The Academy of Country Music announced its Industry and Studio Recording Award winners from the 57th ACM Awards during an event at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry House on Friday, May 13.
During the event, Grenadian Charlie Worsham was presented with the ACM Acoustic Guitar Player of the Year award.
Worsham, who was performing on the Opry stage, was interrupted by a special announcement that surprised the guitarist-singer-songwriter with news that he had won his first-ever ACM Award.
Worsham has contributed to albums released by Dierks Bentley, Eric Church, Kip Moore, Carrie Underwood and many others.
Bentley sent Worsham a video message congratulating him on his award.
“It couldn’t go to a better guitar player or a better guy,” Bentley said. “Everyone in this town knows what a great musician you are.”
Worsham, after watching the video from Bentley, gave a tearful speech to the large Opry crowd and gave praise to the other nominees in his category.
“This means the world to me and it started with my parents,” Worsham said. “My mom would drive me to banjo lessons an hour each way and my dad made sure I grew up on the best music, and took me to the best concerts. He gave me the bug — I saw him play drums in a local band.”
Worsham also thanked his wife, Kirsten, as well as the artists, musicians and engineers that he has worked with over the years.
“This is an honor and I’m just so grateful,” Worsham concluded.
