American Eagle Awards Land In Nashville For First Time

Kris Kristofferson is among the American Eagle Award honorees.

The National Music Council’s 32nd Annual American Eagle Awards are coming to Nashville July 11 during the NAMM Convention. This marks the first time the awards have been held in Music City.

This year’s celebration will honor Kris Kristofferson, Charley Pride, Jim Lauderdale, manager Jim Halsey, and producer/director Sherman Halsey for their long-term contribution to America’s musical culture and heritage. A special award will also be presented to the Nashville Mayor’s Office, Metro Nashville Public Schools, the CMA, and the Country Music Foundation recognizing the Music Makes Us arts education initiative. Rosanne Cash, The Oak Ridge Boys, John Oates and Jack Ingram will pay tribute musically to this year’s honorees during the awards ceremony.

Tickets to the noon awards presentation are free with a $10 NAMM day pass for July 11, and will be available on site at the Nashville Music City Center. The VIP luncheon that follows is also a ticketed event but is open to the public, and proceeds from that will benefit the Council’s Music Education and Creator’s Rights Advocacy Programs.

For 75 years the NMC has served as a forum for free discussion of music affairs and challenges and is comprised of nearly 50 national music organizations. For more information, schedules and luncheon registration information, go to www.musiccouncil.org.

Past American Eagle Award recipients include Quincy Jones, Herbie Hancock, Clive Davis, Van Cliburn, Benny Goodman, Lionel Hampton, Dizzy Gillespie, Dave Brubeck, Lena Horne, Roy Clark, Stephen Sondheim, Sesame Street, and VH1 Save the Music Foundation.