Randy Travis, Merle Haggard Lead ACM Honorees

Randy Travis photo by Eric Swanson, courtesy of Warner Bros. Nashville.

Sept. 23, 2009 — Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center was crawling with star power Tuesday night as the Academy of Country Music celebrated Randy Travis, Hank Williams Jr., Merle Haggard and Dolly Parton among others in its second annual ACM Honors.

Hosted by Lee Ann Womack, the event recognized a horde of winners of lifetime awards and musicians trophies with performances by Jamey Johnson, Joe Nichols, Blake Shelton and Steve Wariner, among others. Carrie Underwood sang Randy’s "I Told You So," Jamey and the Grascals each served up Hank Jr. medleys, John Rich performed Kenny Rogers’ "Lucille" and Patty Loveless chipped in the Harlan Howard-penned "Blame It On Your Heart."

Kellie Pickler, Rodney Atkins, Miranda Lambert, James Otto, Vince Gill, Jim Lauderdale and Eddie Montgomery added to the heft of the evening, which included the presentation of hardware for the year’s top producer, engineer and concert venues.

"It’s a kick in the fanny," Merle told WTVF-TV of his career recognition.

"I just wanted to make a living writing and singing," Randy echoed. "Now I am 24 years into the business doing that. I still love what I am doing, and I am happy to be here."

Earlier in the day, the ACM announced it had contributed $750,000 to charity in the wake of the summer television special "George Strait: ACM Artist Of The Decade All Star Concert."

Participants in the CBS broadcast included Toby Keith, Dierks Bentley, Brooks & Dunn, Jack Ingram, Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson, Sugarland and Tim McGraw.