Nov. 14, 2008 — Much was made about Rascal Flatts’ victory at Wednesday’s Country Music Association Awards, in which they tied the Statler Brothers’ record with six straight wins as Vocal Group of the Year.
But just as impressive was the band’s overall streak: Including the band’s 2002 Horizon Award, the Flatts have now won a CMA trophy in each of the past seven years. In the process, they became one of only four acts to make an acceptance speech in seven or more straight CMA shows.
Despite its familiarity with the podium, Rascal Flatts continues to enjoy picking up those honors — especially given the strength of the competition.
"It certainly never gets old when you’re in the same category with some of your heroes that you grew up listening to, like the Eagles," bass player Jay DeMarcus said. "You sit there, and you kinda pinch yourself, and you go, ‘Wow, I can’t believe that it’s come to this.’ We just got off the bus, as a matter of fact, talking about how over the years we’ve worked so hard to get to this point, and we literally thank God every time our name is included in that category. It will never get old. We’re just thrilled to be here."
So who else has had a seven-year winning streak in CMA history? Brooks & Dunn, who won eight straight years, from 1992-1999; the Judds, eight years, 1984-1991; and Vince Gill, seven years, 1990-1996.