Date Announced For 15th Annual ACM Honors

The 15th Annual ACM Honors will take place at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium on Wednesday, Aug. 24.

The evening will celebrate the recipients of the ACM’s Special Awards, including the Songwriter of the Year Award, Studio Recording Awards and Industry Awards from the 57th ACM Awards cycle, which are voted on by the Academy’s Board of Directors.

This year’s ACM Honors will acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of this year’s Songwriter of the Year, Hardy. This award is presented to an individual who stood out as the top wordsmith of the past year, helping to create the stories that artists share with their fans through song. Notable winners from the past 15 years include Rhett Akins, Hillary Lindsey, Shane McAnally, and Lori McKenna.

Other Special Awards categories include the Cliffie Stone Icon Award, the Gene Weed Milestone Award, the Gary Haber Lifting Lives Award, the Jim Reeves International Award, the Mae Boren Axton Service Award, the Merle Haggard Spirit Award, the Poet’s Award, and the Tex Ritter Film Award.

The Academy’s Studio Recording Awards recognize the creators behind the music, with categories including Bass Player of the Year, Drummer of the Year, Acoustic Guitar Player of the Year, Piano/Keys Player of the Year, Specialty Instrument(s) Player of the Year, Electric Guitar Player of the Year, Audio Engineer of the Year, and Producer of the Year. Notable winners in the Studio Recording Awards categories in the past 15 years include Busbee, Dann Huff, Jay Joyce, Jimmie Lee Sloas, and Ilya Toshinskiy, among others.

Finally, ACM Industry Awards recognize venues and talent buyers/promoters who have bought or promoted a set number of country concerts, is in good standing with all agents/vendors, and helps promote country music ticket sales. The various categories honored include Casino of the Year – Theater, Casino of the Year – Arena, Fair/Rodeo of the Year, Festival of the Year, Club of the Year, Theater of the Year, Outdoor Venue of the Year, Arena of the Year, Don Romeo Talent Buyer of the Year, and Promoter of the Year.

Additional details including this year’s winners, host, performers, and general event information will be announced in the coming weeks.