Keith Urban, Kelsea Ballerini, Rodney Crowell & More Earn Songwriting Awards

by Jim Casey | @TheJimCasey | September 29, 2017

Keith Urban, Kelsea Ballerini, Rodney Crowell and Bob DiPiero will be receiving individual honors for their songwriting prowess in November.

Keith will receive the BMI Champion Award on Nov. 7 at the 65th BMI Country Awards for his work in “supporting the next generation of songwriters and music makers, as well as his tireless commitment to numerous music education programs.”

Kelsea will receive the ASCAP Vanguard Award on Nov. 6 at the 55th ASCAP Country Music Awards. The Vanguard Award “recognizes the impact of outstanding ASCAP members on musical genres that are shaping the future of American music.” Past winners include Chris Stapleton, Walk the Moon, The Civil Wars and more.

Rodney will receive the ASCAP Founders Award on Nov. 6 at the 55th ASCAP Country Music Awards. The Founders Award is one of ASCAP’s highest honors and is presented to “songwriters and composers who have made pioneering contributions to music by inspiring and influencing their fellow music creators.” Previous recipients include Ricky Skaggs, George Strait, Alan Jackson, Jackson Browne, Emmylou Harris, Garth Brooks and more.

Bob, who has penned more than 1,000 songs recorded by country artists, will receive the BMI Icon Award on Nov. 7 at the 65th BMI Country Awards for his “unique and indelible influence on generations of music makers over the past 38 years.” Previous recipients included Mac Davis, Vince Gill, Hank Williams, Jr., Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Charlie Daniels, Bill Anderson, Kris Kristofferson and more.

Congrats to all of the award winners.

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