POP/ROCK - March 5, 1991

A Little Bit Country: Newcomer Garth Brooks, with his hit single “Friends in Low Places,” led Academy of Country Music Award contenders Monday with seven nominations, including top entertainer, record, album, song and video. Perennial country favorites Alabama and Vince Gill had five nominations each, followed by Alan Jackson, another new face, with four and veteran Reba McEntire with three. The 26th annual presentation of the academy’s “Hat” trophies, hosted by Clint Black, Kathy Mattea and George Strait, will be shown on NBC during a two-hour special April 24 from the Universal Amphitheatre.