Country and bluegrass artist Vince Gill, among the most awarded singers, songwriters, and musicians in American music history, is set to add to his long list of honors when he accepts the Ken Burns American Heritage Prize on May 6.
The Prize, named for the widely-popular documentary filmmaker who has chronicled important segments of American history in his own style, “celebrates a distinguished and visionary individual whose achievements in the arts, education, literature/history, or science/conservation have advanced our collective understanding of the indomitable American spirit.”
It has been presented annually since 2017 by an organization called American Prairie who seeks to conserve and preserve the natural wildlife of the prairie region of America’s heartland.
Gill, of course, is more widely known in the country music market, but we remember him in the bluegrass world for his participation over here. In his early days, he played with Byron Berline & Sundance before taking a gig with Pure Prairie League. Since turning to country, he has continued to appear as a guest on various bluegrass projects, and even did an all-bluegrass tour in 2012 with an all-star band, and toured with Earl Scruggs occasionally while he was alive.
We will claim you in bluegrass even if you perform it for a short time, and we’ll never let go!
Vince reports being quite pleased to accept this award.
“The American Heritage Prize is an incredible honor and what inspiring company to be in. The work American Prairie is doing to preserve America’s Great Plains is invaluable, and I’m grateful to be able to contribute to their efforts in any way I can.
Over the years I have had the opportunity to collaborate and become good friends with Ken, and that in itself has been a great experience. This new relationship is one I’m very much looking forward to.”
The Ken Burns Prize will be given to Vince Gill during a presentation on May 6 at the American Museum of Natural History in New York. Ken Burns will deliver a keynote address.
Congratulations Vince!
