Music Industry Honored At 16th Academy Of Country Music Honors

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CEO, Academy of Country Music, Damon Whiteside; Chair, Board of Directors, Academy of Country Music, Ebie McFarland; and VP, Board of Directors, Academy of Country Music, Randy Bernard at the 16th annual Academy of Country Music Honors. Photo: Brett Carlsen/Getty Images for ACM

Industry members and musicians were celebrated at the 16th annual ACM Honors on Wednesday night (Aug. 23) at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. Hosted by Carly Pearce, the Academy of Country Music lauded the winners of the ACM Industry Awards and Studio Recording Awards from the 58th Academy of Country Music Awards.

In the Special Awards group, Chris Stapleton received recognition for winning the prestigious ACM Triple Crown Award following his first win for ACM Entertainer of the Year at the 58th Academy of Country Music Awards. Stapleton qualified for the Triple Crown Award after winning ACM New Male Vocalist of the Year, ACM Male Vocalist of the Year and ACM Entertainer of the Year throughout his career, an honor only eight other artists have been awarded.

Mike Dungan, winner of the ACM Icon Award, at the 16th annual Academy of Country Music Honors. Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for ACM

Mike Dungan and Tim McGraw were bestowed with the ACM Icon Award, honoring the contributions of Cliffie Stone, who was known for his producing work along with his country music career. This award is presented to a country music artist, duo/group or industry leader who, throughout their career, has advanced the popularity of the genre through their contributions in multiple facets of the industry, such as songwriting, recording, production, touring, film, television, literary works, philanthropic contributions and other goodwill efforts.

The ACM International Award went to Kane Brown. Inspired by Jim Reeves, the award goes to a country music artist, duo/group or industry leader for outstanding contributions to the growth of country music throughout the world.

Breland received the ACM Lift Every Voice Award, which is presented to a country music artist, duo/group, industry leader or affiliate/partner who plays a pivotal role in elevating underrepresented voices throughout the country music genre, transcending demographics and geography.

The ACM Lifting Lives Award went to Troy Vollhoffer. This award honors the contributions of Gary Haber, known as a business manager and past President of ACM Lifting Lives, and is given to a country music artist, duo/group, or industry professional who is devoted to improving lives through the power of music, has a generosity of spirit and is committed to serving others.

Clint Black, Mary Chapin Carpenter and the late K.T. Oslin were each honored with the ACM Poet’s Award. This award is presented to a country music songwriter for outstanding and longstanding musical and/or lyrical contributions throughout their career, with special consideration given to a song or songs’ impact on the culture of country music.

The ACM Service Award went to Charlie Cook and Bill Mayne. Honoring the contributions of songwriter Mae Boren Axton and her service to the Academy, the award is presented to an outstanding country music artist, duo/group, or industry leader in recognition of years of dedication and service to the Academy of Country Music.

Finally, the ACM Spirit Award went to the late Charlie Daniels. This award honors the contributions of Merle Haggard, who received 20 ACM Awards in his career. It is presented to a singer-songwriter who is continuing Haggard’s legacy by following their own path, crafting great songs and epitomizing Haggard’s spirit through genuine performances and great storytelling.

In addition to the Special Awards, trophies were also given out to the Studio Recording Awards winners from this year’s ACM Awards. Reigning ACM New Female Artist of the Year winner Hailey Whitters presented the honors during the pre-show ceremony.

The winners of the 58th ACM Industry and Studio Recording Awards are listed below.

2023 ACM Industry Award Winners:
Casino of the Year – Theater: Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino – Hollywood, Florida
Casino of the Year – Arena: Harveys Lake Tahoe – Stateline, Nevada
Festival of the Year: Country Thunder – Bristol, Tennessee
Fair/Rodeo of the Year: Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo – Houston, Texas
Club of the Year: Joe’s on Weed St. – Chicago, Illinois
Theater of the Year: Grand Ole Opry House – Nashville, Tennessee
Outdoor Venue of the Year: Bank of NH Pavilion – Gilford, New Hampshire
Arena of the Year: Moody Center – Austin, Texas
Don Romeo Talent Buyer of the Year: Troy Vollhoffer – Premier Global Production
Promoter of the Year: Ed Warm – Joe’s Live

2023 ACM Studio Recording Award Winners:
Bass Player of the Year: Mark Hill
Drummer of the Year: Aaron Sterling
Acoustic Guitar Player of the Year: Tim Galloway
Electric Guitar Player of the Year: Derek Wells
Piano/Keyboards Player of the Year: Dave Cohen
Specialty Instrument(s) Player of the Year: Jenee Fleenor
Audio Engineer of the Year: Justin Niebank
Producer of the Year: Jay Joyce

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