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:
[NEXTPAGE]
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
READ MORE
Songs of Remembrance
Leonard Cohen announces new album
New Grace Kelly exhibit
Breakfast at Tiffany’s turns 50
10 great books made into films