| Bill Anderson receives ACM Award |
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09/17/2008 The Academy of Country Music presented its first-ever Poet's Award to Whisperin' Bill Anderson, and the late Fred Rose, during their Honors gala on September 17th, 2008 at the Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum in Nashville. Upon accepting the award, Anderson explained that he was especially proud to be receiving the honor alongside Fred Rose, who was a man he had always idolized -- but never met. In turn, the legendary Hall of Famer noted that he was accepting the award on behalf of every songwriter in country music. "Being given the Poet's Award is truly a great honor," Anderson commented. Then, he jokingly added, "but I secretly suspect I got the first one because they're doing it in alphabetical order!" Paying tribute to three of Anderson's major compositions with a live performance were: Joe Nichols, singing "I'll Wait For You"; Connie Smith, "Once A Day"; and Jon Randall, "Whiskey Lullaby". The Poet's Award now becomes an annual ACM honor and goes to the songwriter or songwriters for outstanding musical and/or lyrical contributions throughout their careers in the field of country music. |