Keith Urban to Receive Special Honor From the Recording Academy
Keith Urban is set to receive a significant honor from the Recording Academy for his dedication to the arts. Urban will be the recipient of the Recording Artists' Coalition Award at the 2017 Grammys on the Hill ceremony in Washington, D.C., for his commitment to music education programs.
The awards ceremony, taking place on April 5, honors both artists and legislators who go above and beyond to advocate for creators' rights. In addition to his multiple Grammy Awards wins, Urban has helped to provide thousands of instruments to underprivileged youth across the U.S. The "Blue Ain't Your Color" singer calls the award "an incredible honor."
"The opportunity to work with aspiring musicians and kids, who are just discovering music for the first time, really inspires me," the country superstar says in a press release. "Creativity is at the heart of an innovative society -- it brings people together and teaches children self-expression, creative confidence, and improvisational skills which are essential to their development. Being honored by the Academy, especially given the fact that they're the ones that have given me the chance to be part of their work in this area, is humbling."
Keith Urban Made the Best Albums of 2016 List - Is He No. 1?
Urban will be joining auspicious company. Public figures honored in the past for their work in advocating for the arts include former Vice President Joe Biden, Senator Hillary Clinton and Senator John McCain.
"Through music education programs, Keith Urban has encouraged aspiring musicians by giving them the opportunity to perform and achieve their dreams," Recording Academy President and CEO Neil Portnow says.
Urban recently performed his new single, "The Fighter," with Carrie Underwood at the 2017 Grammy Awards, where he was nominated for Best Country Album and Best Country Solo Performance.
Watch the Most Unforgettable Keith Urban Moments