Chart Rewind: In 2016, the Country Music Association Engineered the Ultimate Group Effort
With 30 artists helping out, the CMA Awards’ 50th anniversary wasn’t just golden – it was “Forever.”
In 2016, the Country Music Association (CMA) united 30 former award-winners to create a groundbreaking single called "Forever Country." The ambitious project was born at the group's 50th annual awards show, a rare moment of collective spirit in the highly competitive music industry. The CMA released "Forever Country" on September 16, 2016, and its accompanying music video premiered four days later on ABC's Dancing With the Stars.
Featuring covers of John Denver's "Take Me Home, Country Roads," Willie Nelson's "On the Road Again," and Dolly Parton's "I Will Always Love You," the song topped multiple charts, including the Billboard Hot Country Songs, Country Streaming Songs, Country Digital Song Sales, and Country Airplay. Additionally, the CMA clip earned the coveted video of the year award from the Academy of Country Music.
The collaboration showcased the enduring appeal of classic country songs and highlighted the power of unity in the music world.
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