‘Golden Voices’ Sing at Tribute Show
More than a dozen BMI legends were big winners at the Second Annual Golden Voice Awards (6/12), saluting "men and women who have given country music her voice." Hosted by Bill Anderson and Jan Howard, the show featured performances by Billy Walker, Mandy Barnett, and Steve Wariner, among others. The award winners are chosen by about 100 voters, 71 of whom are Grand Ole Opry members.
More than 700 people attended the brunch event at the Opryland Hotel, with proceeds going to The Performers Benefit Fund, which provides adequate health care for qualifying members of the Grand Ole Opry and is administered through a board of directors elected by Opry members.
Anderson presented the non-musician Golden Circle Award to Charlie Lamb for his contributions in furthering country music through his work as a journalist, publisher and promoter. Lamb, who was an early champion of the careers of Kitty Wells, Ed Bruce, Connie Smith and Anderson, was an innovator of the layout of modern sales charts as publisher of the trade magazine Music Reporter.
BMI's Golden Voice Awards Winners
Career Achievement Award
Jimmy Dickens
Golden Voice Entertainer
Ferlin Husky
Male Golden Voice
Gene Watson
Male Golden Legacy
Marty Robbins
Female Golden Voice
Skeeter Davis
Female Golden Legacy
Dottie West
Golden Group Legacy
Wilburn Brothers
Bluegrass Golden Voice
Mac Wiseman
Bluegrass Golden Legacy
Lester Flatt
Golden Musicians
Drums: Larrie Londin
Fiddle: Benny Martin
Lead Guitar: Leon Rhodes
Keyboards: Floyd Cramer
Steel Guitar: Buddy Emmons
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