• ABOUT
    • Contact
    • The Team
    • FAQ
    • Use & Privacy Policy
  • ADVERTISE
  • ROWFAX
  • JOB LISTINGS
MusicRow.com
  • CALENDARS
    • Album/EP Releases
    • Single/Track Releases
    • Industry Events
    • Upcoming Concerts
  • OBITS
  • CHARTS
    • Radio Chart (Current)
    • Radio Chart (Archives)
    • No. 1 Challenge Coin
    • Songwriter Chart (Current)
    • Songwriter Chart (Archives)
  • REVIEWS
  • MY STORY
  • NEWSLETTER
    • Newsletter (Current)
    • Newsletter (Archives)
    • SIGN UP (FREE!)
  • SUBSCRIBE
  • STORE
  • Click to open the search input field Click to open the search input field Search
  • Menu Menu

CMA Honors Robert Deaton With Chairman’s Award

December 4, 2020/by Jessica Nicholson

Robert Deaton,

Robert Deaton, the Executive Producer behind the Country Music Association’s CMA Awards, CMA Fest and CMA Country Christmas—was presented with the CMA Chairman’s Award Wednesday, Dec. 2 during the organization’s final Board meeting of 2020, conducted virtually via Zoom.

“I’m amazed year after year at what comes out of that screen,” said Kurt Johnson, CMA Chairman of the Board and Townsquare Media President of Local Programming. “The Awards, Fest and CMA Country Christmas—these are the anchors of the year for country music lovers. Thanks to you and your brilliant vision and your tireless tenacity, they remain the gold standard. ”

“This is the joy of my life,” said Deaton. “I love working with you all. I love the artists in that same sensibility Walter [Miller] had. It’s not just about work, it’s about taking care of each other. I am so honored. This is amazing and has made my year. I appreciate it so much.”

This honor is not an annual award, but instead given when the incumbent Chairman feels an individual or individuals, through outstanding service to CMA, merits the recognition. Additionally, in recognition of their service to the CMA Board of Directors, CMA Chief Executive Officer Sarah Trahern presented mementos to outgoing CMA Chairman Johnson and current President, incoming 2021 CMA Chairman and Senior Artist Manager at Red Light Management, Mary Hilliard Harrington.

Kurt Johnson, CMA Board Chairman, receives the crystal gavel in recognition of his service to the CMA Board of Directors Wednesday, Dec. 2 during CMA’s final Board meeting of 2020.

Mary Hilliard Harrington, CMA Board President and incoming 2021 CMA Board Chairman, receives the crystal globe in recognition of her service to the CMA Board of Directors Wednesday, Dec. 2 during CMA’s final Board meeting of 2020.

  • Author
  • Recent Posts
Jessica Nicholson
Jessica Nicholson
Jessica Nicholson serves as the Managing Editor for MusicRow magazine. Her previous music journalism experience includes work with Country Weekly magazine and Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) magazine. She holds a BBA degree in Music Business and Marketing from Belmont University. She welcomes your feedback at jnicholson@musicrow.com.
Jessica Nicholson
Latest posts by Jessica Nicholson (see all)
  • CMA Honors Robert Deaton With Chairman’s Award - December 4, 2020
  • Nashville Symphony, Nashville Musicians Association Reach Agreement - December 4, 2020
  • Zach Williams’ “Chain Breaker” Is Most-Added On ‘MusicRow’ CountryBreakout Radio Chart - December 4, 2020
Share this entry
  • Share on Facebook
  • Share on X
  • Share on LinkedIn
  • Share by Mail
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/07035901/robert-deaton-headshot_credit-jessica-lewis-scaled.jpg 2229 2560 Jessica Nicholson https://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.png Jessica Nicholson2020-12-04 15:41:232021-01-01 13:55:28CMA Honors Robert Deaton With Chairman’s Award

RECENT NEWS

  • MusicRow Weekly (InCharge, News, Charts, More…) May 1, 2026
  • Industry Ink: Willie Nelson, ERNEST, Chris Janson, Horses For Mental Health, TALK May 1, 2026
  • Ryman To Host Annual Community Day, Celebrates 134th Birthday This May May 1, 2026
  • Keith Urban Previews New Album During Pop-Up Show In Nashville May 1, 2026
  • Graham Barham Readies Debut Album For June May 1, 2026
  • The Marcus King Band Releases ‘Darling Blue / No Room For Blue’ May 1, 2026
  • Blake Whiten Unveils Debut Album Due In July May 1, 2026
  • Blake Shelton, Thomas Rhett, More Join Lineup For Upcoming ACM Awards May 1, 2026
  • Mark Your Calendar—May 2026 May 1, 2026
  • Riser House Adds Leighanna Martin As Manager, A&R + Publishing May 1, 2026

Like Us on Facebook

Follow Us on Twitter

Tweets by MusicRow
© 2026 Music Row Enterprises, LLC - Enfold WordPress Theme by Kriesi
Website hosted by Nashville web design company, All My Web Needs.
  • Link to Facebook
  • Link to X
  • Link to Instagram
Scroll to top