Keith Urban, Marty Robbins Among Special ACM Winners
The Academy of Country Music has announced the winners of several special awards voted on by the ACM Board of Directors.
Keith Urban has been chosen as the recipient of the Jim Reeves International Award, presented to an individual for outstanding contributions to the acceptance of country music throughout the world. The superstar's recent world tours have taken him to six countries on three different continents. Past recipients of the Jim Reeves International Award include Garth Brooks, Buck Owens and Dolly Parton, among others.
The late Marty Robbins and his fellow Country Music Hall of Fame member Mel Tillis will receive the Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award, which honors individuals who are pioneers in country music. Among the numerous legends previously honored with this award are Alabama, Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, George Jones, Brenda Lee, Loretta Lynn and Willie Nelson.
Songwriters Don Schlitz and the late Cindy Walker will receive the Poet's Award, honoring songwriters for outstanding musical and/or lyrical contributions throughout their careers in country music. Among their iconic compositions are 'The Gambler,' 'Forever and Ever, Amen' and 'On the Other Hand,' penned by Schlitz, and 'You Don't Know Me,' 'Cherokee Maiden' and 'Bubbles in My Beer,' written by Walker. Previous recipients of the Poet's Award include Bill Anderson, Merle Haggard, Harlan Howard and Fred Rose.
The 2009 film 'Crazy Heart' has been chosen to receive the Tex Ritter Award, given to a movie released and/or receiving major exposure during the preceding calendar year, featuring or utilizing country music.
'Crazy Heart,' an Oscar winner for Best Actor (Jeff Bridges) and Best Original Song ('The Weary Kind' by Ryan Bingham), joins previous winners 'Beer for My Horses,' 'The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas,' 'O Brother, Where Art Thou?', 'Sweet Dreams' and 'Walk the Line,' among others.
These and other Special ACM Awards will be presented to recipients at ACM Honors, which will take place in Nashville on Sept. 21, 2010.
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