What an honor for Garth Brooks.
The Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) has just announced that Garth will be honored as the next recipient of the Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement Award at the upcoming Nashville Songwriter Awards in September.
According to the organization, the award is focused on artists and writers who have:
“Bestowed to an individual whose works have made a significant contribution to the American songbook and one who has inspired the careers of others.”
Only three other artists have received the award, including the legendary Loretta Lynn (2019), Bill Anderson (2018) and Willie Nelson (2013).
The recipient is chosen personally by one of the greatest songwriters of all time, Kris Kristofferson, and is a huge honor for anyone involved in the country music industry.
Though, the ever-humble Kris says he’s the one who’s honored to give Garth the award, sharing some extremely high praise for G, adding that he belongs on the Mount Rushmore of country greats:
“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. Kris”
And Garth was equally as humble (and probably shed a few tears writing this statement), noting that Kris is the ultimate songwriter and someone he’s always looked up to throughout his career:
“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.
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.”
The show will be held on September 20th at The Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, and more information on tickets for the general public, nominees and performances is forthcoming.
