2013 Texas Heritage Songwriters’ Association Awards

The State of Texas is known all across the globe as a very special place. The mere mention of its name conjures up thoughts of independence, strength, pride, and accomplishments. "Remember The Alamo," "Houston, the Eagle has landed," and "Don’t Mess With Texas" are words that have been heard around the world. With a strong history, diverse ethnic population, and fierce belief in our own abilities, Texas is one of a kind.

The Lone Star Flag

One factor that makes Texas unique is our heritage. The flags of six different nations have flown over our state, including the Lone Star Flag, which not only represents the 28th state of the United States, but also the Republic of Texas. Yes, we were our own nation. Texas’ rich heritage is impacted by the diverse cultures of the many people who have called her home. Everywhere you go you see the impact of the pioneers of old from Germany, France, Spain, Mexico, as well as every state in the Union. And yet with all this diversity, one thing remains constant; Texas is Texas. We have a very unique culture all our own. And one of the most unique parts of Texas’ culture is the incredible music produced by the people of our great state.

Each March, as our great state celebrates the anniversary of its founding, the Texas Heritage Songwriters’ Association takes time to celebrate and honor those fine Texans who have gone above and beyond in representing Texas’ great culture through their participation in the music industry.

 

The Willie Nelson Award presented by the Texas Heritage Songwriters' Association

The highlight of this celebration is the Hall of Fame Awards Show. At this time, many of Texas’ music greats gather to honor the new members being inducted into this prestigious group. Past inductee’s have included Willie Nelson, Larry Gatlin, Kris Kristofferson, Mac Davis, Clint Black, Lyle Lovett, and Townes Van Zandt. Each of the honorees were presented with the Willie Nelson Award; a statute in the likeness of Willie Nelson, another great Texas music icon. 

This year’s honorees were presented during the annual Texas Heritage Songwriters’ Association Hall of Fame Awards Show held on March 3, 2013 at Austin City Limits Live at the Moody Theater. Those honored were Roger Miller, Ronnie Dunn, and Sonny Curtis.

Ronnie Dunn accepts the Willie Nelson Award from the Texas Heritage Songwriters' Association

Ronnie Dunn, one half of the famous country music duo Brooks and Dunn, was born in Coleman, Texas. As part of this award winning duo, he has earned 20 Country Music Association Awards and 28 Academy of Country Music Awards. The duo has also been named Entertainers of the Year four times.  Mr Dunn has twice been named the BMI Country Songwriter of the Year and a Gospel Songwriter of the Year in 2006. 

Sonny Curtis performs before he is honored with the Willie Nelson Award.

Sonny Curtis was born near Meadow, Texas. Sonny is a member of the quintessential rock and roll band, The Crickets, Buddy Hollies' band, and still tours today with founding members J I Allison and Joe B Mauldin. Sonny has written numerous hits including "I Fought The Law," "More Than I Can Say," and "Walk Right Back" as well as television and radio jingles and the theme song for the Mary Tyler Moore Show, "Love Is All Around." 

Connie Nelson presents the Willie Nelson Award to Roger Miller's wife,  Mary Miller.

Roger Miller was born in Fort Worth, Texas. After a stint in the Army, Roger was hired as a fiddle player for Minnie Pearl and then co-wrote songs with George Jones. He wrote such hits as "Invitation To The Blues," "That's The Way I Feel," "When Two Worlds Collide," and his smash hit "King Of The Road." Roger won a Tony Award for his score of the Broadway hit Big River. Roger passed away in 1992. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame posthumously in 1995.  

Red Steagall MC's the TxHSA Hall of Fame Awards

The Master of Ceremonies for the event was Red Steagall, best known for his Texas swing dance music and songs like "Here We Go Again," "Party Dolls and Wine," and "Lone Star Beer and Bob Wills Music." Mr Steagall has had over 200 of his compositions recorded by himself and other artists. In 1991, Red was named The Official Cowboy Poet of Texas by the Texas State Legislature. He was later named the "2006 Poet Laureate of Texas."

Larry Gatlin performs before presenting the 2013 Darrell K Royal Patron Award

Each year the TxHSA honors those who have provided recognition and support to songwriters by presenting them with the Darrell K Royal Patron Award. This year the award was presented posthumously to Robin Shivers. Larry Gatlin performed and presented this award. 

Ronnie Dunn performs at the Tx HSA Awards show 

Other performances on the evening were provided by Jack Ingram, Trannie Stevens, Scotty Emerick, Sonny Curtis, and Ronnie Dunn. Toby Keith performed in honor of Roger Miller.

  

Toby Keith performs in honor of Roger Miller at the 2013 Texas Heritage Songwriters'  Hall of Fame Awards Show

Jack Ingram performs at the TxHSA Awards Show

Review by Margy Moore

Photographs by Scott Moore/ Limelight Imaging