Award Recipients

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 Born Kay Toinette Oslin in Crossett (Ashley County), the songstress used her first two initials as her stage name.  Although she didn't achieve major success until she was in her mid-40s, Oslin is regarded as one of country music's most influential and important female vocalists. With some cuts as a songwriter under her belt, she released the groundbreaking album "80s Ladies" in the summer of 1987 on RCA Records.  Her career is highlighted by such hits as "Do Ya," "I'll Always Come Back," "Hold Me," "Hey Bobby," and "Come Next Monday."  She was the 1988 Country Music Association's Female Vocalist of the Year and became the first female to ever win the organization's Song of the Year category that year with "80s Ladies."  Additionally, she won three Grammy Awards in her career, and was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2018.  Oslin passed away in 2020.

Wood Newton's story-telling style of songwriting has garnered him a deep catalogue of cuts and some standout country hits.  Born in Hampton (Calhoun County), he is a graduate of the University of Arkansas.  In the late 1970s, Newton recorded and released some singles for Elektra Records.  However, his notoriety came as a songwriter.  In the early 1980s, Newton scored two chart-topping country singles, "Midnight Hauler" by Razzy Bailey in 1981; and "Bobbie Sue" by The Oak Ridge Boys in 1982.  He continued to have songwriting success through the decade of the 1980s and into the early 2000s with such country singles as "I Want Everyone to Cry" by Restless Heart; "What I Didn't Do," by Steve Wariner; "Twenty Years Ago," by Kenny Rogers; "The Girl Most Likely To," by B.J. Thomas; "Lillie’s White Lies," by Martin Delray; and "Riding with Private Malone," by David Ball.

With massive hits as a composer in both the country and pop fields, Randy Goodrum is one of the industry's finest songwriters. He was born in Hot Springs (Garland County) and graduated from Hendrix College.  After a stint in the U.S. Army, he relocated to Nashville as a musician, serving as a pianist live and in studio for talents such as Chet Atkins, Jerry Reed, and Roy Orbison.  His songs have been recorded by many: "You Needed Me," by Anne Murray, Dottie West's "A Lesson in Leavin'" (again in 1999 by Jo Dee Messina, "What Are We Doing in Love," by West and Kenny Rogers, "It's True Love," by Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn; "Fallin' in Love," by Sylvia; and "I Will, If You Will," by John Berry.  Other artists recorded his songs such as Steve Perry, Toto, Kansas, Chicago, Olivia Newton-John, England Dan & John Ford Coley, and Michael Johnson.  Goodrum was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2000. 

Lefty Frizzell cut his teeth musically while the family lived in El Dorado (Union County).  He debuted as a singer on radio station KELD at the age of 12, and soon became a popular regional act in Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas, and New Mexico before hitting the big time in country music.  Stylistically, few can match Frizzell's impact.  His unique phrasing and swagger on stage made him a star.  Such classic recordings as "If You've Got the Money (I've Got the Time)," "I Love You a Thousand Ways," "Long Black Veil," "Always Late with Your Kisses," and "Saginaw, Michigan," are country music staples.  Frizzell passed away in 1975 at the age of 47.  He was posthumously inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1982.

Few musicians have ever left the imprint on the industry as Floyd Cramer.  He grew up in Huttig (Union County) and is known for his 'slip-note' piano style.  Before moving to Nashville in 1955, Cramer was a cast member of the famed Louisiana Hayride.  Once in Music City, he played on countless sessions.  Cramer's piano work can be heard on mega hits like "Heartbreak Hotel," by Elvis Presley;" "Please Help Me I'm Falling," by Hank Locklin; and "Crazy," by Patsy Cline.  Additionally, he played on hits by such artists as Don Gibson, Eddy Arnold, Brenda Lee, the Browns, Jim Reeves, Ray Price, Roy Orbison, Connie Smith, Charley Pride, the Everly Brothers and many others.  Between 1958 and 1962, Cramer charted 11 singles, which is an astonishing feat for an instrumentalist.  The most notable being "Last Date."  Cramer died in 1997.  He was posthumously inducted into both the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003.

Beginning in 1967, Bob Robbins, of Sheridan (Grant County), became a force on Arkansas Radio when he began working for Little Rock's KAAY.  However, it wasn't until 1979 that his mainstream country music career came to be when he moved to Little Rock's KSSN.  Soon, both Robbins and KSSN became household names in Arkansas.  His time at KSSN witnessed the station being a force Nationally for their market size. Robbins was named Broadcast Personality of the Year by the Country Music Association in 1996.  He moved to sister station 105.1 The Wolf in 2013.  As for the media, Robbins is one of the state’s most recognizable voices and faces.  He has worked tirelessly for more than three decades with the Toys for Tots program.  In 2008, Robbins was inducted into the Country Radio Broadcasters' Hall of Fame.

Mark Wright, born in Fayetteville (Washington County), began at an early age singing in area choirs. He studied music in college, and after graduating from Belmont University, Wright's success came as a songwriter, penning hits like "Paradise Tonight," recorded by Mickey Gilley and Charley McClain; "Today My World Slipped Away," by Vern Gosdin; and "Nobody Falls Like a Fool," by Earl Thomas Conley.  As a producer, he was at the helm for such award-winning albums as "Killin' Time" by Clint Black and "I Hope You Dance" by Lee Ann Womack.  Other artists produced by Wright include Brooks & Dunn, Mark Chesnutt, Gary Allan, and Shawn Camp.  Wright's knowledge and expertise in the business were displayed as he served in leadership positions for MCA Records, Sony Music Nashville, and Universal South Records, and he is on the Board of Trustees at Belmont University.

 The sibling foursome of The Original Rhodes Show began as a band in 1928 when Slim Rhodes (born in Poughkeepsie Sharp County) was joined by brothers Speck Rhodes, Dusty Rhodes, and sister Bea Rhodes. During the 1930s and 1940s, the group was a mainstay on local radio in Arkansas, multiple National radio shows, and countless tours from Arkansas to California. As time passed, Slim formed his own group, The Mountaineers; Speck became a highly popular comedian on The Porter Wagoner Show; Dusty, who was a great fiddler, carried on the Rhodes family show with his own family band; and Bea, who played multiple instruments, remained an Arkansas resident. The Original Rhodes Show's memory lives on as they laid the groundwork for family bands to follow.

With movie star looks and a unique, yodeling vocal style, Elton Britt was a popular star in his era. He recorded with RCA Victor Records from 1937 to 1956. The Marshall (Searcy County) native is best known for his 1942 smash hit "There's a Star Spangled Banner Waving Somewhere." This recording was the first in country music history to earn a Gold record. As matter of fact, the song sold more than four million copies. His hits include 'Someday (You'll Want Me to Want You)," "Detour," "Candy Kisses," and "Beyond the Sunset." In 1960, Britt received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In 1972, he died at the age of 58.

Born in Rector (Clay County), Bill Carter has done it all. Following a stint in the U.S. Air Force, Carter graduated from Arkansas State University, served as a secret service agent during the time of John F. Kennedy's assassination, and returned to school to finish his law degree. As a lawyer, he represented a wide mix of clients, including the Rolling Stones. In the mid-1970s, he was instrumental in negotiating Tanya Tucker's contract with MCA Records. In the 1980s, he managed Reba McEntire during one of the biggest periods of her career. In 2006, his autobiography, Get Carter, was published. He was key in coordinating the Johnny Cash Music Festival, which paved the way for the restoration of Cash's boyhood home in Dyess. Carter's accomplishments are steep, and he remains an important Arkansas figure. 

 The wide reaching influence of Helm can’t be measured.  As a singer, songwriter and musician, he has left a mark on many genres, including country.  He  grew up in Turkey Scratch (Phillips County).  Most known as one of the colorful members of The Band, Helm helped popularize songs like “The Weight” and “The Night They Drove Ole Dixie Down.”  He grew up loving the country music on the radio, and many of today’s country artists point to Helm as an influence.  He portrayed Loretta Lynn's father in the 1980 movie Coal Miner's Daughter.   He narrated the entire series of ABC’s country music program The Road in 1994.  In 2008, “Dirt Farmer” won a Grammy award for Best Traditional Folk Album.  His “Electric Dirt,” won a Grammy award in 2010 for Best Americana Album. 

 Holyfield was born in Mallettown (Conway County).  He attended Hendrix College prior to graduating from the University of Arkansas, and in 1972 moved to Nashville, becaming a powerhouse composer.  His songs have been hits by such artists as Charley Pride, George Strait, Ronnie Milsap, Crystal Gayle, Janie Fricke, Mickey Gilley, Billy Dean, Johnny Russell, and more.  He co-wrote Anne Murray’s 1980 mega-hit “Could I Have This Dance,” and numerous Don Williams hits, including “You’re My Best Friend,” “Some Broken Hearts Never Mend,” and “Til the Rivers All Run Dry.”  In 1986, he wrote and recorded "Arkansas, You Run Deep In Me" for the Sesquicentennial state celebration.  He was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1992. 

 Often referred to as “The Silver Fox,” Rich carved his own musical niche with such early  recordings  as “Lonely Weekends,” ”Big Boss Man,” and “Mohair Sam” through major country hits like  “Behind Closed Doors,” “The Most Beautiful Girl,” “A Very Special Love Song,” and “Rollin’ with the Flow.”  Rich was a true stylist as a singer and a musician.  The Colt (St. Francis County) native scored 10 number one country singles, won a Grammy award and won five awards from the Country Music Association, including being named Entertainer of the Year in 1974.

Born Harold Jenkins, Twitty grew up in Helena. He is often referred to as 'the best friend a song ever had.' His multitude of hits would reflect that statement. From his early rock hit "It's Only Make Believe" to countless hit country singles, such as "Hello Darlin'," "You've Never Been This Far Before," "I'd Love to Lay You Down," "Don't Take It Away" and "That's My Job" to several duet hits with Loretta Lynn, he stands as one of the true legends Few performers have had the influence on country music as Twitty. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in 1999. 

Born in Timbo, Driftwood is one of the all-time great composers and interpreters of folk and country songs. In 1959, Johnny Horton recorded Driftwood’s composition “The Battle of New Orleans.” The following year, it was named Song of the Year at the Grammy Awards. Driftwood wrote more than 6,000 songs, of which more than 300 have been recorded by various artists. He was a key figure in the popularity and preservation of old-time music in Mountain View.

Fleming grew up in Fort Smith. After teaming with Dennis Morgan they wrote mega hits including Barbara Mandrell's "I Was Country (When Country Wasn't Cool)," "Crackers," "Years" and "Sleeping Single in a Double Bed."  Ronnie Milsap scored big with "Smokey Mountain Rain" and "I Wouldn't Have Missed It for the World." Also, Sylvia took "Nobody" to the heights of both country and pop radio. In 1989, Willie Nelson scored with Fleming's "There You Are." She is a three-time recipient of Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI)'s Songwriter of the Year and was inducted into the Nashville Songwriter's Hall of Fame in 2009.

 Teddy and Doyle Wilburn were born in Hardy. For the Wilburn Brothers, their initial stage experience came by performing at any early age with their entire family. As time passed, they became popular as members of the Grand Ole Opry and on television with their own syndicated show. The Wilburn Brothers Show featured weekly guests, giving country music performers valuable exposure in the days of only three networks. Their list of hits include "Trouble's Back in Town," "It's Another World" and "Roll Muddy River." 

Montana was born Ruby Blevins in Beaudry, near Jessieville, just outside of Hot Springs Village. After taking the stage name to better fit her style and image, Montana went on to be an absolute queen in the early days of what was known as Country & Western Music. She was extremely popular on the program The National Barn Dance in Chicago. Her 1935 release of "I Want To Be a Cowboy's Sweetheart" became the first single by a female country recording artist to sell a million copies. She was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1996.  

The 'Man in Black,' Cash was born in Kingsland and grew up in Dyess. His career began with Sun Records in Memphis with a rockabilly beat that was destined to lead to massive success. He went on to be one of country music's biggest stars. His hits include "Folsom Prison Blues," "I Walk the Line," "Ring of Fire" and "Sunday Morning Coming Down."

Delight native Campbell defined excellence as both a recording artist and as a musician. He was a studio guitarist, playing on country hits in both country and pop music. As a country artist, he is known for "Gentle on My Mind," "By the Time I Get to Phoenix," "Wichita Lineman" and "Rhinestone Cowboy." 

Jim Ed, Maxine and Bonnie Brown were from Pine Bluff. The sibling trio set the bar for vocal harmony. Their original recordings on RCA Records remain one of the most sought after by music collectors. Hits like "The Three Bells," "Scarlet Ribbons" and "The Old Lamplighter" are timeless. 

Born in Keiser, Bruce scored on country radio in the 1980s with "My First Taste of Texas" and "You're the Best Break This Old Heart Ever Had." His songs were recorded by other artists including "See The Big Man Cry, recorded by Charlie Louvin; "Mama's Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys", recorded by Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson; and "Texas (When I Die)", recorded by Tanya Tucker. 

Raney was a popular country singer and harmonica player. He grew up on a farm in Cleburne County, and scored a number one hit in 1949 with "Why Don't You Haul Off and Love Me." Raney impacted the music field in a number of ways, recording artist, songwriter, musician, disc jockey, record producer and as an owner of a record label.