Brooks honored with Kristofferson award

Brooks will receive the award at the fifth annual Nashville Songwriter Awards on Sept. 20 at the Ryman Auditorium.

Brooks also said on his website that would release "Anthology Part II The Next Five Years" soon, although no release date was given.

An award bestowed to an individual whose works have made a significant contribution to the American songbook and one who has inspired the careers of others, the award has only been given to three other individuals since its inception: Loretta Lynn (2019 recipient), Bill Anderson (2018 recipient) and Willie Nelson (2013 recipient).

Chosen personally by Kristofferson, he said, "It's pretty damn embarrassing to give a man of Garth's stature an award with my name on it. When Willie got one he said he could take care of that. Congratulations, Garth, I am truly humbled and honored that you have accepted this! You belong on Mount Rushmore. See you there."

"When they name awards after artists, that award takes on an even greater meaning. Kristofferson is known as the songwriter's songwriter, and he should be," said Brooks. "The honor is the name on the award and the names who have received it. My hope is that through time, the Garth Brooks name is worthy of such an honor. This is going to be a cool night."