You have to figure that an award is pretty prestigious when it is bestowed on legends like Vince Gill, Willie Nelson, Carole King, Loretta Lynn, Sting, Toby Keith, and other virtuosos. Clint Black, 63, is about to be included in that exclusive group as of next month on Tuesday, November 18, That is when the country music star will get the 2025 BMI Icon Award, per People. How he found out about being this year's honoree is a story in itself.
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Black Already Has a Bunch of Awards - and He Is About To Get Another
He has landed honors from the ACM, the Grammys, and the CMA, sold millions of records, has a Hollywood Walk of Fame star, and an impressive array of chart-topping tunes. But the BMI Icon Award, well, that one is very special. So it makes sense that Black found out he was in line to receive it in a special way.
Two top execs from BMI got together with Black, per the outlet. He had no inkling what was afoot. His team had initially been hush-hush about it. The singer recounted, "Clay Bradley [Vice President of Creative at BMI Nashville] and Mike O'Neill [BMI President and CEO} said, 'Hey, we want to get with Clint and meet with Clint,' and they met with me and told me the news. So right off the bat, I knew something was happening here; they both wanted to meet with me. So, just the way they presented it was a big deal."
A High-Level BMI Administrator Explained Why Black Merits the Award
In a statement per the outlet, Bradley said the following. "Clint Black's career is a testament to the power of songwriting, and he is a true trailblazer whose artistry continues to leave an indelible mark on Country music. He set a new standard for storytelling in song that defined an era. His ability to craft songs that resonate across decades has made him a true BMI Icon."
Black was greatly touched. "It was a special moment to be told by them, for them to take the time."
He Is Determined To Stay Grounded
The singer mentioned this key point. "I've spent my career trying to just be down here on earth and not where someone else wants to put me, whether it's fans or award shows. Not to say I don't appreciate the honors, I just have to guard against thinking too much of myself."
