SANTA MONICA, Calif. - (Business Wire) As part of its ongoing tradition of celebrating musical excellence throughout the year, The Recording Academy® will host its first-ever GRAMMY Salute To Country Music™ honoring Vince Gill presented by MasterCard®. The event will be held on Wed., Sept. 9, 2009 at The Loveless Barn in Nashville, Tenn. The star-studded tribute will feature Amy Grant, Alison Krauss, Steve Martin, Michael McDonald, Brad Paisley, and will include a special presentation of The Recording Academy President's Merit Award to 20-time GRAMMY® winner Gill in honor of his professional achievements and remarkable career. This inaugural event joins others in the "GRAMMY Salute To" series including GRAMMY Salute To Classical Music, Jazz, and Gospel Music, and marks the birth of a new Academy partnership with MasterCard Worldwide. "We are thrilled to be celebrating country music in its epicenter of Nashville, and to honor a legendary artist like Vince Gill who has made an indelible mark on the genre," said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy. "Our 'Salute To' series pays homage to and celebrates the work of extraordinary people and organizations that continue to ensure that these genres remain a vital part of our culture. This event shows our commitment to recognizing musical excellence all year long, and the impact it has on our lives everyday."
"We are proud to partner with The Recording Academy in support of the GRAMMY Awards and more events celebrating music, including this exciting tribute to Vince Gill," said Chris Jogis, Senior Vice President, U.S. Marketing, MasterCard Worldwide. "Music plays an important role in our culture, and MasterCard has a rich history of embracing the industry, and bringing our cardholders closer to renowned music artists. This partnership allows us to bring priceless music experiences to MasterCard cardholders throughout the year."
Hailing from Norman, Okla., Gill's music career has spanned more than 30 years. He has garnered 20 GRAMMY Awards, sold more than 26 million albums, and in 2007 was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. He has recorded 21 albums, including 2006's These Days, successfully weaving country, pop, bluegrass and rock influences together in a groundbreaking four-CD set. As a strong influential force on the country music scene, he has been a coveted duet partner for countless performers including Dolly Parton, Barbra Streisand and his wife, celebrated singer Amy Grant. A true humanitarian, Gill has been active in hundreds of charity events including his own Pro-Celebrity Golf Tournament ("The Vinny"), which supports junior golf programs in Tennessee.
Established in 1957, The Recording Academy is an organization of musicians, producers, engineers and recording professionals that is dedicated to improving the cultural condition and quality of life for music and its makers. Internationally known for the GRAMMY Awards — the preeminent peer-recognized award for musical excellence and the most credible brand in music — The Recording Academy is responsible for groundbreaking professional development, cultural enrichment, advocacy, education and human services programs. The Academy continues to focus on its mission of recognizing musical excellence, advocating for the well-being of music makers and ensuring music remains an indelible part of our culture. For more information about The Academy, please visit www.grammy.com. For breaking news and exclusive content, join the organization's social networks as a follower on Twitter at www.twitter.com/thegrammys, a Facebook fan at www.facebook.com/thegrammys, and a channel subscriber at www.youtube.com/thegrammys.
About MasterCard Worldwide
MasterCard Worldwide advances global commerce by providing a critical economic link among financial institutions, businesses, cardholders and merchants worldwide. As a franchisor, processor and advisor, MasterCard develops and markets payment solutions, processes approximately 21 billion transactions each year, and provides industry-leading analysis and consulting services to financial-institution customers and merchants. Powered by the MasterCard Worldwide Network and through its family of brands, including MasterCard®, Maestro® and Cirrus®, MasterCard serves consumers and businesses in more than 210 countries and territories. For more information go to www.mastercard.com.
The Recording Academy
Jennifer Keppel, 310-392-3777
jenniferk@grammy.com
