Vince Gill Receiving Recording Academy President's Merit Award

Vince Gill will receive the Recording Academy President's Merit Award during the first-ever Grammy Salute to Country Music on September 9 at The Loveless Barn in Nashville.

The award honors the 20-time Grammy Award winner for his professional achievements and his historic career. Scheduled to appear are Amy Grant, Alison Krauss, Steve Martin, Michael McDonald and Brad Paisley.

Neil Portnow, President/CEO of the Academy said in a statement, "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. 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."

Gill's career began his musical career in the 70's playing in bluegrass groups like Rickey Skagg's Boone Creek and Byron Berline's Sundance before being chosen as lead singer for Pure Prairie League in 1979. He recorded three albums with the group, including their hit Let Me Love You Tonight, before leaving for Rodney Crowell's band.

His solo career started in 1984 and, since then, has placed 19 albums on the country and 13 on the pop chart, along with scoring 25 top ten country hits, four of which went to number one. In 2007, he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.