Dove Awards of 1971

The GMA Music Awards moved to Nashville, TN in 1971 after two years in Memphis. The GMAMA's first trip around the state capital was declared null and void, except for the GMA Music Hall of Fame, when voting irregularities were found. The Blackwood Brothers had signed up new members for the GMA , and thereby, influenced GMA voting by suggesting these new members who then had voting rights to vote for the Blackwoods in categories they were eligible, or other suggested candidates in categories the Blackwoods were ineligible.Although, technically within the rules, questions of fair play were raised. James Blackwood, leader of the Blackwoods apologized. The rules were then changed so that such a thing would not happen again.

The GMA Music Hall of Fame debuted in 1971, and G.T. "Dad" Speer and"Pappy" Jim Waites were named to the inaugural Hall of Fame class.