Clint Black will soon be honored for his songwriting. The 63-year-old will receive the BMI Icon Award next month, given to him for his “significant songwriting and contributions to country music,” per a press release.
“Clint Black’s career is a testament to the power of songwriting, and he is a true trailblazer whose artistry continues to leave an indelible mark on Country music,” BMI Vice-President of Creative, Clay Bradley, says. “He set a new standard for storytelling in song that defined an era. His ability to craft songs that resonate across decades has made him a true BMI Icon.”
Songs written by Black include “A Better Man,” “Killin’ Time,” “When My Ship Comes In,” “Like the Rain,” and more.
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What Clint Black Says About Receiving the BMI Icon Award
Both Bradley and BMI’s President and CEO Mike O’Neill met with Black to share the good news directly with him.
“It did make me emotional,” Black tells People. “And I could feel the gravity or the levity of it, whichever way you want to characterize it. It was a special moment to be told by them, for them to take the time.”
Black is thrilled with the honor, although he says his biggest reward from his career, which has spanned more than 35 years, doesn’t come from industry accolades.
“I’ve spent my career trying to just be down here on earth and not where someone else wants to put me, whether it’s fans or award shows,” Black explains. “Not to say I don’t appreciate the honors, I just have to guard against thinking too much of myself,”
The BMI Icon Award might be for Black’s past successes, but he insists there is still a lot more he wants to accomplish.
“I’m still playing 80 cities a year, roughly, and I still practice just almost constantly,” says the singer. “I’m still improving. I haven’t seen any decline; I’ve just seen improvements.”
“I’m still striving to become the musician I think I can be,” he adds. “And so that requires putting it to the test, getting up on stage, trying to pull off these challenges I’ve created for myself as a musician, as a singer.”
When Will Clint Black Receive the BMI Icon Award
Black will receive the BMI Icon Award on November 18, at the BMI Awards. The ceremony, which traditionally takes place one night before the CMA Awards, is closed to the public.
Who Else Received the BMI Icon Award
Toby Keith received the BMI Icon Award in 2022. Other notable songwriters who have received the BMI Icon Award include Bill Anderson, Matraca Berg, Loretta Lynn, Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Dolly Parton, Kris Kristofferson, Dean Dillon, Vince Gill and Hank Williams, Jr., among others.