Douglas receives the "ultimate reward"

Douglas, long considered one of the world's best resophonic players, found out last week he would be joining the IBMA Hall of Fame.

"I joined the IBMA at its inception and have enjoyed the yearly experience of being with so many friends, old and new at each of these conventions and the many live shows that are spawned from its existence. This year, the IBMA has given me the ultimate award, inducting me into the Hall of Fame, where some of my peers, heroes and the originators of bluegrass music reside. It's hard to believe that I was just a kid leaning on the side stage rail listening to all the music I had dreamed about. Suddenly, I'm one of those musicians onstage playing to the kids leaning on the rails."

"Thank you to all the voting members of the IBMA for these wonderful years of inspiration and enjoyment. I am humbled by your honors."

This year, Douglas was nominated for three awards including Album of the Year for "City of Gold - Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway, which he co-produced with Tuttle; Collaborative Recording of the year for "Fall in Tennessee" by Authentic Unlimited with Douglas; and Resophonic Guitar Player of the Year.

The awards will be handed in late September in Raleigh, N.C.