ACM Awards Collaborations To Honor ’90s Country Hits

Sunday night’s 53rd Academy of Country Music Awards show will feature plenty of superstar collaborations and must-see performances, and for the first time, the ACMs will also debut “ACM Flashbacks” to honor classic country hits and/or the artists whose music continues to influence musicians and fans alike.

With this new feature, the ACM Awards will celebrate hits from a specific year or honor an individual artist and their accomplishments through unique collaborations and one-of-a-kind renditions of their iconic songs. This year, the awards will honor three of country’s hits from 1993 with Toby Keith and Blake Shelton performing Keith’s celebrated No. 1 debut single “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” Alan Jackson and Jon Pardi performing Jackson’s ACM Award-winning hit “Chattahoochee,” and Reba McEntire and Kelly Clarkson performing Reba’s Grammy award-winning hit “Does He Love You.”

Other star-studded collaborations include Kane Brown and Lauren Alaina performing the multi-platinum, No. 1 hit “What Ifs,” Keith Urban and Julia Michaels performing Urban’s new single “Coming Home,” and Bebe Rexha with Florida Georgia Line performing on the chart-topping smash hit “Meant to Be.”

Dan + Shay, Darius Rucker and Chris Young will also join the show’s lineup of previously announced solo performances by Lauren Alaina, Jason Aldean, Kelsea Ballerini,Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert,Little Big Town, Midland, Maren Morris, Thomas Rhett, Blake Shelton, Carrie Underwood and Brett Young. Previously announced presenters include David Boreanaz, Drew Brees, AJ Buckley, Cam, Sam Elliot, Eve, Ashton Kutcher, Dustin Lynch, Nancy O’Dell, Rebecca Romijn, Max Thieriot and Lindsey Vonn.

 The 53rd ACM Awards, hosted by Reba McEntire, will broadcast live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday night (April 15) at 8 p.m. ET on CBS Television.

BREAKING NEWS: Nominees Announced For 2018 Innovation In Music Awards

Nominees have been announced for the 2018 Innovation in Music Awards (IMA), which recognize music industry professionals and companies who are innovating and distinguishing themselves in music creation, music discovery and developing innovative strategies in music marketing.

The second annual ceremony will be held June 3 at the Westin Hotel in Nashville and will be hosted by Bill Werde, Director of the Bandier Music Industry Program in the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University.

Nominees and executives will gather in Las Vegas this Saturday evening, April 14, at the IMA nominee reception at the MGM Grand. Sponsored by Tito’s Vodka and the C-Grams charity app, the event will celebrate the 32 artists, producers, executives, broadcasters, and programmers up for awards.

SiriusXM Senior Vice President of Programming Steve Blatter is joined by Red Light Management founder and CEO Coran Capshaw and UMG Nashville Chairman and CEO Mike Dungan as the nominees for Innovator of the Year. Winners of this award, along with five others, will be announced prior to the awards.

“Challenges in the music industry call for creative strategies and risk taking at the highest levels to be successful and shape the future of the business,” said Pete O’Heeron, Chairman of the Innovation in Music Awards. “These nominees represent that progressive mindset.”

A committee of music professionals determines the honorees. The categories include:

1) INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR
For the music professional who has demonstrated an overall commitment to new music, new music discovery and innovative programs to break new artists.

Nominees
Steve Blatter, SiriusXM
Coran Capshaw, Red Light Management
Mike Dungan, Universal Music Group Nashville

2) IMPACT in INNOVATION AWARD
For a music professional who has committed an entire career to innovative initiatives and music creation, advocacy and discovery.

To be announced at a later date.

3) INNOVATION in MUSIC, EXECUTIVE
For the executive who has shown exemplary fortitude and/or marketing savvy in bringing a new artist or artists to the market and has demonstrated unique ideas and/or programs which pioneer new music and empower the creators.

Nominees
Tatum Allsep, Music Health Alliance
Cindy Mabe, Universal Music Group Nashville
Shane Tarleton, Warner Music Nashville
Sally Williams, Opry Entertainment Group
John Zarling, Sony Music Nashville

4) INNOVATION in MUSIC, BROADCAST
An on-air individual or off-air programmer who provides a diligent voice for new and innovative music.

Nominees
Buzz Brainard, SiriusXM’s Music Row Happy Hour
Monica Escobedo, Good Morning America
Julie Gurovitsch, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon
Chris Thile, Live From Here

5) INNOVATION in MUSIC, RADIO PROGRAMMING
Airplay equations help the committee decide the programmer/radio station showing the strongest diligence in exposing new and ultimately successful music.

Nominees
Johnny Chiang, KKBQ/Houston
Nate Deaton, KRTY/San Jose
Shelly Easton, WXTU/Philadelphia
Lance Houston, WEBG/Chicago
Rod Phillips, iHeart Country

6) INNOVATION in MUSIC, CREATIVE/ARTIST
Individual who best displays a unique and successful creative initiative. Their music will depart from the norm and attract new fans.

Nominees
Dan Auerbach, Artist/Producer
Kenny Chesney, Artist/Producer
Dave Cobb, Producer
Midland, Artist
Kacey Musgraves, Artist

7) INNOVATION in MUSIC, DIGITAL MEDIA/MARKETING
Individual or team that best utilizes technology innovatively in programming, marketing or selling music.

Nominees
Jay Frank, Universal Music Group
John Marks, Spotify
Jennie Smythe, Girlilla Marketing

8) INNOVATION in MUSIC, LIVE PERFORMANCE
For the concert promoter, artist booker, venue, artist or touring entity who has distinguished themselves for profound innovation in the concert experience.

Nominees
Amy Howe, Ticketmaster
Louis Messina, AEG
Ed Warm, Joe’s on Weed Street & Smokeout Fest, Chicago

The Second Annual Innovation In Music Awards features award presentations, musical performances and moments honoring the nominees. For information, visit www.innovationinmusic.net.

Industry Ink: Edison Research, Vintage TV, SSM Music

Edison Research Adds Ivey

Laura Ivey

Longtime radio research executive Laura Ivey has joined Edison Research, where she will be directing various aspects of Edison’s growing practice in audio and social media. She will also take a role in Edison’s election research.

Ivey, who has had a variety of roles at Arbitron and Nielsen dating back to 1996, most recently was Account Director for the Southeast region for Nielsen’s radio ratings. Says Ivey, “Social science of the kind Edison produces is a particular passion of mine. I’m really excited to join the team there and help Edison’s efforts to serve its clients with quality data and analysis.”

 

British Music TV Producer/Broadcaster Vintage TV Comes To Nashville

British music television producer and broadcaster Vintage TV has expanded its production base to Nashville, Tennessee, and has already begun to film U.S.-based musicians in the city. With original shows that include “Needle Time,” “Live With…,” “My Vintage” and “The Friday Night Rock Show,” Vintage TV is the U.K.’s most prolific original music content producer.

Producing 25-30 hours of new music television shows per month, Vintage TV has become one of the largest music TV providers. Attracting a monthly following of more than 10 million viewers in the U.K. alone, Vintage TV has established itself as the music-lover’s TV channel of choice – a destination for music content highlighting established and emerging artists from around the globe.

“Vintage TV has been a long-time partner for our overseas label colleagues and we are thrilled to have them in the U.S. market,” said Brad Turcotte, VP of Marketing for Universal Music Group. “They have a very keen eye on top-tier production value and quality of content, and they are passionate about country music.  We’re delighted to welcome their type of passion into our fold.”

The organization plans to create regular content featuring U.S.-based musicians of all genres.

Vintage TV’s first U.S.-produced content spotlights Grammy-winning talent and emerging artists including Brothers Osborne, Southern Halo and Frontmen of Country. Vintage TV currently broadcasts in the U.K., Canada and China with plans to enter the US, Latin American and Korean markets by end of year.

 

SSM Entertainment Signs Debbie Anthony

Pictured (L-R): Label President Patti Olsen-Garafola, Debbie Anthony and Label CEO Dean Scallan

Debbie Anthony has signed with SSM Entertainment, located on Music Row. She joins a growing roster of artists at SSM Entertainment/SSM Nashville Records including; Branch and Dean, Alexandra Demetree, AC Jones, Wes Hayden and Ashley Barron.

 

 

 

 

AIMP Discusses A&R During Nashville Panel

From left: Brad Peterson (Regions Bank); Chris Van Belkom (Combustion Music); John Ozier (AIMP Nashville Executive Director, ole); Tim Hunze (Parallel Music); Cris Lacy (SVP, A&R at Warner Music Nashville); Stephanie Wright (VP, A&R at Universal Music Group Nashville); Taylor Lindsey (VP, A&R at Sony Music Nashville); Ree Guyer (Wrensong), Dale Bobo (Big Deal Music), Michael Martin (ASCAP), and John Barker (ClearBox Rights).

The Association of Independent Music Publishers Nashville welcomed a trio of top A&R execs for a discussion on the strategies and challenges in the current artist development landscape and today’s A&R process.

The event, held at ASCAP’s Nashville offices, included comments from Cris Lacy (Warner), Taylor Lindsey (Sony), and Stephanie Wright (Universal). The event was moderated by AIMP Board member Tim Hunze.

 

Bonnaroo Announces SuperJam Lineup With Sheryl Crow, Moon Taxi

The 2018 Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival has released the lineup for its SuperJam event. This year’s live collaboration pays tribute to Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. The late Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member headlined Bonnaroo in 2006 and 2013.

Led by musical directors Patrick Hallahan (My Morning Jacket) and Craig Pfunder (VHS or Beta), “Into the Great Wide Open – A SuperJam Celebrating the Music Of Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers” will include performances from Sheryl Crow, Sameer Gadhia (Young the Giant), Amelia Meath (Sylvan Esso), David Shaw (The Revivalists), Moon Taxi, Vanessa Carlton, Langhorne Slim, Japanese Breakfast, Frenship, Rayland Baxter, Bucky Baxter, Durand Jones & The Indications, Larkin Poe, The Wild Feathers, Jalen N’Gonda and more. Additional special guests will take the stage during the SuperJam.

Set to feature more than 150 musical artists, this year’s edition of the four-day multi-stage camping festival will take place June 7-10 on The Farm at Great Stage Park, the 700-acre event space located 60 miles southeast of Nashville in Manchester, Tennessee.

House Leaders Introduce New Music Modernization Act

After several years of discussions and hearings, this week the House Judiciary Committee is slated to vote on a package of music licensing reforms introduced today (April 10) by Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.), Ranking Member Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.), and Representatives Issa (R-Calif.), Hank Johnson (D-Ga.), Doug Collins (R-Ga.), Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), Lamar Smith (R-Texas), and Ted Deutch (D-Fla.) called the new “Music Modernization Act” (H.R. 5447). The new bill includes the original Music Modernization Act, the CLASSICS Act, the AMP Act, and a market-based rate standard for statutory licenses.

The House Judiciary Committee is expected to approve the bill tomorrow. The bill will then head to the House floor for a vote before the full chamber. A Senate hearing on the legislative package is likely to occur in May, with a markup in the Judiciary Committee soon after.

“The introduction of this new package bill, by the senior leadership of the House Judiciary Committee, is an unmistakable sign of more progress on several well-studied music licensing reforms, including the long-overdue CLASSICS Act,” said Cary Sherman, Chairman & CEO, RIAA. “It is a consensus bill widely supported by thousands of artists and songwriters, dozens of music organizations and leading technology companies. It is ready for a committee vote.

“There should be no debate that the greatest generation of music deserves to be paid when their recordings are played on digital radio. The time is now. These reforms have the potential to shape our industry’s future as they serve those in the music community who need them the most. We are grateful for the leadership of Chairman Goodlatte, along with Ranking Member Nadler, and Representatives Issa, Johnson, Collins, Jeffries, Smith and Deutch as they work to make these critical reforms a reality.”

“The Music Modernization Act (MMA) is the most significant update to music copyright law in a generation and represents unprecedented compromise among songwriter, music publisher, artist, record label, and digital music groups,” said NMPA CEO David Israelite. “The Music Modernization Act will help ensure a healthy digital music ecosystem, most importantly for the songwriters who create the music that makes such an ecosystem even possible.  It was not easy to achieve a consensus package, but we are grateful for music champions like Chairman Goodlatte and Ranking Member Nadler who have worked to foster agreement and we are eager for them to move this bill forward.  A special thanks to Congressman Doug Collins for being the driving force behind the MMA.”

“Today’s reintroduction of the Music Modernization Act signals we are one step closer to reforming our outdated music licensing system and providing songwriters a better future,” commented ASCAP CEO Elizabeth Matthews. “We thank Chairman Goodlatte, Ranking Member Nadler and Reps. Collins and Jeffries for their leadership and keeping America’s songwriters a priority.”

“Since first proposed four years ago at GRAMMYs on the Hill®, it has been a goal of the Academy and its members to pass a music omnibus, or ‘music bus,’ bill that helps our songwriter, performer, producer, and engineer members,” said President/CEO of the Recording Academy Neil Portnow. “With the introduction of the Music Modernization Act, this dream of bringing fairness to all creators is now close to reality.”

“The AIMP is pleased to see that the U.S. Congress is moving forward with the Music Modernization Act, which was introduced today by Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.),” said AIMP president Michael Eames, AIMP New York Exec. Director Alisa Coleman, and AIMP Nashville Exec. Director John Ozier in a joint statement. “For too long, songwriters and publishers have been forced to deal with an outdated music licensing system that doesn’t work in today’s online world. Now for the first time, the music and technology industry as well as lawmakers from both sides of the aisle have come together to address these issues and give rights-holders more control over the licensing and collection of their works. The Act solves a variety of issues that afflict all songwriters and publishers but will significantly help independent songwriters and independent publishers by adopting a more modern and realistic rate standard, establishing a central public database to ease royalty payments from digital services, removing evidence limitations placed on rights-holders arguing for more accurate royalty rates, allowing PROs to be heard by more than the same two judges, and once and for all establishing that digital services must pay for the use of pre-1972 recordings. Our thanks go out to Rep. Goodlatte and all the representatives who worked on and support this bill, as well as the National Music Publishers Association (NMPA) for spearheading the effort and all of our fellow industry trade groups who have helped push it forward. We strongly urge Congress to pass this measure.”

The Key Pieces of the New Music Modernization Act include:

The Music Modernization Act (H.R. 4706, S. 2334) is the most significant update to music copyright law for songwriters in a generation. The bill improves both how, and how much, songwriters are paid. The bill reforms Section 115 of the U.S. Copyright Act to create a single licensing entity that administers the mechanical reproduction rights for digital uses of musical compositions – like those used in interactive streaming models offered by Apple, Spotify, Amazon, Pandora, Google and others. It also repeals Section 114(i) and, consistent with most federal litigation, utilizes random assignment of judges to decide ASCAP and BMI rate-setting cases – two provisions that will enable fairer outcomes for songwriters and composers.

The CLASSICS Act (H.R. 3301, S. 2393) is overdue legislation that addresses one of copyright law’s most glaring loopholes: the lack of payment for the streaming of recordings made before 1972. Legacy artists who recorded music before 1972 are not entitled to be paid royalties under federal copyright law when their music is played on digital radio (think Pandora and SiriusXM). Many legacy artists are no longer able to tour in order to earn a living, so this unfortunate gap in the law has an enormous effect on their livelihoods. The CLASSICS Act would treat legacy artists the same way their contemporaries are treated. Notable: Pandora supports this bill, along with the Digital Media Association (DiMA), and the NAACP recently endorsed the legislation, among others.

The AMP Act (H.R. 881, S. 2625) improves and simplifies the payment of royalties owed to music producers, mixers and engineers by allowing royalty collection/distribution organization SoundExchange to directly pay these music creators. This formalized, streamlined process provides a consistent and permanent arrangement for studio professionals to receive their much- deserved payments for their contributions to the creation of music.

Market-Based Rate Standard For Statutory Licenses. The new bill would require a market-based rate standard for sound recordings for statutory licenses. This provision would allow the Copyright Royalty Board which sets rates for statutory services to consider the rates and terms that would have been negotiated in the marketplace between a willing buyer and a willing seller.

Music Biz To Honor Tower Records’ Russ Solomon

The Music Business Association has announced that the Music Business Hall of Fame, which will celebrate the achievements of industry executives, companies, media, venues, institutions, and others who have significantly contributed to the growth and continued success of the music business, has chosen the late Tower Records Founder Russ Solomon, who passed away on March 4, as its first inductee.

The Hall of Fame will have its official launch as part of the Music Biz 2018 Awards Luncheon on Thursday, May 17 at the Omni Nashville Hotel. Acclaimed actor and director Colin Hanks, who directed the 2015 Tower Records documentary All Things Must Pass, will pay tribute to Solomon.

“As we celebrate our 60th Anniversary, the timing was perfect to introduce the Music Business Hall of Fame, which will give us the opportunity to highlight those who have had a tremendous and lasting impact on the business, while providing an example to the next generation who will carry it forward,” said James Donio, President of Music Biz. “I had spoken with Russ to tell him he would be the first inductee, and he was humbled and excited to have been selected and planned to be in Nashville for the ceremony. While we were shocked and saddened to learn of his sudden passing, we feel this will be such a fitting tribute to a man who revolutionized music retail with Tower Records. We can think of no one better than Russ to be the first, and for all future Hall of Fame inductees to follow.”

“Russ was indeed one of a kind, and I’m incredibly grateful that I was not only able to help tell his story with All Things Must Pass, I also learned a great deal from him. But far more importantly I got to know Russ and am lucky to have been able to call him a friend,” said Colin Hanks. “Much like the members of the Tower Records family, I will miss Russ dearly but take comfort in seeing his legacy live on and am honored to induct him into the Music Business Hall of Fame.”

Additionally, Hanks will attend a screening of All Things Must Pass at the 2018 Nashville Film Festival that will be held at 7 p.m. CT on Thursday, May 17 at the Regal Hollywood 27.

Music Business Hall of Fame inductees will be selected annually by the Music Biz Board of Directors, which consists of top executives from a wide cross-section of the industry, including major and independent labels and distributors, digital music services, wholesalers, and independent record stores.

Third Day Adds Additional Dates To Farewell Tour

Third Day is adding five final nights to meet the demand for their Farewell Tour. The group is adding extra nights to already sold-out shows in New York City and Nashville, while new tour stops will include Kansas City, Chicago, and Minneapolis.

Starting April 11, special pre-sale VIP fan experience packages will be available in Chicago and New York. General tickets will be available on April 13 in Kansas City, Chicago, New York, and Nashville, and Minneapolis will feature a pre-sale starting on May 2 with a general on-sale on May 4. Ticket information can be found at thirdday.com.

“We are overwhelmed by the initial response from our amazing fans, and are so grateful to be able to squeeze in a few more final shows,” said founding member and lead guitarist Mark Lee. “What an honor to be able to add extra nights to the Tour and give our fans one last chance to celebrate a great night of music,” adds lead vocalist Mac Powell.

The Farewell Tour will feature many of the band’s 31 No. 1 radio singles, as well as new material from Mac Powell and the Family Reunion as well as new music from Mark Lee featuring stories from his book Hurt Road. Special guests Matt Maher, Zach Williams, We Are Messengers, and CROWDER are scheduled to join the tour in select markets.

THIRD DAY – FAREWELL TOUR
* Dates, markets and venues subject to change without notice
May 30 – Seattle, WA at Moore Theater with special guest Matt Maher
May 31 – Seattle, WA at Moore Theater with special guest Matt Maher (SOLD OUT)
June 1 – Portland, OR at Theater of the Clouds at Moda Center with special guest Matt Maher
June 2 – Los Angeles, CA at Citizens Business Bank Arena with special guest Matt Maher (SOLD OUT)
June 3 – Dallas, TX at Verizon Wireless Theater at Grand Prairie with special guest Matt Maher (SOLD OUT)
June 6 – Kansas City, MO at Silverstein Eye Centers Arena at Independence with special guest Matt Maher
June 7 – Chicago, IL at Chicago Theater with special guest Matt Maher
June 8 – Houston, TX at Cynthia Woods Pavilion Amphitheater with special guest Matt Maher
June 9 – New York City, NY at Beacon Theater with special guest Matt Maher (SOLD OUT)
June 10 – New York City, NY at Beacon Theater with special guest Zach Williams
June 13 – Louisville, KY at Southeast Christian with special guest Matt Maher (SOLD OUT)
June 14 – Indianapolis, IN at Murat Theater with special guest Matt Maher (SOLD OUT)
June 15 – Atlanta, GA at Fox Theater with special guest Matt Maher (SOLD OUT)
June 16 – Atlanta, GA at Fox Theater with special guest Matt Maher (SOLD OUT)
June 18 – Nashville, TN at Ryman Auditorium with special guest Matt Maher
June 21 – Minneapolis, MN at Target Center with special guest Matt Maher (pre-sale May 2, on-sale May 4)
June 22 – Grand Rapids, MI at DeVos Performance Hall with special guest We Are Messengers (SOLD OUT)
June 23 – Nashville, TN at Ryman Auditorium with special guest We Are Messengers (SOLD OUT)
June 27 – Denver, CO at Red Rocks Amphitheater with special guest CROWDER and Matt Maher (SOLD OUT)

Live Nation’s Festival Passport Returns For 2018

Live Nation has reinstated its Festival Passport for 2018, more than doubling the Festival Passports available to 2,500 passes and granting purchasers general admission access to the 100+ participating festivals around the world.

Among the participating festivals are Austin City Limits Music Festival, Country LakeShake Festival, Faster Horses Festival, Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, Governors Ball Music Festival and more.

Additionally, Live Nation is rolling out the first-ever VIP Festival Passport, granting 100 purchasers VIP entry. The general admission tier of the Festival Passport is $999 USD, while the VIP tier is $5,000 USD.

For a full map of participating festivals around the world, visit livenation.com.

“Music festivals are all about the experience and we created Festival Passport as an innovative way to amplify that for music fans across all of our 100+ festivals worldwide,” said Lisa Licht, CMO, Live Nation U.S. Concerts. “Festival Passport is Live Nation’s tribute to our incredible festival community, and we’re excited to continue to build on the program this year by increasing the number of Festival Passports available and adding a brand new VIP tier. Those who purchased the Festival Passport last year have become part of the Live Nation family. Their passion for Live Nation and our festivals is awesome!”

Live Nation will utilize Ticketmaster’s Verified Fan™ platform to assure all Festival Passports get into the hands of fans, rather than scalpers or bots. Verified Fan™ Registration closes Thursday, April 12 at 8 p.m. PDT.

Festival Passports are valid from April 2018 through April 2019.

 

Vince Gill, Mary Chapin Carpenter Set For CMA Songwriters Series Show

Vince Gill, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Mac McAnally and Don Schlitz will appear on a special CMA Songwriters Series concert the night before CMA Fest kicks off on June 6 at the CMA Theater in Nashville.

Tickets for the show are on sale April 11 at 11:00 AM CT starting at $20 and can be purchased at CMAtheater.com.

Gill has won 18 CMA Awards, including Song of the Year four times, 21 Grammys, and eight ACM Awards. He was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2005, the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2007, and is also a member of the Grand Ole Opry. In August 2012, he was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He is also a member of the four-time Grammy-winning band The Time Jumpers.

McAnally is a nine-time CMA Awards Musician of the Year, and a member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, the Mississippi Musicians Hall of Fame, and a recent inductee into the Alabama Music Hall of Fame. McAnally has spent decades recording countless sessions, releasing solo albums, and writing hits that include No. 1 singles for Kenny Chesney, Alabama, Sawyer Brown and Shenandoah. His 16th and most recent album, Southbound, features his songs arranged for a symphony orchestra, recorded with the FestivalSouth orchestra.

Carpenter has sold over 14 million records, won five Grammys (with 15 nominations), two CMA Awards, two ACM Awards, and is a member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. Her latest release, Sometimes Just The Sky, celebrates her 30-year recording career with new versions of some of her most beloved songs plus one newly penned track.

Schlitz’s first recorded song, “The Gambler,” won a Grammy for Best Country Song in 1978 and the CMA Song of the Year in 1979. Since then he has scored more than 50 Top 10 singles and 24 No. 1’s. Schlitz was the ASCAP Country Songwriter of the Year for four consecutive years from 1988-91, he has won three CMA Song of the Year Awards, two Grammys, and two ACM awards. Schlitz was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Association Hall of Fame in 1993, and was presented with the ASCAP Creative Achievement Award in 2007. In 2010, after releasing his first studio album in 30 years, Schlitz received ACM’s Poet’s Award and was also inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame. In 2012, Schlitz was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2017.