CMA Honors Walter C. Miller

(L-R) co-host of "The 43rd Annual CMA Awards" Brad Paisley; CMA CEO Tammy Genovese; Miller; daughter of Miller, Debbie Miller; CMA Awards Exec. Producer Robert Deaton; Former CMA Awards host and Country Music Hall of Fame member Vince Gill; and Director, CMA Awards and son of Miller, Paul Miller.

The Country Music Association recently presented the Irving Waugh Award of Excellence to longtime and treasured former CMA Awards Executive Producer, Walter C. Miller. He was recognized for his 40-years of working with the CMA Awards, as producer, executive producer, and now consulting producer, on Friday, Nov. 6, at a reception in the Suite Level Lounge in the Sommet Center, attended by industry and CMA Board leaders.

Twelve-time host of the CMA Awards Vince Gill presented the Award, recalling, “Walter and I became fast friends and quickly learned to trust each other.”

“Country Music is my anthem,” said Miller. “After all this time, I’ve become an honorary Nashvillian. This is my second home.”

“For nearly four decades, Walter has contributed immeasurably to the success and popularity of the CMA Awards,” said CMA Chief Executive Officer Tammy Genovese. “His vision and passion for this program and our artists is an inspiration to those fortunate enough to have worked with him.”

Handed out at the CMA board’s discretion, the award has only been given to four other recipients since it was first presented to its namesake Irving Waugh in 1983. Other winners include Frances Preston, Jo Walker-Meador, and Johnny Cash.