Clay Walker Receives Rick Smith Spirit of Texas Award

Clay Walker is the latest recipient of the Rick Smith Spirit of Texas Award. The singer received the honor on Jan. 15, at the annual Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

“I am thrilled and honored to be receiving this award,” Walker says. “It’s been given to George [Strait] and Willie [Nelson] -- some of the music industry’s most respected musicians (and men), and it’s incredible to even be mentioned in their company."

The award honors the uniqueness of Texas and Texans and is given in memory of Rick Smith, an artist who made vast contributions to Western culture and music through his concerts, music and famed 'Live at Billy Bob's' recordings.

"Whether on stage or in the recording studio, Walker never gives less than 100 percent, and it's that kind of dedicated work ethic combined with talent that have made him one of the most successful country acts of the past decade," the Hall of Fame says on its website. "He has topped the Billboard country singles charts ... placed 31 titles on Billboard's singles chart ... [and] also participated in several forms of charity to help raise awareness of multiple sclerosis following his diagnosis in 1996."

Proceeds from the event benefited the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame and their ongoing children's education programs.

Walker, who plans to release a new album this year, has his own non-profit organization, Band Against MS, and is also the host of 'Trophy Hunters TV' on the Outdoor Channel.