Music City News was founded in 1963, by country music singer Faron Young. In 1967, the publication began to confer annual awards; in 1978, it began televising them, with the inclusion of artist performances. These awards were not decided by a secretive, politically motivated committee or by an "association," but by fan nominations. Each installment of the Country Legends Live series highlights performances from particular annual awards shows. Country Legends Live, Vol. 1 offers a "best of" the 1978 and 1979 Music City News Awards Shows. Featured artists in this installment include Mel Tillis, Tom T. Hall, Jim Ed Brown & Helen Cornelius, Archie Campbell, The Kendalls, The Statler Brothers, The Gatlin Brothers, Barbara Mandrell, Moe Bandy & Joe Stampley, Mickey Gilley, Loretta Lynn, Eddie Rabbitt, Conway Twitty, Jerry Clower, and Dave & Sugar.