The National Music Council will continue its 75th Anniversary Celebrations by bringing its Annual American Eagle Awards presentation to Nashville, TN on July 11, 2015. The highly prestigious Eagle Awards are presented each year in celebration of an individual’s or an organization’s long-term contribution to America’s musical culture and heritage.

This year, Kris Kristofferson, Charley Pride and Jim Lauderdale will be honored, along with music management icon Jim Halsey and country music producer/director Sherman Halsey. A special award will be presented to the Nashville Mayor’s Office, Metro Nashville Public Schools, and Country Music Association & Country Music Foundation, for the creation and support of the Music Makes Us arts education initiative.

Dr. David Sanders, director of the National Music Council, notes that the individual recipients are being honored “not just for the incredible gifts they have given generations of music lovers throughout the world with their creative output, but also for their dedication to encouraging young musicians and potential musicians through their great support and commitment to music education.”