CMA Honors Dan Rogers With Irving Waugh Award Of Excellence

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Pictured (L-R): Apple Music & CMA Board’s Charlie Morgan, Dan Rogers, CMA’s Sarah Trahern and WME & CMA Board’s Jay Williams. Photo: Amanda Eckard/CMA
Photo Credit: Amanda Eckard/CMA

The Country Music Association recently presented Vice President & Executive Producer of the Grand Ole Opry Dan Rogers with the 2022 Irving Waugh Award of Excellence.

Rogers received the industry honor from Jay Williams, WME Nashville Co-Head & Partner and Chairman of the CMA Awards & Recognition Committee, during the CMA Board meeting in Washington, D.C. on March 28.

The Irving Waugh Award of Excellence is presented to an individual who is the originator and caretaker of ideas and actions that have dramatically broadened and improved country music’s influence on a national or international level for the benefit of the industry. It is the intention that these ideas and actions are ongoing and have a proven historical impact on country music.

“Dan has been a force in our industry for many years and we are more than thrilled to honor him with the Irving Waugh Award of Excellence,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA CEO. “Country music would not be where it is today without the Grand Ole Opry and Dan’s efforts to grow, evolve and reach audiences across the globe. He strikes the perfect balance between honoring the Opry’s respected past while also working to keep the institution up to date on the newest artists and music.”

Rogers first came to the Grand Ole Opry as an intern in 1998, rising through the ranks to Vice President & Executive Producer in August 2019. In his nearly 25 years, he has been a constant presence backstage, producing Opry shows up to seven nights a week. Under Rogers’ leadership, the Opry has remained a consistent and renowned element in the country music landscape, elevating the genre’s profile and creating unforgettable experiences for fans and artists around the globe. In his role, Rogers oversees communications, overall show production, talent relations and logistics for the Opry. He joined the CMA Board of Directors in 2023.

“I am so thankful to the CMA for this recognition,” says Rogers. “Throughout my career, I’ve looked up to previous winners of this award, truly never imagining a day when my name would join that list. Day after day, I learn from and am inspired by the tremendous artists and passionate colleagues with which I’m lucky to work. I’m thankful to be part of this incredible community and am excited to work further toward earning this award in the years to come.”

Lorie Hollabaugh
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