NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — Bill Anderson’s journey through country music hit a new high note as he was honored at the ACM Honors in Nashville.
Anderson, also known as “Whisperin’ Bill,” was given the ACM Icon Award on Wednesday, Aug. 19, during the 19th ACM Honors at The Pinnacle in Nashville.
Organizers celebrated Anderson for his huge impact on country music as a recording artist, songwriter, author and TV personality with a career more than 65 years.
Bill shared, “There’s an old gospel song called, ‘I Wouldn’t Take Nothin’ For My Journey Now,’ and that’s pretty much how I’m feeling standing here tonight. I wouldn’t take anything for these 65-plus years, journeying through the world of country music among you and alongside you. You’ve been awfully good to me, and I’ll never be able to tell you how much I appreciate it. And this is the cherry on top of the sundae.
The ACM Icon Award goes to people who have made a lasting difference in country music in many ways.
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Anderson’s latest honor joins his inductions into the Country Music Hall of Fame, Songwriters Hall of Fame and Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. (Publicity Photo)
Anderson’s latest honor joins his inductions into the Country Music Hall of Fame, Songwriters Hall of Fame and Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Anderson’s career took off at age 19 when he wrote “City Lights,” which became a top hit for Ray Price in 1958 and opened doors for him in Nashville.
He went on to write country hits like “Tips of My Fingers,” “Once A Day,” “Saginaw, Michigan,” “Cold Hard Facts Of Life,” “Still” and many more.
In the 1980s, Anderson spent more time on TV and touring with the Grand Ole Opry, but in the 1990s he started co-writing with a new generation of Nashville songwriters.
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That led to more chart-toppers and CMA Song of the Year wins for “Whiskey Lullaby” and “Give It Away.”
The ACM Honors event put a spotlight on Anderson’s long journey and the mark he has left on country music.