Country Radio Broadcasters Announce Recipients of 2015 Artist Career Achievement Award and President’s Award

Dwight Yoakam to Receive CRB Artist Career Achievement Award and Jeff Walker to be Honored with President’s Award

(Nashville, Tenn. – June 2, 2015) – Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc. have announced Dwight Yoakam as the recipient of the 2015 CRB Artist Career Achievement Award, and Jeff Walker as the recipient of the 2015 President’s Award. Both awards will be presented during the Country Radio Hall of Fame Dinner and Awards ceremony, which will be held on Wednesday, June 24, 2015 at the Omni Hotel in Nashville. A cocktail reception will take place at 6 p.m. with the induction ceremony to follow at 7 p.m.

The 2015 CRB Artist Career Achievement Award recipient, American singer-songwriter and actor, Dwight Yoakam, has recorded more than 21 albums and compilations, charted more than 30 singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts, and sold more than 25 million records to date. He’s recorded 5 Billboard #1 Albums, 12 Gold albums, and 9 Platinum albums. Like the icons he so admires – Elvis Presley, the Beatles, Buck Owens – the Kentucky-born, Ohio-raised Yoakam is one of a kind.

Yoakam’s most recent album Second Hand Heart, released on April 14, 2015, debuted at #2 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart. Rolling Stone calls Second Hand Heart Yoakam’s “best songs in years,” while SPIN labeled it “some of the best music of his life.”

The CRB Artist Career Achievement Award is presented to an individual artist or act that, through their creativity, vision, performance or leadership has made a significant contribution to the development and promotion of country music and country radio.

“Dwight Yoakam’s career achievements are too numerous to list here, but perhaps most impressive is that he accomplished every one of them by never wavering; never flinching from his musical vision and belief system,” said CRS Hall of Fame Chairman, RJ Curtis. “He re-popularized ‘Hillbilly’ or ‘Honky Tonk’ music in a time when the format was arguably in a pop cycle and in the doldrums. His ongoing commitment to deliver a daring, bold sound to Country radio makes Dwight Yoakam an easy selection as 2015 Artist Career Achievement Recipient.”

The 2015 President’s Award will be presented to AristoMedia Group CEO, Jeff Walker. Walker is a music industry entrepreneur who has been at the forefront of changes and advancements within the industry. A graduate of Australia’s Sydney University, he earned a degree in Economics with a major in Accounting & Law. He moved to Nashville in 1974 and took a job working for Price Waterhouse accounting firm and then later transitioned to Con Brio Records. He formed Aristo Music Associates, Inc. five years later in April 1980. Walker has served on the CRS Board for 35 consecutive years and is currently the Treasurer of the organization. Walker’s tenure with the Country Radio Broadcasters Board began in February 1980, two months prior to the launch of his marketing and promotions firm, Aristo Music Associations, Inc.

The President’s Award is presented to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the marketing, production, growth and development of the Country Radio Seminar and the multiple services that Country Radio Broadcasters provides to the Country radio and music communities.

“It would be hard to imagine the CRS without Jeff Walker. That’s because for the past 35 years, Jeff has played a vital leadership role, serving on both the executive committee of the Board and as Treasurer of the organization. His unwavering dedication and stead counsel have helped lead the CRS to the great success we enjoy today and it is my privilege to recognize that service with the 2015 President’s Award,” commented CRS Board President, Charlie Morgan.

Previously announced Country Radio Hall of Fame inductees include Joel Raab, Sammy George, Mike Kennedy, Randy Carroll and Karen Dalessandro.

For information about the Country Radio Hall of Fame Dinner and Ceremony tickets, contact the Country Radio Seminar offices at 615-327-4487.

About Country Radio Broadcasters: The Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc. ® is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization founded in 1969 to bring radio broadcasters from around the world together with the Country Music Industry to ensure vitality and promote growth in the Country Radio format. More information may be obtained at: www.CountryRadioSeminar.com or through the CRB/CRS office at (615) 327-4487.

About Country Radio Seminar: Country Radio Seminar is an annual convention designed to educate and promote the exchange of ideas and business practices in the Country music industry, with specific emphasis on issues relevant to Country radio. Country Radio Seminar 2016 is set for Feb. 8-10, 2016 at the Nashville Convention Center. Visit www.CountryRadioSeminar.com for more information. Like CRS on Facebook and follow CRS on Twitter (Hashtag #CRS2016).