Black, Strait Lead List of Country Music Awards

Newcomer Clint Black became the first recording rookie ever to win a “Hat” album of the year, and his tribute to a lost love, “Better Man,” was named record of the year Wednesday night at the 25th annual Academy of Country Music Awards at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood. George Strait was named entertainer of the year.

Black’s nominations for the album “Killin’ Time” and the single “Better Man” were among a record five for a rookie. Black said the award was “one great pat on the head.”

Hank Williams Jr. won a second straight Hat for video of the year for “There’s a Tear in My Beer,” The Judds took the prize for top vocal duet and Kathy Mattea was named top female vocalist.