Kenny Chesney to Receive Third-Ever Pinnacle Award at 50th Annual CMA Awards

Kenny Chesney will follow in the hallowed footsteps of Garth Brooks and Taylor Swift when he is presented with the third-ever Pinnacle Award at the 50th annual CMA Awards on Nov. 2.

Created and awarded to Garth in 2005 and then Taylor in 2013, the Pinnacle Award recognizes an artist who has achieved global prominence through concert performances and record sales at levels unique in country music. The artist has also attained the highest degree of recognition within the broad expanse of music worldwide. The artist’s talent and presence will have a long-term positive impact on the appreciation of country music for generations to come.

“When you do what you do, you never think it’s a big deal,” said Kenny. “But when an organization like CMA recognizes you in this fashion, it makes you step back. To receive this award—especially during their 50th anniversary—is such an honor, because they’re recognizing half a century of country music.”

Kenny has 43 career CMA Awards nominations and eight wins, including four for Entertainer of the Year.

The 50th annual CMA Awards will be hosted by Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood and broadcast live from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville on Nov. 2 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.

photo by Allister Ann/EB Media

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