Vince Gill Receives The Willie Nelson CMA Lifetime Achievement Award

Vince Gill is one of the most recognizable names in Music.  Although most learned of hist talents after his 1990 breakthrough hit 'When I Call Your Name', he was already a well respected musician and artist working with Keith Whitley, Rodney Crowell, Ricky Skaggs and Emmylou Harris.  Prior to 1990, Gill had also already charted songs like 'Oklahoma Borderline' and 'Turn Me Loose' on RCA Records, was heard singing back-up on hits for Rosanne Cash and Conway Twitty and his signature sound was on Pure Prairie League hits like 'Let Me Love You Tonight'.  After his mainstream breakthrough in 1990 on MCA Records, Vince Gill would be a mainstay in Country Music for decades, hosting 12 CMA Awards shows.  In addition, often being present on major Country Music Television Specials and outperforming many Grand Ole Opry members, by overfilling his Opry appearance commitment. 

Gill has always been a warm and welcome presence in Country Music! Long after charting his string of hit records and 22 CMA wins, he's continued to record and perform, be one of the most sought-after back-up vocalists in any genre, and even stepped in to fill the role of the late Glen Frey on The Eagles tours, an honorary gig that continues today. Although he's received just about every award created - including membership in the Country Music Hall of Fame and more Grammy Awards than any other Male Artist in Country Music (22 at the time of this article), The CMA will honor him with the prestigious Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award.

Vince Gill will now join an elite list of Lifetime Achievement Award Winners that includes Willie Nelson, Kenny Rogers, Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Kris Kristofferson, Charley Pride, Loretta Lynn, Alan Jackson and George Strait.

According to the CMA: The CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award is awarded to an iconic artist who has attained the highest degree of recognition in Country Music. The award recognizes those who have achieved both national and international prominence and stature through concert performances, humanitarian efforts, philanthropy, streaming numbers, record sales, and public representation at the highest level. The artist receiving this award has positively impacted and contributed to the growth of the genre over the course of many years and has proven to have an unprecedented historical impact on fans and industry alike.

Check out our tributes to Kenny Rogers, Kathy Mattea, & Charley Pride.