JOHNNY CASH - CASH WINS BIG AT CMAS

The late JOHNNY CASH was remembered in style at last night's (05NOV03) COUNTRY MUSIC ASSOCIATION AWARDS in Nashville, Tennessee, where he picked up three honours and was remembered with a touching multi-artist tribute.

Cash, who died in September (03), tied ALAN JACKSON for the evening's top honours - the first time the MAN IN BLACK had been awarded a CMA since 1969.

Cash claimed the Album of The Year prize for AMERICAN IV: THE MAN COMES AROUND, and Best Single and Best Music Video honours for his emotive cover of NINE INCH NAILS' HURT.

During the evening's ceremony, WILLIE NELSON, KRIS KRISTOFFERSON, SHERYL CROW and TRAVIS TRITT led a musical tribute to Cash.

Meanwhile, DRIVE singer Jackson was crowned Entertainer of The Year, and he also took home the award in the Male Vocalist of The Year category. Jackson also picked up the Event of The Year prize for his hit duet with JIMMY BUFFETT, IT'S 5 O'CLOCK SOMEWHERE.

The biggest surprise of the night was TOBY KEITH's award shutout - the singer was nominated for seven honours, but came away with nothing.

The full list of CMA Awards winners were:

Entertainer of the Year - ALAN JACKSON

Horizon Award - JOE NICHOLS

Female Vocalist of the Year - MARTINA McBRIDE

Vocal Group of the Year - RASCAL FLATTS

Male Vocalist of the Year - ALAN JACKSON

Album of the Year - AMERICAN IV: THE MAN COMES AROUND by JOHNNY CASH

Song of the Year - THREE WOODEN CROSSES by RANDY TRAVIS

Single of the Year - Hurt by JOHNNY CASH

Vocal Event of the Year - ALAN JACKSON + JIMMY BUFFETT

Music Video of the Year - HURT by JOHNNY CASH

Vocal Duo of the Year - BROOKS + DUNN

Musician of the Year - RANDY SCRUGGS

Country Music Hall of Fame Inductees - FLOYD CRAMER + CARL SMITH