ACM Honors to Celebrate Country Music's Elite, Including Kacey Musgraves and Eric Church
The Academy of Country Music (ACM) has unveiled the esteemed individuals and groups slated to receive special recognition at its 19th annual ACM Honors event. This year's celebration, set for August 19 in Nashville, will spotlight a diverse array of talent, from groundbreaking artists to influential industry executives and pioneering songwriters. The honorees include luminaries such as Kacey Musgraves, Ella Langley, Eric Church, Leslie Fram, and Mike Curb, each acknowledged for their profound impact on the country music landscape.
Kacey Musgraves, celebrated for her recent album "Middle of Nowhere," will be presented with the ACM Spirit Award, an accolade dedicated to honoring the maverick spirit reminiscent of Merle Haggard. Her consistent innovation and significant presence in contemporary country music make her a fitting recipient. Meanwhile, the ACM Poet's Award, recognizing an extensive body of songwriting work, will be posthumously awarded to two pivotal figures: the legendary Carter Family, who laid foundational groundwork for the genre in the late 1920s, and Brett James, known for crafting numerous hits for artists like Kenny Chesney and Carrie Underwood.
Eric Church is set to receive the ACM Lifting Lives Award, a tribute to his substantial philanthropic efforts and support for others throughout his career. This award specifically acknowledges his critical involvement in large-scale disaster relief fundraising and rebuilding initiatives following Hurricane Helene, showcasing his commitment beyond music. The ACM International Award, designed to recognize those who broaden country music's global reach, will go to the C2C festival, Europe's premier gathering for country stars and their fans, highlighting its role in expanding the genre's international influence. Furthermore, Taylor Sheridan's "Landman" will be honored with the ACM Film Award, celebrating its prominent integration of country music within a movie or television series.
Leslie Fram will be presented with the ACM Lift Every Voice Award for her pioneering advocacy and efforts within the industry, particularly in championing new talent and creating pathways for women and other underrepresented artists. Her work includes founding the CMT Next Women of Country franchise and co-founding groups like Change the Conversation, Nashville Music Equality, and Equal Access, all dedicated to fostering inclusivity. Additionally, the ACM Icon Award will be bestowed upon two titans: Bill Anderson, an artist who rose to prominence in the late 1950s and continues to pen hits into the 21st century, and Mike Curb, whose career spans from songwriting to founding Curb Records and even serving as California's lieutenant governor.
The ACM Service Award, which recognizes individuals who have significantly contributed their time and effort to the Academy of Country Music as an organization, will be awarded to Scott Zolke, a partner at Loeb & Loeb LLP. Zolke played a crucial role in negotiating a multi-year renewal agreement for the ACM Awards to exclusively livestream on Amazon Prime Video, a deal that has substantially elevated the awards' global presence and viewership. Also being recognized at this year's ACM Honors are Ella Langley, the ACM Artist-Songwriter of the Year winner, and Jessie Jo Dillon, the ACM Songwriter of the Year winner, both of whom were announced earlier during the Academy of Country Music Awards in May.
This year's ACM Honors event is poised to be a memorable occasion, celebrating the enduring legacy and dynamic future of country music. The range of honorees, from artists to executives and behind-the-scenes innovators, reflects the rich tapestry of talent that continuously shapes and propels the genre forward. The ceremony underscores the ACM's commitment to recognizing excellence across all facets of the country music world, ensuring that significant contributions are acknowledged and celebrated.
