Welcome
In March of 1997, a small group of people who loved country music sat around a table and asked a simple question: where do the independent artists go? Nashville had its machine. The big labels had their pipeline. But what about the singer who could bring a room to its feet on a Saturday night, the gospel quartet, the bluegrass picker who never got a shot at a stage bigger than the county fair?
NACMAI was the answer. Today we are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with state and international chapters across the United States and Canada, all sending their finest talent to the annual Country Music Week in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee — a week of showcases, competitions, and educational seminars that concludes with the Hall of Fame Show and the NACMAI Awards.
Embrace Your Passion
Compete across New Country, Traditional Country, Bluegrass, Traditional Gospel, and New Gospel — ages 3 to 103 and beyond. Sign up for our next competition and show the world who you are.
Live Life in Song
NACMAI is built from state and provincial chapters, each led by people who love this music as much as you do. Find the chapter near you and join the family.
Be Inspired
Our artists and performers have gone on to national television, major stages, and professional careers — and over 130 music professionals have been inducted into the NACMAI Hall of Fame.
The NACMAI Hall of Fame
Since 1998, NACMAI has honored the artists, musicians, songwriters, and industry professionals who kept country country — from Patsy Cline and Hank “Sugar Foot” Garland in our inaugural class to Legend Award recipients like Randy Travis and Mel Tillis, and our newest 2026 inductees.
Our Mission
To promote the development of the Country, Bluegrass, and Gospel Music industry in each state and country through an international association — promoting, encouraging, and educating independent artists and fans, and bringing together the various state and international country music associations in an organized method.
“Keeping country country.”
That wasn't just a slogan. It was a promise — and every artist who has walked across our stage keeps that promise alive.
— Peggy Franck, Founder