Vince Gill and Tony Stewart previewed the Academy of Country Music/The Home Depot Humanitarian Award this morning (May 23, 2006). Tony will present the award to Vince during the 41st Annual Academy of Country Music Awards broadcast live from MGM Grand in Las Vegas on at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CBS. In its fifth year, the Humanitarian Award recognizes artists who serve others, have a generous spirit and help build the dreams of those in need. Gill was selected by a special blue-ribbon committee comprised of executives in the country music industry as well as local and national philanthropic leaders for his ongoing community service and charitable giving of his time and talent.
"The Academy of Country Music is honored to have Vince Gill as the recipient of the Humanitarian Award," said Gayle Holcomb, Academy of Country Music Chairman of the Board. "Vince's talent is huge, and his heart is even bigger. He has made the world a better place and has done it all with joy and laughter."
As the recipient of the Humanitarian Award, Gill will receive a beautiful crystal trophy designed by Tiffany & Co. during the live CBS telecast. He will also be honored with a KaBOOM! playground built by The Home Depot and the Company's volunteers, in the city of his choice. Past recipients of the Humanitarian Award include Reba McEntire, Lonestar, Martina McBride and Neal McCoy.
"Vince truly embodies the spirit of the Humanitarian Award through his charitable giving and community service," said Roger Adams, senior vice president, Marketing, The Home Depot. "This award gives the Academy of Country Music and The Home Depot a chance to recognize country music stars who make time to give back to the community. At The Home Depot, we're dedicated to improving local communities and enhancing the lives of our neighbors in need - two things that Vince makes time to do on a regular basis."
"I've gotten to write songs, sing and play a guitar for a living, which is a blessing," said Gill. "I've also tried to help other people along the way and have had so much fun doing it. Yet the title 'humanitarian' is a big one. I'm humbled by this honor from the Academy and The Home Depot."
Seventeen-time Grammy award-winning artist Vince Gill has sold more than 22 million albums. Among his many musical honors include his induction into the Grand Ole Opry in 1991 and winning five Academy of Country Music Awards. In addition to his music and performing, Gill is also dedicated to giving back to those in need. Gill dedicates much of his time to programs for children's recreation and education, the terminally ill, the homeless and hungry, cultural and environmental preservation, and the humane treatment of animals. In 1993, Gill established "The Vinny," an annual pro/celebrity golf tournament, to raise money for the Junior Golf program. Gill also sponsors and participates in dozens of organized charities, and nearly all of his concerts have a local charity component as well.
Vincent Gill was born in 1957, in Norman, Okla., the son of a federal judge and a homemaker. By the time he was in high school, he had become proficient on the banjo and guitar and was playing in his first bluegrass band. After graduation, he began pursuing music professionally, working with such acts as the Bluegrass Alliance, Boone Creek, Sundance and, most famously, Pure Prairie League. Gill also toured with Rodney Crowell's high-octane backup band the Cherry Bombs. In 1983, he signed to RCA Records, where he scored his first solo country hits, among them "Oklahoma Borderline" and "Cinderella." His high, pure tenor voice and unerring sense of harmony have made him a favorite duet recording partner for dozens of fellow artists, from Ralph Stanley to Barbra Streisand.
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