Jake Hosts ACM Honors In Nashville

Country music fans, superstar Music City talent and industry elite turned out in force last week for the Academy of Country Music’s 8th Annual ACM Honors, an evening dedicated to recognizing the special honorees and off-camera category winners from the 49th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards. 

The sold-out special event, hosted by Jake Owen, was held in Nashville at the historic Ryman Auditorium and was sponsored by City National Bank.

The evening included a mix of live music, historical video retrospectives and current video tributes and interviews with industry veterans honoring Special Awards recipients Bob Beckham (posthumously), Steve Buchanan, Jack Clement (posthumously), Dean Dillon, Toby Keith, Kris Kristofferson, Ronnie Milsap, Paul Moore, BuckOwens (posthumously), Carrie Underwood and Rascal Flatts.  Studio Recording Awards (formerly MBI Awards) recipients include Shannon Forrest, Paul Franklin, Dann Huff, Charlie Judge, RobMcNelley,Justin Niebank,Michael Rhodes and Bryan Sutton.  Industry Award winners include Brian O’Connell of Live Nation, Nicole More of Neste Event Marketing, Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Theater in Austin, TX, Billy Bob’s Texas in Fort Worth, TX, Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, TN, Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, TN,Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT and Mohegan Sun Wolf Den in Uncasville, CT.  Shane McAnally was honored as Songwriter of the Year.

Special Awards recipient Merle Haggard was previously presented with the ACM Crystal Milestone Award for his 50 years in country music on the 49th ACM Awards in April.

Check out photos from the red carpet here.

Country music fans, superstar Music City talent and industry elite turned out in force tonight for the Academy of Country Music’s 8^th Annual ACM Honors, an evening dedicated to recognizing the special honorees and off-camera category winners from the 49^th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards.  The sold-out special event, hosted by Jake Owen, was held in Nashville at the historic Ryman Auditorium and was sponsored by City National Bank.
The evening included a mix of live music, historical video retrospectives and current video tributes and interviews with industry veterans honoring Special Awards recipients Bob Beckham (posthumously), Steve Buchanan, Jack Clement (posthumously), Dean Dillon, Toby Keith, Kris Kristofferson, Ronnie Milsap, Paul Moore, BuckOwens (posthumously), Carrie Underwood and Rascal Flatts.  Studio Recording Awards (formerly MBI Awards) recipients include Shannon Forrest, Paul Franklin, Dann Huff, Charlie Judge, RobMcNelley,Justin Niebank,Michael Rhodes and Bryan Sutton.  Industry Award winners include Brian O’Connell of Live Nation, Nicole More of Neste Event Marketing, Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Theater in Austin, TX, Billy Bob’s Texas in Fort Worth, TX, Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, TN, Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, TN,Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT and Mohegan Sun Wolf Den in Uncasville, CT.  Shane McAnally was honored as Songwriter of the Year.
Special Awards recipient Merle Haggard was previously presented with the ACM Crystal Milestone Award for his 50 years in country music on the 49^th ACM Awards in April. 
 Artists who performed in tribute to honorees included:

•       Dierks Bentley performing “Love’s Gonna Live Here”  in tribute to Buck Owens
•       Billy Burnette performing “Ballad of a Teenage Queen” in tribute to Cowboy Jack Clement
•       Shawn Camp performing “Guess Things Happen That Way” in tribute to Cowboy Jack Clement
•       Rodney Clawson, performing “The Chair” in tribute to Dean Dillon
•       Hunter Hayes, performing “I Wouldn’t Have Missed it for the World” in tribute to Ronnie Milsap
•       Will Hoge performing “Me & Bobby McGee” in tribute to Kris Kristofferson
•       Jack Ingram performing “Sunday Morning Coming Down” in tribute to Kris Kristofferson
•       Tony Joe White performing “Polk Salad Annie” in tribute to Bob Beckham
•       Lee Ann Womack performing “An Empty Glass” in tribute to Dean Dillon
•       Dwight Yoakam performing a medley of “My Heart Skips a Beat,” “Cryin Time,” “Together Again” and “I’ve Got a Tiger by the Tail” in tribute to Buck Owens
•       Kacey Musgraves, Kelly Clarkson & Hillary Scott performing a medley of “Merry Go Round,” “Tie It Up,” and “Downtown” in tribute to Shane McAnally
•       Sam Palladio & Clare Bowen, performing “If I Didn’t Know Better” in tribute to Rascal Flatts and Steve Buchanan
•       Oak Ridge Boys performing “Elvira” in tribute to Paul Moore
•       The Swon Brothers performing a medley of “Wasted” and “See You Again” in tribute to Carrie Underwood

- See more at: http://www.acmcountry.com/news.html?n_id=699#sthash.z2QlutDI.dpuf

Country music fans, superstar Music City talent and industry elite turned out in force tonight for the Academy of Country Music’s 8^th Annual ACM Honors, an evening dedicated to recognizing the special honorees and off-camera category winners from the 49^th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards.  The sold-out special event, hosted by Jake Owen, was held in Nashville at the historic Ryman Auditorium and was sponsored by City National Bank.
The evening included a mix of live music, historical video retrospectives and current video tributes and interviews with industry veterans honoring Special Awards recipients Bob Beckham (posthumously), Steve Buchanan, Jack Clement (posthumously), Dean Dillon, Toby Keith, Kris Kristofferson, Ronnie Milsap, Paul Moore, BuckOwens (posthumously), Carrie Underwood and Rascal Flatts.  Studio Recording Awards (formerly MBI Awards) recipients include Shannon Forrest, Paul Franklin, Dann Huff, Charlie Judge, RobMcNelley,Justin Niebank,Michael Rhodes and Bryan Sutton.  Industry Award winners include Brian O’Connell of Live Nation, Nicole More of Neste Event Marketing, Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Theater in Austin, TX, Billy Bob’s Texas in Fort Worth, TX, Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, TN, Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, TN,Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT and Mohegan Sun Wolf Den in Uncasville, CT.  Shane McAnally was honored as Songwriter of the Year.
Special Awards recipient Merle Haggard was previously presented with the ACM Crystal Milestone Award for his 50 years in country music on the 49^th ACM Awards in April. 
 Artists who performed in tribute to honorees included:

•       Dierks Bentley performing “Love’s Gonna Live Here”  in tribute to Buck Owens
•       Billy Burnette performing “Ballad of a Teenage Queen” in tribute to Cowboy Jack Clement
•       Shawn Camp performing “Guess Things Happen That Way” in tribute to Cowboy Jack Clement
•       Rodney Clawson, performing “The Chair” in tribute to Dean Dillon
•       Hunter Hayes, performing “I Wouldn’t Have Missed it for the World” in tribute to Ronnie Milsap
•       Will Hoge performing “Me & Bobby McGee” in tribute to Kris Kristofferson
•       Jack Ingram performing “Sunday Morning Coming Down” in tribute to Kris Kristofferson
•       Tony Joe White performing “Polk Salad Annie” in tribute to Bob Beckham
•       Lee Ann Womack performing “An Empty Glass” in tribute to Dean Dillon
•       Dwight Yoakam performing a medley of “My Heart Skips a Beat,” “Cryin Time,” “Together Again” and “I’ve Got a Tiger by the Tail” in tribute to Buck Owens
•       Kacey Musgraves, Kelly Clarkson & Hillary Scott performing a medley of “Merry Go Round,” “Tie It Up,” and “Downtown” in tribute to Shane McAnally
•       Sam Palladio & Clare Bowen, performing “If I Didn’t Know Better” in tribute to Rascal Flatts and Steve Buchanan
•       Oak Ridge Boys performing “Elvira” in tribute to Paul Moore
•       The Swon Brothers performing a medley of “Wasted” and “See You Again” in tribute to Carrie Underwood

Presenters included the Oak Ridge Boys to Paul Moore, Kenny Chesney to Shane McAnally,Pete Fisher to Steve Buchanan, and Jack Ingram to Kris Kristofferson. Brenda Lee presented to Cindy Devault, who accepted with other family members on behalf of her father, Bob Beckham.  Jake Owen presented to Ronnie Milsap, to Alison Clement, who accepted on behalf of her father Cowboy Jack Clement, and to Buddy Owens, who accepted on behalf of his father Buck Owens.  The Swon Brothers presented to Carrie Underwood, Tim Tebow presented to Rascal Flatts, and Lee Ann Womack presented to Dean Dillon.  Justin Moore presented the Industry awards, and Thomas Rhett presented the Studio Recording Awards.  
Jake Owen opened the show with a performance of Ronnie Milsap’s hit “Back On My Mind Again.”
The house band for the evening, led by musical director Frank Liddell, Wyatt Beard (background vocals), Glen Duncan (fiddle), Paul Franklin (steel guitar), Jedd Hughes (guitar/utility), John Jarvis (piano/keys), Liana Manis (background vocals), Brent Mason (guitar), Jerry Roe (drums), included Glenn Worf (bandleader/bass).
SPECIAL AWARDS
Career Achievement Award – Toby Keith andRonnie Milsap received the Career Achievement Award, honoring an individual artist, duo, group or multiple artist collaboration that have advanced the popularity and acceptance of country music through their endeavors in the entertainment industry in multiple areas during the preceding calendar year. Past recipients of the Career Achievement Award include John Anderson, Vince Gill, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Johnny Paycheck, Carl Perkins, Reba and Kenny Rogers.
Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award – Bob Beckham was honored with the Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award, honoring individuals who are pioneers in the country music genre.  Past recipients of the Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award include Alabama,Garth Brooks,Johnny Cash,Charlie Daniels, Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers,Merle Haggard, Emmylou Harris, George Jones, The Judds,  Brenda Lee, Loretta Lynn, Willie Nelson, The Oak Ridge Boys, Dolly Parton, Charley Pride, Jerry Reed, Tex Ritter, Marty Robbins, KennyRogers, Billy Sherrill, Ricky Skaggs, Mel Tillis, Randy Travis, Conway Twitty, Porter Wagoner, Keith Whitley, Hank Williams, Hank Williams Jr., Bob Wills and Dwight Yoakam, among others.
Crystal Milestone Award – Merle Haggard received the Crystal Milestone Award during the 49^th Annual ACM Awards telecast, which is given to an artist or industry leader to commemorate a specific, remarkable achievement.  Past recipients of the Crystal Milestone Awardinclude Jason Aldean, Garth Brooks, Kenny Chesney, Gayle Holcomb, Jennifer Nettles and Taylor Swift. 
Gene Weed Special Achievement Award – Carrie Underwood received the Gene Weed Special Achievement Award, which acknowledges unprecedented, unique and outstanding individual achievement in country music. Past recipients of the Gene Weed Special Achievement Awardinclude Garth Brooks, George Burns, Jeff Foxworthy, Willie Nelson, Blake Shelton and George Strait.
Jim Reeves International Award – Steve Buchanan andRascal Flatts received the Jim Reeves International Award, which is presented to an artist for outstanding contributions to the acceptance of country music throughout the world.  Past recipients of the Jim Reeves International Award include Garth Brooks, Dick Clark, Roy Clark, Merv Griffin, Alan Jackson, Charlie Nagatani,Buck Owens,Dolly Parton,Taylor Swift,Keith Urban, and Lady Antebellum, among others. 
Mae Boren Axton Award – Paul Moore received the Mae Boren Axton Award, which is given in recognition of years of dedication and service by an outstanding individual to the Academy of Country Music.  Past recipients of the Mae Boren Axton Award include John Dorris, Rod Essig, Gayle Holcomb, Jack Lameier, Marge Meoli, Ray Pilzak, Gaynelle Pitts, Gene Weed, Tommy Wiggins and David Young.
Poet’s Award – Jack Clement (awarded posthumously), Dean Dillon, Kris Kristofferson, andBuck Owens (awarded posthumously),received the Poet’s Award, which honors songwriters for outstanding musical and/or lyrical contributions throughout their careers in the field of country music. Previous recipients of the Poet’s Award include Bill Anderson, Bobby Braddock, Guy Clark, Hank Cochran, Merle Haggard, Tom T. Hall, Harlan Howard, Roger Miller, Fred Rose, Don Schlitz, Cindy Walker and Hank Williams.
INDUSTRY AWARDS
CASINO OF THE YEAR:  Small Capacity - Mohegan Sun Wolf Den - Uncasville, CT
CASINO OF THE YEAR:  Medium Capacity - Mohegan Sun Arena – Uncasville, CT
NIGHTCLUB OF THE YEAR:  Billy Bob’s Texas – Fort Worth, TX
VENUE OF THE YEAR:  Small Capacity - Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Theater – Austin, TX
VENUE OF THE YEAR:  Medium Capacity - Grand Ole Opry House – Nashville, TN
VENUE OF THE YEAR:  Large Capacity - Bridgestone Arena – Nashville, TN
DON ROMEO TALENT BUYER OF THE YEAR:  Nicole More – Neste Event Marketing
PROMOTER OF THE YEAR:  Brian O’Connell – Live Nation
STUDIO RECORDING AWARDS (FORMERLY THE MBI AWARDS)
BASS PLAYER OF THE YEAR:  Michael Rhodes
DRUMMER OF THE YEAR:  Shannon Forrest
GUITAR PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Rob McNelley
PIANO/KEYBOARDS PLAYER OF THE YEAR:  Charlie Judge
SPECIALTY INSTRUMENT(S) PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Bryan Sutton
STEEL GUITAR PLAYER OF THE YEAR:  Paul Franklin
AUDIO ENGINEER OF THE YEAR:  Justin Niebank
PRODUCER OF THE YEAR:  Dann Huff
SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR:   Shane McAnally
- See more at: http://www.acmcountry.com/news.html?n_id=699#sthash.z2QlutDI.dpuf

Country music fans, superstar Music City talent and industry elite turned out in force tonight for the Academy of Country Music’s 8^th Annual ACM Honors, an evening dedicated to recognizing the special honorees and off-camera category winners from the 49^th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards.  The sold-out special event, hosted by Jake Owen, was held in Nashville at the historic Ryman Auditorium and was sponsored by City National Bank.
The evening included a mix of live music, historical video retrospectives and current video tributes and interviews with industry veterans honoring Special Awards recipients Bob Beckham (posthumously), Steve Buchanan, Jack Clement (posthumously), Dean Dillon, Toby Keith, Kris Kristofferson, Ronnie Milsap, Paul Moore, BuckOwens (posthumously), Carrie Underwood and Rascal Flatts.  Studio Recording Awards (formerly MBI Awards) recipients include Shannon Forrest, Paul Franklin, Dann Huff, Charlie Judge, RobMcNelley,Justin Niebank,Michael Rhodes and Bryan Sutton.  Industry Award winners include Brian O’Connell of Live Nation, Nicole More of Neste Event Marketing, Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Theater in Austin, TX, Billy Bob’s Texas in Fort Worth, TX, Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, TN, Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, TN,Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT and Mohegan Sun Wolf Den in Uncasville, CT.  Shane McAnally was honored as Songwriter of the Year.
Special Awards recipient Merle Haggard was previously presented with the ACM Crystal Milestone Award for his 50 years in country music on the 49^th ACM Awards in April. 
 Artists who performed in tribute to honorees included:

•       Dierks Bentley performing “Love’s Gonna Live Here”  in tribute to Buck Owens
•       Billy Burnette performing “Ballad of a Teenage Queen” in tribute to Cowboy Jack Clement
•       Shawn Camp performing “Guess Things Happen That Way” in tribute to Cowboy Jack Clement
•       Rodney Clawson, performing “The Chair” in tribute to Dean Dillon
•       Hunter Hayes, performing “I Wouldn’t Have Missed it for the World” in tribute to Ronnie Milsap
•       Will Hoge performing “Me & Bobby McGee” in tribute to Kris Kristofferson
•       Jack Ingram performing “Sunday Morning Coming Down” in tribute to Kris Kristofferson
•       Tony Joe White performing “Polk Salad Annie” in tribute to Bob Beckham
•       Lee Ann Womack performing “An Empty Glass” in tribute to Dean Dillon
•       Dwight Yoakam performing a medley of “My Heart Skips a Beat,” “Cryin Time,” “Together Again” and “I’ve Got a Tiger by the Tail” in tribute to Buck Owens
•       Kacey Musgraves, Kelly Clarkson & Hillary Scott performing a medley of “Merry Go Round,” “Tie It Up,” and “Downtown” in tribute to Shane McAnally
•       Sam Palladio & Clare Bowen, performing “If I Didn’t Know Better” in tribute to Rascal Flatts and Steve Buchanan
•       Oak Ridge Boys performing “Elvira” in tribute to Paul Moore
•       The Swon Brothers performing a medley of “Wasted” and “See You Again” in tribute to Carrie Underwood

Presenters included the Oak Ridge Boys to Paul Moore, Kenny Chesney to Shane McAnally,Pete Fisher to Steve Buchanan, and Jack Ingram to Kris Kristofferson. Brenda Lee presented to Cindy Devault, who accepted with other family members on behalf of her father, Bob Beckham.  Jake Owen presented to Ronnie Milsap, to Alison Clement, who accepted on behalf of her father Cowboy Jack Clement, and to Buddy Owens, who accepted on behalf of his father Buck Owens.  The Swon Brothers presented to Carrie Underwood, Tim Tebow presented to Rascal Flatts, and Lee Ann Womack presented to Dean Dillon.  Justin Moore presented the Industry awards, and Thomas Rhett presented the Studio Recording Awards.  
Jake Owen opened the show with a performance of Ronnie Milsap’s hit “Back On My Mind Again.”
The house band for the evening, led by musical director Frank Liddell, Wyatt Beard (background vocals), Glen Duncan (fiddle), Paul Franklin (steel guitar), Jedd Hughes (guitar/utility), John Jarvis (piano/keys), Liana Manis (background vocals), Brent Mason (guitar), Jerry Roe (drums), included Glenn Worf (bandleader/bass).
SPECIAL AWARDS
Career Achievement Award – Toby Keith andRonnie Milsap received the Career Achievement Award, honoring an individual artist, duo, group or multiple artist collaboration that have advanced the popularity and acceptance of country music through their endeavors in the entertainment industry in multiple areas during the preceding calendar year. Past recipients of the Career Achievement Award include John Anderson, Vince Gill, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Johnny Paycheck, Carl Perkins, Reba and Kenny Rogers.
Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award – Bob Beckham was honored with the Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award, honoring individuals who are pioneers in the country music genre.  Past recipients of the Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award include Alabama,Garth Brooks,Johnny Cash,Charlie Daniels, Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers,Merle Haggard, Emmylou Harris, George Jones, The Judds,  Brenda Lee, Loretta Lynn, Willie Nelson, The Oak Ridge Boys, Dolly Parton, Charley Pride, Jerry Reed, Tex Ritter, Marty Robbins, KennyRogers, Billy Sherrill, Ricky Skaggs, Mel Tillis, Randy Travis, Conway Twitty, Porter Wagoner, Keith Whitley, Hank Williams, Hank Williams Jr., Bob Wills and Dwight Yoakam, among others.
Crystal Milestone Award – Merle Haggard received the Crystal Milestone Award during the 49^th Annual ACM Awards telecast, which is given to an artist or industry leader to commemorate a specific, remarkable achievement.  Past recipients of the Crystal Milestone Awardinclude Jason Aldean, Garth Brooks, Kenny Chesney, Gayle Holcomb, Jennifer Nettles and Taylor Swift. 
Gene Weed Special Achievement Award – Carrie Underwood received the Gene Weed Special Achievement Award, which acknowledges unprecedented, unique and outstanding individual achievement in country music. Past recipients of the Gene Weed Special Achievement Awardinclude Garth Brooks, George Burns, Jeff Foxworthy, Willie Nelson, Blake Shelton and George Strait.
Jim Reeves International Award – Steve Buchanan andRascal Flatts received the Jim Reeves International Award, which is presented to an artist for outstanding contributions to the acceptance of country music throughout the world.  Past recipients of the Jim Reeves International Award include Garth Brooks, Dick Clark, Roy Clark, Merv Griffin, Alan Jackson, Charlie Nagatani,Buck Owens,Dolly Parton,Taylor Swift,Keith Urban, and Lady Antebellum, among others. 
Mae Boren Axton Award – Paul Moore received the Mae Boren Axton Award, which is given in recognition of years of dedication and service by an outstanding individual to the Academy of Country Music.  Past recipients of the Mae Boren Axton Award include John Dorris, Rod Essig, Gayle Holcomb, Jack Lameier, Marge Meoli, Ray Pilzak, Gaynelle Pitts, Gene Weed, Tommy Wiggins and David Young.
Poet’s Award – Jack Clement (awarded posthumously), Dean Dillon, Kris Kristofferson, andBuck Owens (awarded posthumously),received the Poet’s Award, which honors songwriters for outstanding musical and/or lyrical contributions throughout their careers in the field of country music. Previous recipients of the Poet’s Award include Bill Anderson, Bobby Braddock, Guy Clark, Hank Cochran, Merle Haggard, Tom T. Hall, Harlan Howard, Roger Miller, Fred Rose, Don Schlitz, Cindy Walker and Hank Williams.
INDUSTRY AWARDS
CASINO OF THE YEAR:  Small Capacity - Mohegan Sun Wolf Den - Uncasville, CT
CASINO OF THE YEAR:  Medium Capacity - Mohegan Sun Arena – Uncasville, CT
NIGHTCLUB OF THE YEAR:  Billy Bob’s Texas – Fort Worth, TX
VENUE OF THE YEAR:  Small Capacity - Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Theater – Austin, TX
VENUE OF THE YEAR:  Medium Capacity - Grand Ole Opry House – Nashville, TN
VENUE OF THE YEAR:  Large Capacity - Bridgestone Arena – Nashville, TN
DON ROMEO TALENT BUYER OF THE YEAR:  Nicole More – Neste Event Marketing
PROMOTER OF THE YEAR:  Brian O’Connell – Live Nation
STUDIO RECORDING AWARDS (FORMERLY THE MBI AWARDS)
BASS PLAYER OF THE YEAR:  Michael Rhodes
DRUMMER OF THE YEAR:  Shannon Forrest
GUITAR PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Rob McNelley
PIANO/KEYBOARDS PLAYER OF THE YEAR:  Charlie Judge
SPECIALTY INSTRUMENT(S) PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Bryan Sutton
STEEL GUITAR PLAYER OF THE YEAR:  Paul Franklin
AUDIO ENGINEER OF THE YEAR:  Justin Niebank
PRODUCER OF THE YEAR:  Dann Huff
SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR:   Shane McAnally
- See more at: http://www.acmcountry.com/news.html?n_id=699#sthash.z2QlutDI.dpuf