Danny Davis performing at "The 11th Annual CMA Awards" on Oct. 10, 1977, at the Grand Ole Opry House, live telecast on the CBS Television Network.

Mac Davis on stage at "The 11th Annual CMA Awards" on Oct. 10, 1977, at the Grand Ole Opry House, live telecast on the CBS Television Network.

Charlie Rich created a stir when he announced John Denver as the winner of Entertainer of the Year award, then burned the card with Denver's name on it at "The 11th Annual CMA Awards" on Oct. 10, 1977, at the Grand Ole Opry House, live telecast on the CBS Television Network. There was some resentment within the Country community over the success of crossover artist like Denver. Or maybe Rich was just literally passing the torch; he had won the same honor the previous year.

Mel Tillis and Janie Fricke, presenters at "The 11th Annual CMA Awards" on Oct. 10, 1977, at the Grand Ole Opry House, live telecast on the CBS Television Network.

Ronnie Milsap is all smiles as he accepts the entertainer of the Year Award at "The 11th Annual CMA Awards" on Oct. 10, 1977, at the Grand Ole Opry House, live telecast on the CBS Television Network. Other nominees for Entertainer of the Year were Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings, Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers. He also received Male Vocalist and Album of the Year, other nominees were Waylon Jennings, Larry Gatlin & the Gatlin Brothers, Kenny Rogers and Don Williams.