Country Honors Alison Krauss And Alan Jackson, With Roots Deep In Country, Nab Top Music Awards

Has country music strayed too far toward mindless flash and phony video cowboys? Apparently so, according to the Country Music Association, which gave its top honors Wednesday night to Alison Krauss and Alan Jackson.

Both artists symbolize roots and tradition rather than the contrived crossover music that has turned Nashville into an assembly line in recent years.

Krauss - a singer and bluegrass fiddler - swept all four awards for which she was nominated, echoing the way Bonnie Raitt ruled the Grammys a few years ago. Krauss won for female vocalist, single of the year (“When You Say Nothing at All”), vocal event of the year (her duet with Shenandoah on “Somewhere in the Vicinity of the Heart”) and the Horizon award.

Jackson, a honky-tonk singer in the tradition of Merle Haggard and George Jones, won the prestigious entertainer of the year award. But it was Krauss who won the crowd’s heart during three-hour ceremonies broadcast from Nashville by CBS. Her naivete in front of a national audience was touching.

“Now I know I’ll never be able to keep my dinner down,” she said after winning single of the year. “I feel really weird, guys,” she said after grabbing the Horizon award, topping the much flashier Faith Hill and Shania Twain. “What’s going on here, folks,” she said in shock after winning the female vocalist prize, beating out the heavily favored but increasingly pop-oriented Reba McEntire.

Although Krauss was twice rudely rushed to end her victory speeches by cued background music, she did manage to praise a Who’s Who of traditional artists such as George Jones, Tammy Wynette, the Cox Family and Ricky Skaggs. She also profusely thanked Rounder Records “for signing people when they have no idea if they’re going to do well or not.” It was the first time an independent record label had ever figured in four awards, especially since it was up against major labels with much larger voting blocs.

Another roots-minded act, Patty Loveless, won album of the year for “When Fallen Angels Fly.” Said Loveless: “Oh my goodness, I did not expect this.”

And the Mavericks, a hip new band with a profound love of country tradition, won vocal group of the year, beating out commercial, fashion-conscious acts BlackHawk and Diamond Rio. “I’m as stunned as you are,” said Mavericks singer Raul Malo.

Emcee Vince Gill again handled the show with his uniquely nerdy aplomb - and won top male vocalist. He also starred in a performance of the gospel song “Go Rest High on that Mountain” with Loveless and Skaggs. It was one of 21 songs in the show (compared to just 12 awards), as the CMA wisely put the focus on music rather than industry self-congratulation.

In another fine moment, Roger Miller (“King of the Road”) was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame by Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson.

MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: Country Music winners: Entertainer of the year: Alan Jackson Female vocalist: Alison Krauss Male vocalist: Vince Gill Horizon award: Alison Krauss Vocal Group: the Mavericks Vocal Duo: Brooks & Dunn Single: “When You Say Nothing at All,” Alison Krauss & Union Station Album: “When Fallen Angels Fly,” Patty Loveless Song (songwriter award): “Independence Day,” Gretchen Peters Vocal event: Shenandoah with Alison Krauss, “Somewhere in the Vicinity of the Heart” Musician: Mark O’Connor Music video: “Baby Likes to Rock It,” the Tractors