George Strait’s Missing – Two Legends Nominated for 2011 CMA Awards

As I look over the list of the 2011 CMA award nominees, I notice that George Strait's name is missing from the list. Ever since I started in Country Radio, in 1986, his name has appeared every year as a nominee in some category.

George Strait grabbed his first CMA award in 1985 for male vocalist of the year, and he's the only artist from the '80s, other than Reba McEntire to continuously appear as a nominee over the past few years. It's only natural that with more and more new artists every year, the 'established' acts will have to step back and give the next generation their turn.

While we are missing George Strait and Reba McEntire from the list of CMA nominees, we are very happy to see two legends appear in the Musical Event of the Year Category.

First, Brad Paisley has helped reunite Alabama, the 1981 CMA Group of the Year, for a collaboration honoring their biggest hits, 'Old Alabama.' The song is also up for Music Video of the Year.

Then, we find 75 year old Loretta Lynn, the first CMA Female Vocalist of the year from 1967, up for Musical Event of the Year for her new version of 'Coal Miner's Daughter' with Sheryl Crow and Miranda Lambert.

Congratulations to this year's legends who were lucky to be recognized for their current work. The 2011 CMA Awards happen on Wednesday, Nov. 9 on ABC.

Click here for a complete list of the 2011 CMA Award Nominees

Watch Loretta Lynn, Sheryl Crow and Miranda Lambert