Ernest Tubb
(1914-1984)

Mar: The CMA announces the establishment of the Walkway of Stars, which will recognize country music artists who pledge at least $1,000 to the new museum by emblazoning their names in the entranceway tiles of the museum.

Jun: The CMA announces an innovative fundraising tool: a various artists album to be sold via TV and radio only. Titled Famous Original Hits by 25 Great Country Music Artists, the record is released in September and is priced at $2. Artists, record labels, songwriters, and publishers waive their royalties for the fundraising effort. A second album is released in 1966.

Dec: The CMA signs the contract with the W. B. Cambron Co. of Nashville for the construction of the Country Music Hall of Fame building. Exhibits are to be designed by Jenter Exhibits Co. of Mount Vernon, N.Y.

Country Music News from 1965

1965--Jukebox Artist of the Year
          1965--Grammy\Best Country Song\King of the Road
          1965--Grammy\Best Country Vocal Performance, Male\King of the Road
          1965--Grammy\Best Country and Western Recording, Single\King of the Road
          1965--Grammy\Best Contemporary Vocal Performance, Male\King of the Road
          1965--Grammy\Best Contemporary (Rock 'N Roll), Single\King of the Road
          1965--Grammy\Best Country and Western Album\The Return of Roger Miller
          1965--Academy of Country and Western Music\Songwriter of the Year
          1965--Academy of Country and Western Music\Man of the Year 

Merle Haggard is named the ACM's 1st top new male vocalist

The March 1965 issue of Music City News carried a paid ad from Buck. In his "Pledge To Country Music," he stated:

I Shall Sing No Song That Is Not A Country Song.

I Shall Make No Record That Is Not A Country Record.

I Refuse To be Known As Anything But A Country Singer.

I Am Proud To be Associated With Country Music.

Country Music And Country Music Fans Made Me What I Am Today.

And I Shall Not Forget It.