ACM announces honors

Tuesday, June 27, 2023 – The Academy of Country Music announced today the recipients of the Special Awards for the 58th Academy of Country Music Awards with honorees including Clint Black, BRELAND, Kane Brown, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Charlie Cook, Charlie Daniels, Tim McGraw and Chris Stapleton.

Carly Pearce was named to host for the third straight year.

Others being honored will be Mike Dungan, Bill Mayne, K.T. Oslin and Troy Vollhoffer. The event will be held Aug. 23.

"The Academy of Country Music has played such a crucial role in the rise of my career in the last several years, giving me opportunities to expand my artistry with hosting," Carly Pearce said. "To be able to come back as the host of the ACM Honors for the third year in a row, I feel so grateful and excited for what I know will be such a special night."

Stapleton will receive the prestigious ACM Triple Crown Award following his first win for ACM Entertainer of the Year at the 58th Academy of Country Music Awards. Stapleton qualified for the Triple Crown Award after winning ACM New Male Vocalist of the Year, ACM Male Vocalist of the Year, and ACM Entertainer of the Year throughout his career, an honor only eight other artists have been awarded.

McGraw and record label executive were chosen to receive the ACM Icon Award, honoring the contributions of Cliffie Stone, who was known for his producing work along with his Country Music career. This award is presented to a country artist, duo/group or industry leader who, throughout their career, has advanced the popularity of the genre through their contributions in multiple facets of the industry, such as songwriting, recording, production, touring, film, television, literary works, philanthropic contributions, and other goodwill efforts.

Brown will receive the International Award, inspired by Jim Reeves and presented to a Country Music artist, duo/group, or industry leader for outstanding contributions to the growth of country throughout the world.

BRELAND has been chosen to receive the first-ever ACM Lift Every Voice Award. This award is presented to a country artist, duo/group, industry leader or affiliate/partner who plays a pivotal role in elevating underrepresented voices throughout the genre, transcending demographics and geography. The nominee for this category is proposed by the rising leaders in the Academy's LEVel UP: Lift Every Voice professional development and enrichment program, a two-year curriculum designed to empower participants to play a pivotal role in expanding the horizons of country into new audiences that transcend demographics and geography.

Volhoffer, who works in staging and lighting, will receive the Lifting Lives Award, honoring the contributions of Gary Haber, known as a business manager and past president of ACM Lifting Lives. This award is presented to a Country Music artist, duo/group, or industry professional who is devoted to improving lives through the power of music, has a generosity of spirit

Black, Carpenter, and Oslin were chosen to receive the ACM Poet's Award. This award is presented to a country songwriter for outstanding and longstanding musical and/or lyrical contributions throughout their career, with special consideration given to a song or songs' impact on the culture of the genre.

Charlie Cook and Bill Mayne were picked as the recipients of the ACM Service Award, honoring the contributions of songwriter Mae Boren Axton and her service to the Academy. This award is presented to an outstanding artist, duo/group, or industry leader in recognition of years of dedication and service. Cook has been a disc jockey, country radio executive, and a former chairman, president and Radio Committee Chair of the Academy of Country Music's Board of Directors. Maytne has been in radio and also served the ACM for 35 years.

Daniels, who passed away in 2020, was chosen for the ACM Spirit Award, honoring the contributions of Merle Haggard, who received 20 ACM Awards in his career, including the Triple Crown Award. This award is presented to a singer-songwriter who is continuing the legacy of Haggard by following his/her own path, crafting great songs and epitomizing Haggard's spirit through genuine performances and great storytelling.