Mac McAnally Honored with ACM Poet’s Award, Celebrated for Collaborative Spirit
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nashville, TN – Songwriter and producer Mac McAnally was recognized Wednesday, August 20, with the prestigious ACM Poet’s Award at a ceremony held at the Pinnacle.The honor acknowledges his important contributions to country music through decades of songwriting and collaboration, most recently including production work on Amy Grant‘s forthcoming album.
A Lifetime Dedicated to Music
Born in Red Bay, Alabama, and raised in Mississippi, Lyman Corbitt “Mac” McAnally Jr. has been immersed in music for as long as he can remember.He rose to prominence penning hits for other artists, including Alabama’s chart-topping “Old flame” and Shenandoah’s “Two Dozen Roses.” His career spans nearly 50 years, marked by a consistent dedication to the craft of songwriting.
During the ACM Honors ceremony, Amy Grant paid tribute to McAnally with a moving performance of his 1992 song, “All These Years.” The song, originally featured on his album Live And Learn, gained further recognition when Sawyer Brown propelled it to number three on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.
Did You Know? The ACM Poet’s Award specifically recognizes songwriters whose work has had a lasting impact on the culture of country music.
Grant Praises McAnally’s Insightful Perspective
Grant shared with Billboard her anticipation of performing the song, admitting she feared being overcome with emotion. “It’s just so much about human nature,” she explained.”We learn most of the best lessons the hard way,and this song is about that.”
Grant further lauded McAnally, describing him as “such an honest observer of life.” This sentiment underscores the depth of their professional relationship and the respect she holds for his artistic vision.
Collaboration on ”the Me That Remains”
The ACM Honors ceremony also highlighted McAnally’s recent work as producer for Amy Grant’s 21st studio album, The Me That Remains, released in January. This project marks Grant’s first non-Christmas album in twelve years, since 2013’s How Mercy Looks From Here.
McAnally and Grant co-wrote the album’s title track, a song deeply personal to Grant, inspired by her recovery from a traumatic bike accident in 2022 as reported by USA Today. He expressed his humility about working with Grant, stating, ”I don’t even deserve to get to be associated with it, she’s so good.”
Pro Tip: Songwriting collaborations often yield unexpected creative results, pushing artists to explore new sonic and lyrical territories.
ACM Poet’s Award: A Legacy of Lyrical Excellence
The Academy of Country Music’s Poet’s Award is presented to a songwriter demonstrating extraordinary and enduring contributions to country music through their lyrics and musicality. The award considers the cultural impact of their work, recognizing songs that resonate deeply with audiences and shape the genre’s landscape according to the ACM website.
| Award | Recipient | Date |
|---|---|---|
| ACM Poet’s Award | Mac McAnally | August 20, 2024 |
| Album Release | The Me That Remains (Amy Grant) | January 2024 |
What qualities do you think make a song truly timeless? And how vital is collaboration in the creative process?
Mac McAnally’s career exemplifies the power of consistent artistry and collaborative spirit within the country music industry. His ability to craft relatable and emotionally resonant songs has cemented his place as a respected figure among both artists and fans. The ongoing trend of established artists collaborating with new producers and songwriters continues to shape the sound of contemporary country music, fostering innovation and cross-generational appeal.
frequently Asked Questions about Mac McAnally
- Who is Mac McAnally? Mac McAnally is a highly respected songwriter and producer with a nearly 50-year career in country music.
- What is the ACM Poet’s Award? It’s an award recognizing outstanding lyrical and musical contributions to country music.
- What album did Mac McAnally recently produce? He produced Amy Grant’s 2024 album, The Me That remains.
- What is the meaning of “All These Years”? It’s a song written by Mac McAnally and performed by Amy Grant as a tribute to his work.
- What other artists has Mac McAnally written for? He has penned hits for Alabama and Shenandoah, among others.
We hope you enjoyed learning about Mac McAnally’s remarkable achievements. share this article with fellow music lovers and let us know your thoughts in the comments below! Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more insightful stories from the world of music.
