Ed Benson Quotations

Country Music is thriving on the talent and creativity of an outstanding group of artists and they are well represented with our nominees, ... These talented performers, musicians, songwriters and producers demonstrate the artistic depth and creativity driving the burgeoning growth of our format. It is an exciting time for Country Music and the 2005 CMA Awards will definitely reflect that in November.

Country Music crosses genres and touches people with stories that speak to the heart and performances that touch the human spirit.

Storytelling is at the heart of what we do, ... We both strive to capture and reflect the full range of human emotion, whether it is on a stage or in a song.

Johnny Cash was not only a giant in our business, but he was one of those guys who had grown to become a cultural icon in America. People associated him with values that I think they held near and dear to their hearts.

The audience and our viewers are in for a magical experience when two of the most flamboyant and best-loved entertainers in the world take the stage.

One of our aims was to encourage a country format station in Manhattan. ... Not having a station there makes it difficult in a lot of ways,

The biggest thing that made the difference from last year was the weather system in the middle of the country,

There's very little inane banter in this show. It really, truly focuses on the music.

Alabama brought a new energy and a broader audience to country music in the 1980s, becoming the most successful band in our format's history.

What's extraordinary about all of these artists is the talent and diversity they bring as performers and musical stylists, ... This is destined to be an incredible night of entertainment.