7 Outrageous Scandals That Rocked Classic Country Music

2. Charlie Rich Sends A Message To John Denver On Live TV

During the 1975 AMA Awards, the defending ‘Entertainer of the Year’, Charlie Rich, sent a literally fiery message to fellow country singer John Denver when he went to announce the winner of that year’s highest honor.

Casually strolling out toward the podium to make the announcement, he blows a kiss to the audience and slurs a few lines of speech before revealing the winner as John Denver, takes out his lighter and sets the ballot card on fire!

Needless to say, the AMA took action and blacklisted Rich from future shows.