Loretta Lynn, Dan + Shay Among ACM Awards Honors Winners

The 2021 ACM Awards Honors winners have been announced, with Loretta Lynn, Dan + Shay, Lady A, Rascal Flatts and more among the recipients. The ACM Awards Honors ceremony will be held on Wednesday, August 25, at the Ryman Auditorium.

Lynn is the recipient of the ACM Poet’s Award, along with songwriters Gretchen Peters and Curly Putnam, with Putnam receiving the honor posthumously. The award is given to writers who show “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 Country Music.”

Dan + Shay are being honored with the ACM Jim Reeves International Award, which is presented to an “artist or industry leader for outstanding contributions to the acceptance of Country Music throughout the world.”

Rascal Flatts will receive the ACM Cliffie Stone Icon Award, along with producer Joe Galente. The award is given to a “Country Music 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.”

Lady A and Ross Copperman will both receive the ACM Gary Haber Lifting Lives Award, honoring their dedication to “improving lives through the power of music, has a generosity of spirit, and is committed to serving others.” This award is voted on by the ACM Lifting Lives Board of Directors.

Luke Combs is the latest recipient of the ACM Gene Weed Milestone Award, which is given to a “Country Music artist, duo/group or industry leader for a specific, unprecedented or outstanding achievement in the field of country music during the preceding calendar year.”

Toby Keith is being honored with the ACM Merle Haggard Spirit Award, given to a “singer-songwriter who is continuing the legacy of Country legend and 20-time ACM Award winner Merle Haggard by following his/her own path, crafting great songs and epitomizing Merle’s spirit through genuine performances and great storytelling.”

Fans who want to attend the show can purchase tickets beginning on June 18 at Ticketmaster.