| Host: | Mac Davis Barbara Mandrell |
| Date: | October 12, 1981 |
| Most Nominations: | Alabama (5) |
| Network: | CBS |
| Next: | 1982 |
| Previous: | 1980 |
| Main: | CMA |
| Most Wins: | Alabama Barbara Mandrell (2 each) |
| Location: | Grand Ole Opry House, Nashville, Tennessee |
The 1981 Country Music Association Awards, 15th Ceremony, was held on October 12, 1981, at the Grand Ole Opry House, Nashville, Tennessee, and was hosted by CMA Award winners Mac Davis and Barbara Mandrell.[1]
Winners in Bold.[2]
| Entertainer of the Year | Album of the Year | |
|---|---|---|
| Male Vocalist of the Year | Female Vocalist of the Year | |
| ||
| Vocal Group of the Year | Vocal Duo of the Year | |
|
| |
| Single of the Year | Song of the Year | |
| Horizon Award | Instrumentalist of the Year | |
| ||
| Instrumental Group of the Year | ||
| ||