This summer, the National Music Council will recognize some of country music’s biggest legends. The American Eagle Awards, presented in Nashville each year to celebrate “an individual or organization’s long-term contribution to America’s musical culture and heritage,” will honor Emmylou HarrisVince Gill and the Grand Ole Opry in 2012.

Both Harris and Gill have made incredible contributions to country music and the broader musical spectrum, crossing genre barriers while maintaining an authentic country sound. Harris is the recipient of 13 Grammy Awards and a 2008 inductee into Country Music Hall of Fame. Most recently, Harris and frequent recording partner Rodney Crowell were up for Best American Roots Song at the 2016 Grammy Awards.

Also a Hall of Famer, Gill has spanned country, rock, bluegrass and gospel with the work he's done throughout his career; the artist began as a bluegrass singer and did a stint as the lead singer of Pure Prairie League prior to finding success as a solo artist. After moving to Nashville in the 1980s, Gill became a superstar with the release of “Liza Jane” and “Go Rest High on That Mountain.” In February, Gill released a new album, titled Down to My Last Bad Habit.

The 2016 American Eagle Awards will also honor a non-human country music icon, the Grand Ole Opry. Started as the WSM Barn Dance in 1925, the Opry has continued to be the premier venue in country music -- it's also known as “the home of American music" -- with everyone from Hank Williams and Patsy Cline to Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan having graced its hallowed stage throughout its 90 years.

Now in their 33rd year, the American Eagle Awards have honored some of country music’s finest talents, including Kris Kristofferson, Charley Pride and Jim Lauderdale, all 2015 recipients. This year’s ceremony will be held at the Nashville Music City Center on June 25; tickets can be purchased at the National Music Council’s website.

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