1987 was a great year in country music

The legendary Kenny Rogers took to the stage in October of 1987....not to sing, but to host.

It was the Country Music Association Awards night and the stars gathered to honor the best of the best of that year.

The nominees were all there and looking back now, all these many years later, it looks like a 'who's who' of the greatest artists in the history of country music.

Reba. Strait. Jones. Emmylou. Dolly. And so many more. But one name in particular stood out that night, one name was called out more than any other.

Randy Travis.

In many ways, 1987 could well be called the year of Travis. Let's see here, how'd he do?

Single of the year? 'Forever and Ever, Amen'.

Song of the year, the award that goes to the writer(s)? Yep, 'Forever and Ever, Amen' (written by the legendary songwriters Paul Overstreet and Don Schlitz).

Album of the year? Well, of course Travis' 'Always and Forever'.

Male vocalist? Do you really have to ask?

There were other winners that night of course. Reba took home 'Female Vocalist of the Year', while the group award went to the Judds and duo of the year to Ricky Skaggs and Sharon White (interestingly, they have a new album and single out right now...staying power!).

The most coveted award each year is, of course, 'Entertainer of the Year'. And while the Judds, George Strait, Reba and, yes, Randy Travis were all worthy nominees, it was none other than Hank Williams Jr. that walked away with the award.

Oh...and Hank also took the 'Music Video of the Year' award home with 'My name Is Bocephus'.

1987....one great year in country music.