Country Music Hall of Fame member and musical icon Willie Nelson was presented with the inaugural CMA Lifetime Achievement Award Thursday during The 46th Annual CMA Awards.
On receiving the two-foot tall Award from Brad Paisley, Nelson said, “Wow. You could do push-ups with this. This is a great honor. Thank you to the CMA.”
“Willie is an iconic musical legend and innovator,” said Steve Moore, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “Even as he approaches his 80th birthday, Willie continues to be a lasting and meaningful influence on our music and artists. There is no one more deserving of this honor than Mr. Willie Nelson.”
The Lifetime Achievement Award was created to honor an artist who has attained the highest degree of recognition in country music, including concerts, sales, philanthropy, and public representation. The CMA Board of Directors approved the award in July, and it will be renamed the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award for future presentations.
