ACM Honors Announce Special Award Winners

ACM Honors

The ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC (ACM) announced winners of the ACM AWARDS in the Special Awards categories TODAY (5/30). These winners will be celebrated alongside winners of the ACM Industry Awards and Studio Recording Awards during the "11TH ANNUAL ACM HONORS" at the RYMAN AUDITORIUM in NASHVILLE set for WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 23rd (NET NEWS 5/16).

The CLIFFIE STONE Icon Award will be presented to MCA NASHVILLE artist GEORGE STRAIT. Formerly known as the CLIFFIE STONE Pioneer Award, the honor is given to individuals, duos, groups, or industry leaders who, throughout their career, have advanced the popularity of the genre through their contributions in multiple facets of the industry such as songwriting, recording, production, touring, film, television, literary works, philanthropic contributions, and other goodwill efforts.

The GARY HABER Lifting Lives Award will be bestowed upon DOLLY PARTON. Presented to a recipient devoted to improving the lives of others through the power of music, generosity of spirit, and a commitment to serving others, this award is voted on by the ACM LIFTING LIVES Board Of Directors. 

The GENE WEED MILESTONE AWARD will be given to BLACK RIVER ENTERTAINMENT artist KELSEA BALLERINI. Formerly given as two awards in the Crystal Milestone Award and GENE WEED Special Achievement Award, this newly combined award will honor a specific, unprecedented, or outstanding achievement in the field of Country music during the preceding calendar year. 

The MAE BOREN AXTON Service Award will be presented to both nationally syndicated "BOB KINGSLEY'S COUNTRY TOP 40" host BOB KINGSLEY and NASH ICON RECORDS artist REBA MCENTIRE. Previously named the MAE BOREN AXTON Award, the newly-delegated award is presented in recognition of years of dedication and service to the ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC (ACM). 

The MERLE HAGGARD Spirit Award will be bestowed upon EMI NASHVILLE artist ERIC CHURCH. In its second year, the MERLE HAGGARD Spirit Award honors those who continue the legacy of Country legend and 20-time ACM AWARD winner MERLE HAGGARD by following his or her own path, crafting great songs, and epitomizing HAGGARD's spirit through genuine performances and great storytelling. 

The Poet's Award will be given to SHOW DOG-UNIVERSAL artist TOBY KEITH, Country icon WILLIE NELSON, and the late poet SHEL SILVERSTEIN. Presented to a Country music songwriter for outstanding and longstanding musical and/or lyrical contributions throughout their career, the award is also given with special consideration to a song or songs' impact on the culture of Country music. 

The TEX RITTER Film Award will be given to the CMT-TV scripted drama, "NASHVILLE." The Award recognizes an outstanding television movie, series, or feature film released during the preceding calendar year which prominently features Country music. 

The Songwriter Of The Year Award will be presented to previously-announced winner LORI MCKENNA, who becomes the first woman to win this category. The Award honors an individual known predominately as a songwriter and is selected by a professional panel of judges comprised of songwriters, publishers, producers, and performing rights organization representatives.

« see more Net News