Country Radio Broadcasters Honor Legend Merle Haggard

Country Music legend Merle Haggard will be recognized by Country Radio next year. The Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc. will honor the long-time star with their Career Achievement Award at the Country Music DJ and Radio Hall of Fame Dinner and Awards Ceremony on March 3, 2009. The CRB's 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. Known as a Country Singer for the working man, Merle Haggard became a genuine superstar in the 1960s, recording three Top 10 hits, including "Swinging Doors," "The Bottle Let Me Down" and "The Fugitive." Haggard was voted the Top Male Vocalist by the Academy of Country Music Awards, after which he earned 37 consecutive Top 10 hits, including 23 No. 1 singles.In over four decades, Merle Haggard has released more than 65 albums. In 2006, the Country Music icon was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at that year's Grammy's. Haggard is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame and is considered to be one of the originators of "the Bakersfield Sound" along with fellow Country legend Buck Owens. Haggard most recently released The Bluegrass Sessions, and he currently continues to tour the country."What can I add to the long list of accomplishments that Merle Haggard has had during his illustrious career in Country Music?" said CRB President Becky Brenner. "Not only has he been a great friend to Country radio, he's also recognized worldwide as one of the true ambassadors of the Country genre."Shelia Shipley Biddy, the President of Stringtown Records, is also being recognized as the CRB will honor her with their President's Award. Biddy was the first woman to head a major label in Nashville (Decca), by which she introduced Country Music artists such as Lee Ann Womack, Gary Allan and Rhett Akins to Country audiences worldwide. Tickets are available for the event, which will be held at the Renaissance Hotel Ballroom in Nashville. Ticket sale proceeds go to the DJ and Radio Hall of Fame. To purchase tickets, please contact the Country Radio Broadcasters at 615-327-4487 or visit www.crb.org.