ACM Tempo ~ Remembering Lisa Lee

TEMPO ACM

EARLY WINTER 2021

Remembering

Lisa Lee

6

acmcountry.com

LE T TE R FRO M TH E E D ITO R

L

RAC Clark and Barry Adelman, producers of the ACM Awards, have known and worked with Lisa Lee for more than 20 years.

Their relationship continued to grow when Lisa joined the Academy in 2007. We’ve invited them to write this issue’s “Letter from the Editor” to reflect on their colleague and close friend.

isa Lee loved Country Music.

Everything about it: the songs, the lyrics, the musical structure, the lifestyle and, most of all, the artists. At every Academy of Country Music Awards™, you would see her on the red carpet and in the venue hobnobbing with all the executives, publicists, fellow journalists, artists and musicians. It was a Country Music family reunion and Lisa was everyone’s favorite relative, the one who makes you feel good inside whenever you see her. One year, she gave each of us each a poster of a 1966 classic movie, Las Vegas Hillbillys, starring Ferlin Husky and Jayne Mansfield with Sonny James, Bill Anderson, Connie Smith and many more (with a special appearance by Mamie Van Doren!).

“Hot cool & Country with these top stars in the brightest spot on earth!” That’s how she felt every year when the ACM Awards® came to Las Vegas.

Embracing our classic Country roots was a huge part of Lisa’s passion. We will always be able to see that passion captured in the beautiful coffee table book she wrote for the Academy’s 50th anniversary. She was such a talented writer, and we were so lucky to have her as part of the scripting team for the show. She always kept us honest on the history and tradition of the Academy of Country Music® and the industry.

During the lead up to every show, we would do a video interview with Lisa.

It was one of our favorite moments. We did it for the Academy’s social platforms, but we were really doing it to spend more time with Lisa. We loved to see her beautiful smile and hear her musical laugh as she struggled to keep us on track. The three of us had a special relationship born out of mutual respect and a whole lotta love.

The last time we called on Lisa’s expertise was for the 56th ACM Awards.

We needed a meaningful lyric to describe the nominees for the “Female Artist of the Year” category. After spending many hours considering thousands of options, Lisa chose a lyric from the song “Road Less Traveled” by Lauren Alaina. Part of that lyric reads, “If you trust your rebel heart, ride it into battle ... don’t be afraid ... take the road less traveled.”

Lisa rode her amazing heart into her personal battle with cancer, unafraid. In doing so, she gave us all an example of courage that will help us to forge our own difficult roads ahead. We know how important ACM Tempo and particularly this space was to Lisa. It took two of us and we couldn’t fill it as well as her. But it was an honor to try.

RAC Clark

Barry Adelman

ACM Awards Executive Producer

ACM Awards Executive Producer

acmcountry.com

3

Simply the

Best L

isa Lee, Senior Vice President of creative and content for the Academy of Country Music®, died August 21, 2021, from brain cancer. She was 52.

Born Alicia Faye Young in Cabot, Ark., on

December 24, 1968, she earned a bachelor’s degree

in journalism and English from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and a master’s degree in broadcast journalism from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. Lisa landed a reporting job at the Cabot Star-Herald newspaper straight out of school. A true advocate of the human condition, her reporting throughout her career was grounded by a strong emphasis on the heart of what a story meant to those impacted and those watching.

4

acmcountry.com

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Lee, Kris Kristofferson, Will Hoge; Luke Bryan, Lee; Nate Ritches, Whit Sellers, Trevor Rosen, Matthew Ramsey, Lee, Geoff Sprung, Ed Warm, Brad Tursi, Kelsey Maynard; Taylor Payne, Lee; Lee, Darius Rucker; Madison Dyer, Nick Sammons, Noah Carlson, Lauren Brauchli Dickens, Mia O’Brien, Matt Katsolis, Lee, Jeycob Carlson, Tracy Goldenberg, Pete Gill; Nick Sammons, Lauren Brauchli Dickens, Lee; Lee, Dean Dillon, LeeAnn Womack

One of her early jobs was at KTAL-TV, an NBC affiliate serving Texarkana and Shreveport, La. On her very first assignment, the camera stopped functioning due to high humidity. Lisa and crew “got creative,” drying out the aging piece of equipment with a hair dryer, rather than miss the story because of a technical problem. Although her assignments covered a variety of topics, she made it very clear early on it was entertainment stories that truly interested her. Eventually, she convinced station management to allow her to do movie reviews; and she promptly constructed her own little critic’s corner set.

If a Country star was appearing anywhere in Arkansas or surrounding states, Lisa would cover the event. Always turning in well-researched, thoughtful interviews, she proved local affiliates can do insightful, quality work.

A regular at Country Music events throughout the region, the always-friendly television journalist began forging meaningful friendships with other members of the media. A friendship with a reporter/producer from Jim Owens and Associates, the Nashville-based production

6

acmcountry.com

acmcountry.com

7

...her ambition, talent and unwillingness to take no for an answer paid off.

8

acmcountry.com

company behind TNN Country News at the time, suggested keeping in touch. Soon she was checking in with the folks at Jim Owens, updating them on all the entertainment pieces she was working on, while not so subtly working to convince them to hire her.

As always, her ambition, talent and unwillingness to take no for an answer paid off. Hired by Jim Owens and Associates, she served as a reporter and producer in Nashville from 1995 to 1999.

In 2000, Lisa moved to CMT and CMT.com as a news correspondent and producer. Then a part of the MTV Networks group, she not only reported on events across the United States, but also in England, Japan, Canada and Switzerland.

Always looking to create and expand the social conversation, she also wrote and produced the Prism Award-winning special Addicted to Addiction, as well as the TV news specials Sex in Videos: Where’s the Line and Controversy: Tammy Wynette.

Clockwise from top left: Bob Romeo, Tommy Wiggins, Lee; Clint Black, RAC Clark, Barry Adleman, Bob Romeo, Lee; Brooke Primero, Leslie Fram, Beverly Keel, Cam, Tracy Gershon, Lee; Bob Romeo, Lee, Barry Adleman, RAC Clark, Clint Black; Lee; Pete Fisher, Lee, Dierks Bentley, Ricky Skaggs; Nick Sammons, Lauren Brauchli Dickens, Dwight Yoakam, Lee; Brandon Campbell, Noah Carlson, Alison Chilton, Jacob Kindberg, Lee, Taylor Payne, Tracy Goldenberg, Carley Thomas, Nick Sammons, Madison Dyer, Pete Gill

acmcountry.com

9

Clockwise from top left: Lee speaking at CMHOF; Bob Romeo, Lee, Tiffany Moon; Justin Moore, Lee; Ken Tucker, Lee, Paul Barnabee; Jackson Lee, Lee, Grayson Lee

10

acmcountry.com

In 2004, Lisa moved to Los Angeles, becoming the Hollywood-based correspondent and West Coast News Bureau Chief for CMT Insider, the network’s interview-driven news show, where she covered music, movies and television.

In 2007, three years after her move to L.A., Lisa accepted the Academy of Country Music’s offer to draw on her experience as a TV journalist and producer to help the Academy establish and grow their own in-house creative and video production department. As the Academy’s lead staff producer, she oversaw all video production as well as the design, creation and editing of ACM logos, digital and printed materials including ACM TEMPO magazine, the ACM Awards® program book, and both the ACM® and ACM Lifting Lives® websites.

With her long history of production and network teamwork, Lisa served as a liaison with CBS television’s creative departments and CBS.com for promos and creative content surrounding the annual ACM Awards. She was named producer of the ACM Honors™, a live industry event dedicated to celebrating the Academy’s special award honorees, off-camera category winners, and ACM Industry and Studio Recording Awards winners. Held each year at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Lisa imbued the event with a real love for the people who go the extra mile to support, expand and protect Country Music in its most creative places.

In 2014, Lisa wrote and created This Is Country: A Backstage Pass to the Academy of

Country Music Awards. The deeply researched coffee table book celebrated the 50th anniversary of the ACM Awards and included a forward by Reba McEntire.

Co-workers from over the years and around the globe have remained close friends. Each is quick to acknowledge not just the joyous ambitious nature that took her from a small town in Arkansas to graduate school at Northwestern University, to a job as a Los Angeles-based entertainment news correspondent, to a Senior Vice President position at the Academy of Country Music, but also her deeply generous heart. In a tough business, she understood the stakes but also recognized the power of bringing light to everything she did.

Lisa was a member of the Writers Guild of America. She was also a Leadership Music alum. She was a devoted mother, wife and friend; always the first one with a smile, a quick laugh or a kind word on a long day.

Lisa is survived by her father, Charlie Young; her husband (and high school sweetheart), Doug Lee; her daughter, Grayson, and son, Jackson; in-laws, Phillip and Sarah Lee of Cabot, and many other Lee family members. Lisa has since been followed in death by her mother, Faye Young. She was preceded in death by her grandparents and brothers, Jason Young and Dennis Young. ●

To support her family by contributing to her memorial fund, please see information below.

First Arkansas Bank and Trust Donations can be made by: ZELLE

LisaLeeMemorial@gmail.com

PO Box 827 Jacksonville, AR 72078 Attn: Lisa Lee Memorial Fund MAIL

acmcountry.com

11

Remembering Lisa “Lisa Lee loved Country Music, and if you knew her, she LOVED you.

We are a better industry because of the love and care she showed in everything she did. I know she always had a smile and kind word for me.

She loved life. We all need to take a lesson from the book of Lisa and let kindness and love lead the way.” —Trisha Yearwood “It is certainly a sad day for Country Music. We have lost a bright light and true leader in our business who cared deeply for telling the story of the music, artists and creators. Our hearts go out to her entire family, especially her husband, Doug, and precious children, Grayson and Jackson, at this terribly difficult time. We look forward to honoring her in many ways in the future.”—Lori Badgett, ACM Chair & Senior Vice President of City National Bank

“Lisa Lee and I grew up together in this business. She was a TV reporter, producer, writer and big executive. She covered my heroes and my friends, she wrote about me and my mother. She truly cared about Country Music — and I absolutely cared about her.

Good-bye, my sweet friend.”

—Kenny Chesney

“We lost one of our true lights yesterday. Lisa Lee was one of the most passionate and caring people I’ve ever met. Her love and appreciation of music, and the artists who made it, was everything you’d ever want. I loved being interviewed by her for that reason and because she always brought such a warmth into the room. Peace be with all of her family today.” —Keith Urban

12

acmcountry.com

“Lisa has always been a light inside our industry. Her ability for telling not only my story but the story of so many was unmatched because it was from her heart. She truly loved her job and it showed on her face every time she was around. I will miss her.” —Luke Bryan

“Ever since she joined the Academy, she became the heart, the soul and the historian for the ACM. She was passionate about our West Coast roots and created a magnificent snapshot of the organization and its award show with a coffee table book to celebrate our 50th anniversary. On a personal level, I relied on her to keep me honest when it came to telling the Academy’s story. She had such depth of knowledge and passion. I will miss her tremendously.”

—RAC Clark, Executive Producer of the ACM Awards, 1999 to present, ACM Board Member and interim Executive Director of the Academy of Country Music 2019

“Amazing mom, wife and friend. My heart goes out to Doug and the whole family. What a fighter. What a soul.

I’ll miss you my friend!”

—Storme Warren

“I always loved getting to visit with Lisa, whether it be about the music business or an interview. She was a huge asset to our business. I sure will miss her smiling face.”

—Reba McEntire

“Lisa was smart, and funny, and a beautiful human being. She was a treasure trove in terms of the history and the importance of Country Music, and she cared about those traditions and the artists deeply. I don’t know what the Academy is going to do without her. She had a way about her that was smooth, but nurturing. When you do live TV, anything can happen (and usually does); she was a calming influence who could get things done and make people in that setting feel grounded and settled. Whatever was happening, she would make it okay. Lisa could talk to anyone.

When we were live on the red carpet, she could talk with everyone from a production assistant to a superstar like Garth Brooks — and make everybody feel welcome and comfortable. She really just wanted to do her job: to tell great stories, and not let the politics get in the way. And she did. Plus, she had a smile that could light up a room. She had me — as the line goes — at hello. I’m going to miss that smile, because I’ve lost a true friend.” —Jack Sussman, Executive Vice President, Specials, Music + Live Events, CBS Entertainment

“Lisa Lee was a pioneer, a professional, a partner, an effortless expert … but more than that she was the best human, a loving wife, a proud Mama, a loyal friend, a tireless fighter, a faithful and dedicated Child of God who never hesitated to give everything she had to any of us professionally or personally. Aside from her many accolades and credits, it is her heart and her kindness that leaves behind the most impact. She loved hard. She laughed hard. We are all better to have been in her orbit.”

—Jennie Smythe, CEO, Girlilla Marketing

acmcountry.com

13

“A few months into my first year on the job, Lisa and I go to Chicago for a Lifting Lives benefit show with Old Dominion, everything went great and after our section, we were in the VIP area enjoying the show, the moment the crowd started doing the electric slide, Lisa jumped from her chair and ran over saying ‘I’ve gotta teach these young’uns how to do it properly.’ Seconds later, she was in the middle of the crowd, showing kids half her age how to dance, encouraging anyone to join.” —Brandon Campbell

“Lisa was an incredible mentor to me in my career in Country Music these past 6 years. She has taught me so much about this industry; however, the greatest life lessons that I will take from Lisa are all that she has taught me about family and love. Her advice and memory will stay with me forever🤍.” —Maddy Stessman

“Fall seven times, stand up eight. Lisa gifted me a bracelet with this saying after completing my internship with the ACM in 2018. It was a saying she felt would keep me motivated as I was about to graduate college and enter the workforce, but most importantly it was a saying she said resonated with her. I can’t think of better words to represent her fight with cancer. She was taken way too soon, but her perseverance was remarkable and admirable.

I will always credit Lisa for believing in me, my work and talent, and providing wonderful guidance and support. But this was felt and seen more than just within my career. Lisa was there for me no matter the situation. She deeply cared; always the first to ask how my weekend was on Monday morning or how a trip to visit family was. Without a doubt, she adored her employees and colleagues. It was even more apparent when on a workday, I suffered an allergic reaction and wound up in Cedars Sinai Hospital all alone. Lisa knew I didn’t have family members anywhere nearby, and she happened to be at the same hospital getting treatment that day. Between treatments she and Doug came to visit me, bringing me coffee and food and offering comfort and smiles. Her sacrifices and thoughtfulness reached far beyond work. She was truly an incredible woman, and I am so thankful to have experienced her incomparable mentorship, friendship and love.

She may no longer be here physically, but I still feel her encouragement to keep standing up no matter how many times I may fall. I love you, and you’ll be dearly missed, Lisa.”

—Libby Gardner

14

acmcountry.com

“What I most remember about Lisa is that she was always positive and warm to everyone around her. She had so much passion for the industry and for her place in it that it was infectious to anyone that worked around her. We will forever question, ‘What would Lisa do?’ in the future.”

—Damon Whiteside

“Lisa Lee was a woman who made every single person feel like family, including me. She made that very clear when she gave me one of her famous hugs on my first day of work as her new assistant and welcomed me to a new city and job like she had known me for years. That was Lisa. She opened up her home to all of us and was so proud that her family was our ‘LA Family’. She was a mentor and friend and taught me everything I know about the Country Music industry, the strong legacy of the Academy of Country Music and most importantly how to get into Tootsies from the alley of the Ryman after a show.

“I’ve always wanted a career in live events, and I’ve always known that one day I want children. However, I never thought about what those two things looked like together — until I met Lisa. As much as Lisa lived for Country Music, her family was always the most important thing to her. She loved telling stories about Doug, the kids, and her upbringing in Arkansas — letting you into her life and making you feel like family all at the same time. She was such an extraordinary example of what balancing a family and a career should look like and I will always remember the way she talked about that — feeling so lucky to have both. When Lisa found out that my boyfriend (now husband) and I lived nearby in Culver City, she invited us over to have drinks before heading to an ACM concert. From that day on, we felt like a part of the family. Lisa even asked to watch our dog Disco while we were out of town, to give the kids a taste of what it was like to take care of a pet. Shortly after that, Lisa and Doug surprised the kids with their cute puppy, Poppy. I was even fortunate enough to stay with Grayson and Jackson for a few days while Lisa and Doug were out of town. One night while there, Bridget from the ACM joined us to get frozen yogurt — and once the kids were all filled with sugar is where my favorite ‘Lisa’ memory takes place. We returned to the house and out of nowhere, Grayson blasts music and her and Jackson started running in and out of their rooms with the most bizarre outfits on — impersonating whoever was singing and even including my dog Disco in their performances. Bridget and I were crying with laughter. I will forever cherish the video of Grayson singing Josh Turner with a giant cowboy hat on.

The two of them dancing and performing to every genre of music, making us laugh and just being 100% themselves — clearly these were Lisa’s kids. I find comfort knowing that Grayson and Jackson embody so much of who their mom was, they really had the best mom — and they knew that, too. Lisa holds a special place in my heart — I will always aspire to have a life as fulfilled and happy as the one she shared with us. Thank you for being our mama bear!”

—Lanni Gagnon

She was whip smart, funny and a pure joy to be around. Her stories were unmatched and the life she lived was full and adventurous.

I know we will all be thinking of her every time we hear Johnny Cash or Elvis, watch Grease or hear a new piece of Country Music history and think…‘Lisa would have known that.’

Thank you for everything. We love you so. Till we meet again, I can’t wait for another hug. Until then I’ll always remember to ‘love like there’s no such this as a broken heart’ like you always reminded us to do🤍.”—Bridget Cirone

“Lisa was the first to give a compliment, reference a Friends episode or offer an uplifting piece of encouragement. The passion she had for her craft and the pure love she continually displayed for Country Music will forever remain an inspiration to me. The time that we worked together wasn’t long, but it is a time that I cherish.”

—Hannah Kellis

“Lisa was and always will be the Mama Bear of the ACM.” —Jen Heaton

acmcountry.com

15

Historyof

The

ACM Honors

BY LIBBY GARDNER & HANNAH KELLIS

T

he Annual Academy of Country Music® Honors, which began in 2007 as a small gathering to celebrate the ACM Pioneer

Awards, has grown over the past 14 years into one of the Country Music industry’s favorite nights. Now, ACM Honors™ is an evening dedicated to recognizing the special honorees and off-camera category winners from the annual Academy of Country Music Awards™ cycle, including the Special Awards, Studio Recording Awards, Industry Awards and Songwriter of the Year Award. The Academy of Country Music Special Awards are voted on by the ACM Board of Directors for special achievements.

Take a look back through our photographic history to see how this special evening has evolved over the years to become the ACM Honors we know today.

16

acmcountry.com

AT THE HEART OF IT ALL The Academy’s very own Lisa Lee was passionate about all things Country Music including the Academy and the ACM Awards, but her favorite event of the year was ACM Honors.

ACM Honors began in 2007 as the ACM Pioneer Awards, but in 2008, the year Lee joined the Academy, it was rebranded into ACM Honors with her help. Lee was incredibly passionate about the industry and honoring the artists, musicians and industry leaders who make Country Music such a unique landscape. The show was truly her creative vision and evidently everything that Lee put her time into demonstrated her admiration of Country Music and those who were a part of it.

F I R S T A N N UA L

ACM Pioneer Awards (ACM Honors) June 20, 2007 Tennessee State Museum

1

1. Porter Wagoner presents Dolly Parton with the ACM Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award with host Marty Stuart. 2. Ty Herndon and Rhonda Vincent in attendance to present awards to honorees Jack Lamier (ACM Mae Boren Axton Award) and Dolly Parton (ACM Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award), respectively. 3. Trisha Yearwood poses at the first ACM Honors, having performed “He Called Me Baby” for honoree Harlon Howard, who was awarded the ACM Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award (posthumously). 4. Dottie Rambo, Mary Stuart and Connie Smith pose backstage at the first ACM Honors ceremony.

2

3

1

4

5

S E CO N D A N N UA L 2

3

ACM Honors September 17, 2008 Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum

4

1. Brenda Lee, recipient of the ACM Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award, displays her ACM trophy backstage.

2. Luke Bryan performs Conway Twitty’s “I’d Love To Lay You Down”; Twitty is one of recipients of the 2007 ACM Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award. 3. Joe Nichols, Connie Smith and Jon Randall perform “I’ll Wait For You,” “Once A Day” and “Whiskey Lullaby” in tribute to songwriter Bill Anderson, recipient of the ACM Poet’s Award. 4. Joe Bonsall, Duane Allen, William Lee Golden and Richard Sterban of the Oak Ridge Boys, recipients of the ACM Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award, pose backstage at the 2nd ACM Honors. 5. RAC Clark accepts the trophy on behalf of his father, Dick Clark, recipient of the ACM Jim Reeves International Award.

acmcountry.com

17

1

TH I R D A N N UA L

ACM Honors September 22, 2009 Schermerhorn Symphony Center

2 3

4

1

1. Carrie Underwood poses with honoree and recipient of the ACM Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award, Randy Travis. 2. Miranda Lambert performs onstage to honor ACM Poet’s Award recipient, Merle Haggard. 3. Jamey Johnson and Kellie Pickler perform the Kenny Rogers and Dottie West hit duet, “When Two Worlds Collide”; Rogers was honored with the ACM Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award. 4. Merle Haggard, recipient of the 2008 ACM Poet’s Award, poses on the red carpet of the 3rd ACM Honors.

2

F O U R TH A N N UA L

ACM Honors September 20, 2010 Ryman Auditorium 1. Keith Urban accepts the ACM Jim Reeves International Award at the 4th Annual ACM Honors. 2. Marty Stuart and a few of his Fabulous Superlatives perform “Big Iron” in honor of Marty Robbins, a recipient of the ACM Cliffie Sonte Pioneer Award (posthumously). 3. John Rich, Larry Gatlin and Kenny Rogers hang backstage at Ryman Auditorium. 4. Randy Travis performs “On The Other Hand” and “Forever and Ever, Amen” in tribute to accomplished songwriter and recipient of the 2009 ACM Poet’s Award, Don Schlitz.

18

acmcountry.com

3

4

F I F TH A N N UA L

ACM Honors

1

2

3

4

September 19, 2011 Ryman Auditorium 1. Taylor Swift accepts the ACM Jim Reeves International Award at the 5th ACM Honors. 2. Brett Eldredge performs “It Ain’t Gotta Be Love,” which he also performed on the soundtrack of the major motion picture Country Strong, which was the recipient of the 2010 ACM Tex Ritter Film Award. 3. Steve, Larry and Rudy Gatlin of the Gatlin Brothers are awarded the ACM Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award on the Ryman stage.

1

2

S I X TH A N N UA L

ACM Honors September 17, 2008 Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum

3

1. Clint Black performs a medley of “King of the Road,” “Dang Me” and “Husbands and Wives” in honor of Roger Miller, who is awarded with the ACM Poet’s Award (posthumously).

2. Luke Bryan performs “Country Girl (Shake It For Me)” in honor of his friend and song co-writer Dallas Davidson, recipient of the 2011 ACM Songwriter of the Year Award. 3. Alan Jackson accepts the ACM Jim Reeves International Award at the 6th ACM Honors. 4. Kenny Chesney is awarded the ACM Crystal Milestone Award.

acmcountry.com

19

S E V E N T H A N N UA L

ACM Honors September 10, 2013 Ryman Auditorium 1

2

3

4

1. Wynonna Judd accepts the ACM Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award for The Judds. 2. Charles Kelley and Dave Haywood of Lady A, recipients of the 2012 ACM Jim Reeve International Award, pose backstage with their ACM Honors trophies. 3. Honoree Tommy Wiggins, recipient of the ACM Mae Boren Axton Award, poses backstage with Randy Owen of Alabama. 4. Randy Owen, Teddy Gentry and Jeff Cook of Alabama accept the ACM Career Achievement Award.

3

E I G H TH A N N UA L

ACM Honors September 9, 2014 Ryman Auditorium 1 3

20

acmcountry.com

2 4

1. Ronnie Milsap accepts the 2013 ACM Career Achievement Award. 2. Kris Kristofferson accepts the ACM Poet’s Award. 3. Gary LeVox, Jay DeMarcus and Joe Don Rooney of Rascal Flatts are honored with the ACM Jim Reeves International Award. 4. Dwight Yoakam performs a tribute song for Buck Owens, recipient of the ACM Poet’s Award (posthumously).

N I N TH A N N UA L

ACM Honors September 1, 2015 Ryman Auditorium

1 2

3

1. Kacey Musgraves performs her song “Good Ol’ Boys Club” in tribute to Luke Laird, fellow co-writer and the recipient of the 2014 ACM Songwriter of the Year Award. 2. Eric Church accepts the 2014 ACM Jim Reeves International Award onstage at Ryman Auditorium.

3. Honoree Loretta Lynn, recipient of the ACM Crystal Milestone Award, waves to the crowd.

4 1

2

To mark the 10th Annual ACM Honors, the event was televised for the first time in its history on CBS.

TE N TH A N N UA L 3

ACM Honors August 30, 2016 Ryman Auditorium 1. Alicia Keys and Cam put their own spin on Little Big Town’s “Girl Crush,” recipients of the ACM Crystal Milestone Award. 2. Dan + Shay and Chris Young perform “Flowers On The Wall” together in tribute to The Statler Brothers. 3. Glen Campbell’s family accepts the ACM Career Achievement Award on his behalf (from left to right; Cal Campbell, Kimberly Campbell, Ashley Campbell and Shannon Campbell). 4. Dierks Bentley and ACM Lifting Lives® Music Camp campers perform “Freedom” in tribute to Ross Copperman, who is honored with the ACM Songwriter of the Year Award.

acmcountry.com

21

E L E V E N TH A N N UA L

ACM Honors August 23, 2017 Ryman Auditorium 1. Honorees Reba McEntire, recipient of the 2016 ACM Mae Boren Axton Service Award, and Dolly Parton, recipient of the 2016 ACM Gary Haber Lifting Lives Award, pose backstage. 2. Alan Jackson performs a medley of “Marina Del Ray” and “The Firemen” in honor of George Strait. 3. Strait performs his hit “Here For A Good Time” after accepting the ACM Cliffie Stone Icon Award.

1

1 2

3

2

T W E L F TH A N N UA L

ACM Honors 3

August 22, 2018 Ryman Auditorium 1. Chris Stapleton performs “Here In The Real World” honoring ACM Cliffie Stone Icon Award winner, Alan Jackson.

2. Darius Rucker accepts the 2017 ACM Gary Haber Lifting Lives Award from Kip Moore. 3. Dierks Bentley and Ricky Skaggs pose backstage at the 12th ACM Honors, where Bentley was honored with the ACM Merle Haggard Spirit Award.

22

acmcountry.com

TH I R TE E N TH A N N UA L

ACM Honors August 21, 2019 Ryman Auditorium

1 2

3

1. Caylee Hammack pays tribute to Martina McBride by serenading the crowd with her rendition of “A Broken Wing” at the 13th ACM Honors. 2. Keith Urban and Miranda Lambert duet on a performance of “The House That Built Me” as Lambert is honored with the ACM Gene Weed Milestone Award. 3. Lauren Alaina presents honoree Martina McBride with the ACM Cliffie Stone Icon Award.

1

2

F O U R TE E NT H A N N UA L

ACM Honors August 25, 2021 Ryman Auditorium

1. Alan Jackson and Lee Ann Womack perform twice onstage at Ryman Auditorium, honoring Loretta Lynn (ACM Poet’s Award) with “Louisiana Woman, Mississippi Man” and RAC Clark (ACM Mae Boren Axton Service Award) with “Murder on Music Row.” 2. Keith Urban presents Ross Copperman with the ACM Gary Haber Lifting Lives Award after honoring him with a performance of “John Cougar, John Deere, John 3:16.” 3. Dan + Shay accept the ACM Jim Reeves International Award following a performance medley of their hits from songwriters Jessie Jo Dillon, Nicolle Galyon, Jordan Reynolds and Laura Veltz.

3

acmcountry.com

23