Haggard to receive the BMI Icon award
The BMI Icon award will go to country music legend Merle Haggard at the organization's 54th annual Country Awards on Nov. 4 in Nashville, it was announced today. The Country Awards are the oldest awards saluting country music's top artists.
The Icon designation is given to BMI songwriters and artists who have had "a unique and indelible influence on generations of music makers." Haggard, who will be saluted with an all-star musical tribute Nov. 4, joins an list of such past honorees as Dolly Parton, Bill Anderson, Loretta Lynn and Charlie Daniels. Haggard has won 58 BMI Awards, including 48 Country Awards, nine Pop Awards and one R&B Award, as well as 10 ACM Awards, six CMA Awards, two Grammys, the Recording Academy's Lifetime Achievement Award, an IBMA Award, and induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.
By the way, did y'all catch that note a few weeks back in which Mick Jagger said the best opening act on the Rolling Stones' tour was the Merle Haggard appearance here at Alltel Arena in March?
