NASHVILLE – The Country Music Association awarded longtime and treasured former CMA Awards Executive Producer, Walter C. Miller, the Irving Waugh Award of Excellence, CMA announced today.
“For nearly four decades, Walter has contributed immeasurably to the success and popularity of the CMA Awards,” said CMA Chief Executive Officer Tammy Genovese. “His vision and passion for this program and our artists is an inspiration to those fortunate enough to have worked with him. His indelible stamp is forever part of our industry’s crown jewel, the CMA Awards, and we are forever thankful.”
Miller was recognized for his 40-years of working with the CMA Awards, as producer, executive producer, and now consulting producer, on Friday, Nov. 6, at a reception in his honor in the Suite Level Lounge in the Sommet Center attended by industry and CMA Board leaders.
Twelve-time host of the CMA Awards Vince Gill presented the Award. “Walter and I became fast friends and quickly learned to trust each other,” said Gill during the presentation.
“Country Music is my anthem,” said Miller. “After all this time, I’ve become an honorary Nashvillian. This is my second home.”
“Walter has influenced generations of television viewers with a portrait of Country Music that has captured the best of our artists and the music over four decades,” said Clarence Spalding, chair of the CMA TV Committee. “CMA and the Country Music industry have benefitted from his talent, his passion, and his commitment to excellence in every aspect of his work on behalf of the CMA Awards. This honor is very deserved.”
The Irving Waugh Award of Excellence is awarded to an individual who is the originator and caretaker of demonstrated ideas and actions that have dramatically broadened and improved Country Music’s influence on a national or international scale. It is assumed that these ideas and contributions typically have run a course of years and have a proven historical impact on the format.
The four previous winners include award namesake Irving Waugh (1983), Frances Preston (1987), Jo Walker-Meador (1991), and Johnny Cash (2003). The Irving Waugh Award of Excellence is presented at the discretion of the CMA Board of Directors.
Miller began his association with the CMA Awards in 1970 and through the years, he has contributed to the careers of Country Music’s biggest luminaries – from Johnny Cash to Vince Gill, Tammy Wynette to Shania Twain. Along the way, he has created unforgettable TV moments in the name of Country Music.
In addition to a 39-year relationship with the CMA Awards, Miller’s credits include the Grammy Awards, a longtime turn with the Tony Awards (which yielded a pair of Emmys), “Comic Relief,” and specials for such stars as Barbra Streisand, Robin Williams, Rodney Dangerfield, and Sam Kinison. Miller’s accolades include three Director’s Guild Awards, a pair of Peabody Awards and 20 Emmy nominations.
“The 43rd Annual CMA Awards” airs live Wednesday, Nov. 11 (8:00-11:00 PM/ET) on the ABC Television Network from the Sommet Center in Nashville. Reigning Male and Female Vocalist of the Year Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood, return to host “Country Music’s Biggest Night™” for a second time.
The 2009 CMA Awards is a production of the Country Music Association. Robert Deaton is the Executive Producer, Paul Miller is the Director, and David Wild is the writer. The special will be shot in high definition and broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC’s selected HDTV format, with 5.1 channel surround sound.
