Glen Campbell tribute at the 2011 Country Music Awards

Taylor Swift snagged the prestigious Entertainer of the Year award at the 45th Annual Country Music Association Awards in Nashville on Wednesday, and The Band Perry scooped up three trophies for New Artist of the Year and Song and Single of the Year.

But for many, the most touching moment of the evening was the all-star tribute to music legend Glen Campbell, 75, who rose to prominence in the 1960s and 1970s. During his 50 years in show business, Campbell released more than 70 albums, sold 45 million records and racked up 12 RIAA Gold albums, 4 Platinum albums and 1 Double-Platinum album. Campbell was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2005.

In June he announced he is living with Alzheimer’s disease, and plans to do a farewell tour before retiring from the music industry.

For the tribute, Vince Gill, Keith Urban and Brad Paisley performed three of Campbell’s biggest hits — “By the Time I Get to Phoenix,” “Wichita Lineman” and “Galveston”. Songwriter Jimmy Webb, who penned these Campbell classics, played piano during the performance.

During the performance, Campbell could be seen in the audience smiling and mouthing the words, and afterward he was brought to the stage to a standing ovation.

Watch the tribute here:

Watch other highlights from the evening:

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Here’s a list of winners at the 2011 Annual Country Music Association Awards:

Entertainer of the Year: Taylor Swift

Female Vocalist of the Year: Miranda Lambert

Male Vocalist of the Year: Blake Shelton

New Artist of the Year: The Band Perry

Vocal Group of the Year: Lady Antebellum

Single of the Year: “If I Die Young”, The Band Perry

Album of the Year: My Kinda Party, Jason Aldean

Song of the Year: “If I Die Young,” The Band Perry

Vocal Duo of the Year: Sugarland

Musical Event of the Year: “Don’t You Wanna Stay,” Jason Aldean w/Kelly Clarkson

Music Video of the Year: “You and Tequila,” Kenny Chesney w/Grace Potter

Musician of the Year: Mac McAnally

Source: ABC News

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