Introduction
ACM Honors Celebrates Legacy Artists: Dwight Yoakam Receives Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Academy of Country Music continues its tradition of recognizing trailblazers in the genre with its annual ACM Honors event. This year, the prestigious Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award was presented to none other than Dwight Yoakam, whose career has spanned more than four decades and reshaped the boundaries of modern country music.
Known for his distinctive blend of honky-tonk, rockabilly, and Bakersfield sound, Yoakam has long stood out as a genre-defying artist. Since the release of his debut album Guitars, Cadillacs, Etc., Etc. in 1986, he has remained one of the most influential figures in country music, with more than 25 million albums sold worldwide and multiple Grammy Awards to his name.
The Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award, named after the legendary broadcaster and music executive, is one of the most coveted honors in the industry. It recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the advancement of country music throughout their careers. Previous recipients include Merle Haggard, Reba McEntire, and George Strait, placing Yoakam in elite company.
During the ceremony at the historic Ryman Auditorium, a series of heartfelt performances and tributes underscored the impact Yoakam has had on the genre. Artists such as Chris Stapleton, Kacey Musgraves, and Sturgill Simpson paid musical tribute, each highlighting how Yoakam’s bold artistic choices paved the way for new voices in country.
“Dwight Yoakam is a true pioneer,” said ACM CEO Damon Whiteside. “His fearless approach to storytelling, his fashion, his sound—everything about him pushed the genre forward while honoring its roots. This award is a long-overdue recognition of that legacy.”
Throughout his career, Yoakam has remained a staunch advocate for traditional country values while continuously experimenting with new sounds. He also expanded his creative reach beyond music, with a successful acting career that includes roles in critically acclaimed films like Sling Blade and Panic Room.
In his acceptance speech, Yoakam expressed deep gratitude and reflected on the journey that brought him to this point. “I’ve always tried to follow the spirit of the music,” he said. “Country music has always been about real stories and real people, and I’ve been lucky enough to tell some of those stories in my own way.”
The ACM Honors ceremony, often seen as the more intimate and heartfelt counterpart to the ACM Awards, is dedicated to celebrating special honorees and off-camera category winners from the annual awards show. It has grown into one of Nashville’s most beloved nights, shining a spotlight on those who have quietly but powerfully shaped the sound of country music.
With this honor, Dwight Yoakam joins the ranks of country music’s most revered legends, a fitting tribute to an artist who has always marched to the beat of his own drum—while still keeping one boot firmly planted in the genre’s rich tradition.