Phil Keaggy

Dove Award-winning singer/songwriter and guitarist extraordinaire Phil Keaggy was honored in front of an invitation-only audience of industry peers when he received the prestigious ASCAP Golden Note Award in recognition of his outstanding career achievements. The ceremony was held May 6 during the 35th Annual Christian Music Awards at the Franklin Theatre in Franklin, Tenn. The event also honored the songwriters and publishers of ASCAP's most-performed Christian songs of the past year.

The portion of the evening honoring Keaggy included an an emotional video montage of the guitarist's 40-plus years as a musician, interspersed with family photos with his wife, Bernadette, with whom he celebrates 40 years of marriage this year. Also their three children, Alicia, Olivia and Ian, who has followed in his father's footsteps as a member of the award-winning pop band Hot Chelle Rae. Bernadette Keaggy and their children were in the audience, along with Phil Keaggy's sister, Geri Bobeck.

Following the video presentation, Keaggy took the stage to perform his classic "Salvation Army Band." In true Keaggy fashion, the guitarist turned in a signature one-man-band performance-creating multiple loops with his Lexicon Jamman and utilizing a dizzying assortment of effects pedals-which brought the industry audience of more than 300 to its feet in a spontaneous standing ovation.

"From now on my nickname for you will be 'soul catcher,' because you catch our souls," said Paul Williams ASCAP's Chairman of the Board and award-winning songwriter, at the conclusion of Keaggy's performance.

"Phil is one of the most admired guitarists in modern history and I am honored to salute him in this honor tonight," Williams said. "Phil, you are a giant."

"The reception at the ASCAP Awards was heartwarming; I am so humbled and honored to be recognized," said Keaggy. "My thanks to the many who have shown so much love and support."

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