This Sunday, April 19, marks the 50th annual Academy of County Music Awards celebration, so I thought it would be fun to take it back 50 years for today's edition of throwback Thursday.

Yes, your math is correct. 1965 was the year of the first annual Academy of Country Music Awards. This first awards show was not televised, and technically does not even count? The categories of Entertainer, Song, Single, or Album of the year didn't exist, and actual photos from the awards show are nearly impossible to find.

Taking a look back at the 1965 ACM award winners list is truly a blast from the past considering Merle Haggard was the newcomer making all the noise winning the "Most Promising Male Vocalist of the Year" award. Buck Owens won "Male Vocalist of the Year," and the "Female Vocalist of the Year" went to his ex-wife, Bonnie Owens, who actually got married to Merle Haggard in 1965 as well. Small world, huh? See the complete list of 1965 ACM winners and nominees here.

Here's some more fun facts about the first ever ACM awards:

 

 

I can't wait to see the huge celebration for the 50th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards live from AT&T Stadium in Texas on CBS starting at 7 p.m. this Sunday night! Don't forget to place your vote for the 2015 ACM Entertainer and New Artist of the Year now at voteacm.com! You only have a few days left!

 

 

 

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