hours of live stage shows. The Exhibit Hall grew too, with more than 200 entertainers setting up booths for autograph sessions. And although Kathy Mattea was under strict orders from her doctor not to talk due to injured vocal cords, she still managed to communicate with her fans via a personal computer. 1991 is a common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

A quick comparison of artists who appeared at the first Fan Fair and those who made return appearances at the '91 event gives evidence of the enduring nature of Country Music and its entertainers as Bill Monroe, Mac Wiseman and Freddie Hart made both lists.

Some of Country Music's most popular performers, including Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson, Kathy Mattea, Wynonna and a high-energy newcomer named Billy Ray Cyrus, appeared at the event in 1992. More than 600 media representatives covered the event including representatives from Switzerland, Japan, Brazil, Sweden, Spain, England, Ireland, Luxembourg and France. Garth Brooks Garth Brooks (born Troyal Garth Brooks on February 7, 1962 in Tulsa, Oklahoma) is an American singer/songwriter who performs country music. ... Alan Jackson wearing his hat Alan Jackson (born October 17, 1958) is an American country music singer, and songwriter, originally from Newnan, Georgia. ...

In 1993, Alan Jackson's "Chattahoochee" booth took first prize in the booth competition. Doug Stone and former "Music City Tonight" star Lorianne Crook arrived at Stone's booth dressed as Rhett Butler and Scarlett O'Hara. Lorrie Morgan took an "out of this world" approach in her booth with a crashed UFO and aliens. Travis Tritt signed autographs from the inside of a giant Gibson guitar. A UFO -- posed or genuine? A UFO or unidentified flying object in the original, literal sense is any airborne object or optical phenomenon, detected visually or by radar, whose nature is not readily known. ... Travis Tritt is an American Country Music artist. ...

Billy Ray Cyrus surprised the crowd by inviting pop star Bryan Adams to join him for a few tunes. Adams later said, "I'd never seen Fan Fair before. There's not anything like it in rock 'n' roll!" Shania Twain met her future husband, producer Robert John "Mutt" Lange, backstage at Fan Fair. Although they had developed a great telephone friendship after Lange got Twain’s phone number from pal Bryan Adams, they didn't actually come face-to-face until Fan Fair 1993. Billy Ray Cyrus (born August 25, 1961 in Flatwoods, Kentucky) is an American country singer, best known for the hit single Achy Breaky Heart (1992). ...

In 1994 almost 100 Country entertainers performed during the celebration. Willie Nelson made a surprise appearance at the Liberty Records show as the label's newest artist. Also on the Liberty show, John Berry made his anticipated return to the stage following brain surgery in May. He performed his No. 1 hit, "Your Love Amazes Me." Reba McEntire also surprised the audience when she joined Linda Davis on the Arista Records show to sing their CMA and Grammy award-winning song, "Does He Love You." Celebrities outside Country Music continued to pop up at Fan Fair that year when actor Danny Glover made an appearance. 1994 was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar, and was designated the International year of the Family. ... Willie Nelson Willie Hugh Nelson (born April 30, 1933) is an American guitarist and country singer, originally from Abbott, Texas. ... Reba Nell McEntire (born March 28, 1955 in McAlester, Oklahoma) is one of the best-selling country music performers of the last half of the 20th century, best known for pop ballads that include 22 American #1 hits. ... Danny Glover at World Social Forum 2003. ...

Many movie and television stars, sports stars and rock 'n' roll legends have visited Fan Fair over the years. In 1995, Maureen McCormick ("The Brady Bunch"), Branscombe Richmond ("Renegade") and bull riding champ Tuff Hedeman could be seen signing autographs and meeting fans. Dallas Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman visited Fan Fair in 1995 and in 1996. 1995 was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... The Brady Bunch was a US television situation comedy, based around a large blended family. ...

In 1995, Vince Gill's fans admitted to getting up as early as 4:15 AM to nab a spot in his autograph line. Vince got comfortable while greeting fans, attired in shorts and even taking off his shoes. Toby Keith didn't let a torn ligament hamper his Fan Fair activities. He hobbled to his booth on crutches and also performed on the Fan Fair stage, seated on a stool so he didn't put any weight on his injured leg. Tammy Wynette and George Jones reunited onstage for their first live performance together in 17 years.

1996 marked the 25th anniversary for the event. More than 100 artists performed for the sold-out crowd. During the week, Garth Brooks made an unexpected appearance and signed autographs for 23 consecutive hours. "Good Morning America" was on hand for live coverage. Alan Jackson arrived via helicopter. And the Beach Boys teamed up with Country Music stars like Ronnie Milsap, Lorrie Morgan, Collin Raye and Doug Supernaw for the "Fun In The Sun.”

Specialty shows were the highlight of 1997 with "The Working Man's Show," which featured host George Jones, Merle Haggard and Johnny PayCheck teaming up for "Yesterday's Wine" (they also jammed with Steve Wariner, Sara Evans and Charlie Daniels) and “The Honky Tonk Finale" with Hank Thompson, which capped off the week.

1998 was a full year of surprises as Dolly Parton joined Lee Ann Womack during the Decca Records show to perform "Jolene," making it Dolly's first appearance at Fan Fair in over a decade. Garth Brooks unexpectedly took the stage to perform "Burnin' The Road House Down" and "Long Neck Bottle" with collaborator Steve Wariner during the Capitol Nashville show. And Vince Gill danced his way onto the stage to perform "You're The One That I Want" with Olivia Newton-John during the MCA Nashville show.

Exciting “two-for-ones" were the deal-of-the-day in 1999. Waylon Jennings joined RCA newcomer Andy Griggs for the classic, "I Don't Think Hank Done It This Way." Lorrie Morgan joined Sammy Kershaw during the Mercury show. And The Oak Ridge Boys joined Atlantic's South Sixty-Five for a rendition of "Bobbie Sue." Fan Fair once again had a major economic impact on Nashville, estimated conservatively at over $10 million by the Nashville Convention and Visitors Bureau.

More than 200 artists participated in 2000 including more than 40 Platinum and multi-Platinum acts such as Brooks & Dunn, Clint Black, Faith Hill, Alan Jackson, Lonestar, Tim McGraw, LeAnn Rimes and SHeDAISY. Newcomers, including Alecia Elliott, Billy Gilman and Phil Vassar also mingled with fans. Even Country Music legends Janie Fricke, Loretta Lynn, Ronnie Milsap and Charley Pride joined in the week's festivities. Chely Wright got to enjoy time as a fan herself when Wright and Pam Tillis joined Country Music icon, Loretta Lynn in the Grand Ole Opry's booth. As the threesome climbed on top of the booth to wave to a throng of fans, it marked a classic moment in Country Music with three generations of performers coming together at the event.

2001 marked a new era for Fan Fair as the event made an impressive return to Downtown Nashville. Fans who attended “The World's Biggest Country Music Festival™” were introduced to the many new sights, sounds and venues that comprise the modernized event.

The rejuvenated event introduced The Coliseum, home of the NFL’s Tennessee Titans, as the location for the nightly, star-studded concerts with state-of-the-art staging and firework displays. The Nashville Convention Center became the new, air-conditioned home of the fan-favorite exhibits and autograph sessions. And music filled the banks of the Cumberland River for daytime concerts at Riverfront Park Stages, with a rich assortment of artists and musical styles.

Responding to the needs of festival attendees, CMA introduced two new attractions: the Family Zone, a free-to-the-public festive environment featuring games, product sampling and an array of activities for people of all ages, and After Hours, a collaboration of Downtown Nashville clubs and nightspots featuring live music and specials for attendees.

Also new in 2001 was the addition of stars from NBC’s daytime dramas "Days of our Lives" and "Passions," performing and signing autographs for a multitude of fans.

Fan Fair 2002 drew the largest crowd in the event’s history with an aggregate attendance of more than 126,500. The Coliseum featured many of Country Music’s hottest stars including Trace Adkins, Brooks & Dunn, Kenny Chesney, Billy Ray Cyrus, Diamond Rio, Alan Jackson, George Jones, Toby Keith, Martina McBride, Jo Dee Messina, John Michael Montgomery, Rascal Flatts, Earl Scruggs, SHeDAISY, Cyndi Thomson, Keith Urban and Lee Ann Womack.

New in 2002 was the Andy Griggs Celebrity Archery Tournament, which scored a bullseye with fans as artists competed in bow-and-arrow target shooting competition.

The event was a hit with Nashville as well pouring a record $17.5 million into the local economy. Since its inception, it is estimated that Fan Fair has contributed more than $200 million to the Nashville area.

In 2003, celebrities from many fields made appearances at Fan Fair including Lance Bass of *NSYNC; Verne Troyer of the “Austin Powers” films; Teresa Earnhardt, widow of racing legend Dale Earnhardt; the stars of NBC Daytime dramas “Days of our Lives” and “Passions” in their third annual appearance; and Tennessee Titans wide receiver Drew Bennett.

But the artists remained at the heart of the event with more than 500 appearances in the Exhibit Hall at the Nashville Convention Center, 42 artists playing The Coliseum’s nightly concerts and 82 artists performing on the Riverfront Park Stages. Artists who participated included Alabama, Kenny Chesney, Sara Evans, Vince Gill, Martina McBride, Montgomery Gentry, Joe Nichols, Trick Pony, Darryl Worley and more. The event culminated with a musical triumph when Naomi Judd joined daughter Wynonna to perform two songs.

CMA Music Festival Official Website (http://www.CMAfest.com/)