The ACM, Academy of Country Music, has named Chris Stapleton as the inaugural ACM artist-songwriter of the decade. The award is given to an artist who has commercially released material that he has written, and to someone who has impacted country music over the past decade.
“Had Chris Stapleton not been an artist, his impact on country music as a songwriter would be indelible,” said Kelly Rich, ACM special awards committee co-chair, in a statement. “Had he not been a songwriter for himself and others, his influence as a recording artist, performer and vocalist would have been just as undeniable. In combination, however, Chris epitomizes the spirit and intent of this award. We are thrilled to recognize both aspects of his contribution to country music over the last decade.”
The ACM artist-songwriter of the decade award marks a total of 10 ACM Awards for Stapleton. The singer-songwriter’s decade award follows Miranda Lambert being recognized for ACM song of the decade with “The House That Built Me” and Rhett Akins being named ACM songwriter of the decade.
Some of the factors to be considered for the honor include success at radio, commercial media, sales and streaming, artistic merit and ACM Award recognition. In 2015, Stapleton was nominated for seven ACM Awards, taking home six trophies during the 51st ACM Awards. In 2017, he received three ACM Awards, including album of the year.
In April, Jason Aldean kicked off the decade-themed honors when he was recognized with the ACM Dick Clark artist of the decade award. Additional categories to be revealed in the coming weeks include album of the decade, single of the decade, breakout artist of the decade, and music event of the decade.
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