Introduction
Dwight Yoakam Accepts the BMI President’s Award at the 2019 BMI Country Awards
In 2019, country music icon Dwight Yoakam was honored with one of the industry’s most prestigious recognitions — the BMI President’s Award at the BMI Country Awards in Nashville, Tennessee. Known for his pioneering blend of honky-tonk and rock influences, Yoakam’s acceptance of the award was a heartfelt and emotional moment that reflected both his enduring legacy and his profound impact on country music.
The BMI President’s Award is not given lightly. It recognizes songwriters who have made outstanding contributions to the art of music and influenced generations of artists. For Dwight Yoakam, whose career has spanned more than four decades with hits like “Guitars, Cadillacs” and “A Thousand Miles from Nowhere,” the honor felt especially meaningful.
During the ceremony, held at BMI’s historic Music Row offices, Dwight took the stage to a standing ovation. Wearing his signature cowboy hat, denim jacket, and boots, he looked both humbled and reflective. In his acceptance speech, Yoakam thanked BMI for supporting songwriters and preserving the craft of country music over the years.
“This award isn’t just about me,” Dwight said. “It’s about the music and the people who’ve believed in what I do from the very beginning.”
He went on to share personal stories from his early days in Los Angeles, recalling how he struggled to break into Nashville’s traditional scene. Many in the industry didn’t understand his mix of traditional country and rockabilly, but Dwight’s persistence and unique style eventually helped reshape modern country music.
Notably, several fellow artists and BMI executives paid tribute to Yoakam’s influence that evening. Performers including Chris Stapleton and Brothers Osborne spoke about how Dwight’s sound had inspired them. His fusion of Bakersfield-style country with a rebellious rock edge helped pave the way for artists who now comfortably blend genres without hesitation.
Dwight’s speech also touched on the role of songwriting in his life. “Songs have always been my way of telling the truth, even if it’s a painful truth,” he said. “The President’s Award means a lot because it recognizes that truth matters.”
As the night continued, guests were treated to live performances of some of Dwight’s biggest hits, performed by both rising stars and longtime collaborators. The mood was celebratory, but there was also a sense of reverence — an acknowledgment that Dwight Yoakam’s contributions had genuinely changed the course of country music.
By the end of the evening, Dwight had once again shown why he remains such a beloved figure in the industry. His authenticity, passion for songwriting, and dedication to honoring country music’s roots while pushing it forward make him a fitting recipient of the BMI President’s Award.
For fans and fellow musicians alike, the 2019 BMI Country Awards served as both a celebration of Dwight Yoakam’s past achievements and a reminder of his lasting influence on the future of country music.