The idea behind the Academy of Country Music’s annual honors show is interesting — the event recognizes the contributions of special honorees, along with the requisite number of country stars. The big names get their due, but producers, pluggers and pickers receive credit as well. Now in its sixth year, the ACM Honors Show has a fine lineup of deserving recipients. The Poet’s Award will go to the great songwriter Bobby Braddock, who has penned indelible hits for the likes of George Jones. Mega-star Kenny Chesney will take home a Crystal Milestone Award, while Vince Gill receives a Career Achievement Award. Also honored will be producer Frank Liddell and bassist Michael Rhodes. The Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award goes to four famous figures: singer Emmylou Harris, producer Billy Sherrill, bluegrass giant Ricky Skaggs and postmodern honky-tonker Dwight Yoakam. Hosted by Dierks Bentley, the show should be fun — the stars mingle with the people who make the music go around.
— Edd Hurt