Dolly Parton, Buck Owens, Waylon Jennings, Harlan Howard honored by Academy of Country Music

Howard, Jennings, Parton and Williams will be honored with the Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award, presented to an outstanding "pioneer" of country music.

The late Howard is one of the most influential composers in country music. With more than 4,000 songs to his credit, Howard worked with some of the industry's biggest names including Patsy Cline, Hank Williams Jr. and Reba McEntire.

Jennings crafted a new sound that combined his forceful electric guitar, rough-edged lyrics and diverse range. Jennings worked with many artists including Buddy Holly and Willie Nelson. He is also known for writing and performing the theme song from The Dukes of Hazzard. Jennings will be honored posthumously.

Parton's songs include "I Will Always Love You" and "Travelin' Thru."

After seven years with the folk group Pozo Seco Singers, Williams started a solo career that lead to 17 number 1 hits. Williams also developed a style that had gently paced love songs with simple arrangements, vocals and sentiments. After much success in the United States, Williams frequently tours the United Kingdom and South Africa.

Past honorees of the Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award have included Alabama, Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, George Jones, Loretta Lynn, Tex Ritter, Hank Williams Sr., Bob Wills and Nelson.

The late Owens, who pioneered the Bakersfield Sound, will be honored with the Jim Reeves International Award, presented to an individual, not necessarily an artist, for outstanding contribution to the acceptance of country music throughout the world. Owens had 26 consecutive hits and was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Owens' influence on country music can be heard today by Dwight Yoakam and Brad Paisley.

Lameier will be honored with the Mae Boren Axton Award, given in recognition of years of dedication and service by an outstanding individual to the Academy of Country Music. Lameier served on the Academy of Country Music Board of Directors for 28 years and was president for 2 of those years. His career in music includes more than 40 years at Sony, and he is a veteran in radio promoting and DJing. In 2006, he received the President's Award from the Country Radio Broadcasters.

Marty Stuart will host the event where the awards will be formally handed out.