Description: The Academy of Country Music (ACM) was founded in 1964
in Los Angeles, California as the Country & Western Music Academy.
Whereas the Country Music Association founded in 1958 was based in
Nashville, the Academy sought to promote country music in the western
states. As such, its early membership was largely composed of those
country performers based in the west. This is evidenced by the early
awards shows being dominated by Bakersfield artists Buck and Bonnie
Owens and Merle Haggard. At the first ceremony held in 1966, Buck
Owens won for Top Male Vocalist and Bonnie Owens won for Top Female
Vocalist. Haggard was named Top New Male Vocalist and Kaye Adams was
named Top New Female Vocalist.