CMA presents Connie B. Gay Award to Terri Clark

NASHVILLE, TN. (CMA Awards announcement) - During the celebration for her No. 1 single "Girls Lie Too" at ASCAP today, CMA Associate Executive Director Tammy Genovese surprised Terri Clark with the presentation of the Connie B. Gay Award, one of the Country Music Association's most prestigious honors.
"I was so shocked," Clark said after receiving the engraved crystal award. "I didn't expect this at all. I do the things I do for CMA because they are fun things to do and I enjoy them. I never expected to get anything out of it, so it is a very surprising honor."

Established by the CMA Board of Directors in 1963, the award is named after the CMA's founding president (1959-1960), the late Connie B. Gay, who was a broadcast entrepreneur and lifelong promoter of Country Music. It is given in recognition of someone not currently serving on the CMA Board who has in the past year rendered outstanding service to the Country Music Association.
Clark was unanimously selected by the CMA Board based on her significant contributions and personal efforts on behalf of CMA in advancing media exposure for its signature events, including CMA Music Festival and the CMA Awards.

"During the past year, Terri has repeatedly stepped up to serve CMA in a variety of ways far beyond what is normally expected of our artist members. She is a leader and a role model for artists in her ongoing support and commitment to our core initiatives at CMA. She was an obvious choice for this important award," said CMA Board Chairman Charlie Anderson, President/CEO Anderson Merchandisers. With this honor, Clark joins an illustrious group of Country Music performers and industry leaders.
Previous recipients of the Connie B. Gay Award include Roy Acuff, Johnny Cash, Charlie Daniels, Martina McBride, Brad Paisley, Tex Ritter, Trisha Yearwood and Wynonna, as well as key industry supporters including the 2001 recipient, Nashville Mayor Bill Purcell.