The Academy of Country Music (ACM) was founded in 1964 in Los Angeles, California as the Country & Western Music Academy. Whereas the Country Music Association founded in 1958 was based in Nashville, the Academy sought to promote country music in the western states. Among those involved in the founding was West Coast singer, songwriter, and actor Eddie Dean. As such, its early membership was largely composed of those country performers based in the west. This is evidenced by the early awards shows being dominated by Bakersfield artists Buck and Bonnie Owens, and Merle Haggard. At the first ceremony held in 1965, Buck Owens won for Top Male Vocalist and Bonnie Owens won for Top Female Vocalist. Haggard was named Top New Male Vocalist, Kaye Adams was named Top New Female Vocalist and Buck Owens's band, The Buckaroos, were named Band Of The Year.

The most prestigious awards are for Artist of the Decade and Entertainer of the Year. There are a number of other awards to recognize male and female vocalists, albums, videos, songs and musicians. The awards are typically presented in May and recognize achievement for the previous year. An award presented in 1999 is for achievement in 1998, i.e., the "1998" award.

2008 (presented 2009)