The Country Music Association came together throughout Nashville last week to celebrate some of the genre’s most dedicated and passionate contributors past and present, with special honors presented during its Board of Directors meeting and during a special moment of remembrance at the Grand Ole Opry.
At the CMA Board dinner on Thursday, Dec. 4, Tony Conway (President, Conway Entertainment Group, Ontourage Management) received the 2025 J. William Denny Award, presented by CMA Board Chairman Jennie Smythe (Founder and CEO, Girlilla Marketing). The award is presented in recognition and appreciation of a lifetime of dedication, distinguished service, and meritorious contributions to the CMA Board of Directors.
Serving on the CMA Board from 1984-2021, including as Chairman in 1996, Conway has been a transformative and dedicated force throughout his tenure. Acting as Executive Producer of the CMA Music Festival for 11 years, Conway led its landmark move to downtown Nashville, a shift that significantly strengthened both CMA and the city. He also led the charge in the redesign and transformation of Fan Fair to the CMA Music Festival in 2001, earning him CMA’s President’s Award. He was also awarded the CMA Touring Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019, underscoring his lasting impact on the Country Music touring community.
In addition, Dr. Chayim Newman (Co-Founder, Amber Health) was also presented with the CMA Chairman’s Award by Smythe. Awarded only at the discretion of the sitting Chairman, this recognition is reserved for individuals whose exceptional service to CMA merits recognition.
Dr. Newman is a clinical psychologist and longtime music industry insider who has become a go-to resource for mental health in Country Music. As co-founder of Amber Health and the Tour Health Research Initiative (THRIV), he continues to provide practical tools, guidance, and unwavering support to artists, touring professionals, and the broader industry. Beyond his clinical work, he actively mentors and advocates for the well-being of music professionals, showing up in meaningful ways across the Country Music community.
The following evening, Dec. 5, at the Grand Ole Opry, Jim Owens was honored posthumously with the Joe Talbot Award. Sarah Trahern (CMA Chief Executive Officer) presented the award to his widow, Lorianne Crook, during the Opry celebration. This award is presented in recognition of outstanding leadership and contributions to the preservation and advancement of Country Music’s values and tradition. The award may be presented to a person in recognition of an initiative or long-term contribution deemed by the CMA Board of Directors to qualify for this award.
Owens was a pioneering producer of Country Music television and radio, creating some of the genre’s most influential programs, from iconic specials and fan-voted award shows to the legendary Crook & Chase broadcast team. Known as “Gentleman Jim,” he built a historic library of thousands of hours of programs and photographs that continues to preserve, showcase and connect generations of Country Music artists and fans worldwide. His work has supported countless artists, songwriters, and production teams while contributing to major productions, museums, and documentaries that celebrate the genre’s legacy.
“This past week, we celebrated individuals whose leadership and dedication have shaped the heart of Country Music,” said Trahern. “Tony, Chayim, and Jim have each preserved our legacy, supported countless artists, and inspired future generations in ways that will continue to echo for years to come. Honoring their contributions is not only a recognition of their work, but a celebration of the spirit that continues to drive our genre forward.”
