ACM Honors Pay Tribute To Industry Greats

Sony Executive VP Butch Waugh; Columbia artist Miranda Lambert; Patty Loveless; and Sony Nashville Chairman Joe Galante. Photo: Rick Diamond

“It’s a lump in the throat to be here this evening, thanks,” said Poet’s Award recipient Merle Haggard, neatly summing up the evening. The 2nd Annual ACM Honors event, hosted by Lee Ann Womack, was held 9/22 at Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center in order to recognize winners from the 44th Annual ACM Awards.

A large number of artists performed in tribute to the evening’s winners. One of the many highlights was Carrie Underwood singing “I Told You So,” to honor Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award winner Randy Travis. Other artist/performers included Vince Gill, The Grascals, Jamey Johnson, Miranda Lambert, Jim Lauderdale, Patty Loveless, Brent Mason, James Otto, Kellie Pickler, John Rich, Blake Shelton, Steve Wariner and host Womack.

Read on for a full list of winners:

Kenny Rogers celebrates after receiving the Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award. (L-R) Dreamcatcher’s Jason Henke, Webster PR’s Kirt Webster, Dreamcatcher’s Bob Burwell, Kenny Rogers, Capitol Records Mike Dungan, Dreamcatcher’s Jim Mazza, lawyer Bruce Phillips, and Dreamcatcher’s Kelly Junkerman.

Jim Reeves International Award: Dolly Parton
Presented to an individual for outstanding contributions to the acceptance of country music throughout the world.

Poet’s Award: Merle Haggard and Harlan Howard
Honors songwriters for outstanding musical and/or lyrical contributions throughout their careers in the field of country music.

Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award: Jerry Reed, Kenny Rogers, Randy Travis, and Hank Williams Jr.
Honoring individuals who are pioneers in the country music genre.

Tex Ritter Award: Beer For My Horses
Given to a movie released and/or receiving major exposure during the preceding calendar year, featuring or utilizing country music.

Mae Boren Axton Award: David Young
Given in recognition of years of dedication and service by an outstanding individual to the Academy of Country Music.

Musician/Bandleader/Instrumentalist Awards
Chuck Ainlay – Audio Engineer of the Year
Tony Brown – Producer of the Year
Tom Bukovac – Top Guitarist of the Year
Eric Darken (Tied) – Top Specialty Instrument(s) Player of the Year
Dan Dugmore – Top Steel Guitar Player of the Year
Aubrey Haynie – Top Fiddle Player of the Year
Jelly Roll Johnson (Tied) – Top Specialty Instrument(s) Player of the Year
Greg Morrow – Top Percussionist/Drummer of the Year
Gordon Mote – Top Piano/Keyboard Player of the Year
Glenn Worf – Top Bass Player of the Year

Industry Awards
Fran Romeo, Romeo Entertainment – Don Romeo Talent Buyer of the Year
Louis Messina, The Messina Group – Promoter of the Year
Joe’s Bar (Chicago, IL) – Nightclub of the Year
The Ryman Auditorium (Nashville, TN) – Venue of the Year
Turning Stone Casino (Verona, NY) – Casino of the Year