The Academy of Country Music (ACM) was founded in 1964, was originally called the Country & Western Music Academy and was formed by people who wanted to share their love of country music.
In 1968 the first awards ceremony was held. Buck Owens[?] was named Top Male Vocalist, and Merle Haggard was named Most Promising New Artist. Each year since then there have been award ceremonies.
The most prestigious awards are for Artist of the Decade and Entertainer of the Year. There are a number of other awards to recognise male and female vocalists, albums, videos, songs and musicians. An award is presented in recognition of achievement in the previous year. An award presented in 2001 is for achievement in 2000 ie the 2000 award.