Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement Award
Given in recognition to a songwriter whose works have made a significant contribution to the American songbook and who has inspired the careers of others.
President's Keystone Award
Given in recognition of significant contributions to the betterment of all songwriters, chosen by the current NSAI President. 

Additional Past Recipients

2016: Elwyn Raymer

2015: Jeff Carlton

2014: Merlin Littlefield

2013: Del Bryant

2012: Pat Higdon

2011: Jim Foglesong

2009: Neil Portnow

2008: Woody Bomar

2007: Denise M. Stevens

2006: Brian Williams

2005: Randall Himes

2004: J. Fred Knobloch

2003: Walter Barton Herbison

2002: Frances W. Preston

2000: Roger Murrah

1999: Thomas Jackson "Jock" Weaver

1998: Pat Alger

1997: Randy Goodrum

1996: Dennis Lord

1995: Harlan Howard

1994: Terry Choate

1993: Peter McCann

1992: Lewis Anderson

1991: Pat Huber (Rogers)

 

Maggie Cavender Award
Given in recognition of extraordinary service to the songwriting community, voted by the NSAI Board of Directors.
NSAI Advocacy Award (Formerly White Hat)
Bestowed by the NSAI Board of Directors to an individual who has significantly served the American songwriting community.
 

Additional Past Recipients 

2018: U.S. Rep. Doug Collins (R-GA)

2013: U.S. Rep. Lamar Smith (R-TX)

2006: U.S. Rep. Ron Lewis (R-KY)

2006: U.S. Rep. Mary Bono (R-CA)

2004: U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN)

2002: U.S. Senator Fred Thompson (R-TN)

2001: Dene Anton

1999: U.S. Senator Douglas Henry (D-TN)

1998: U.S. Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT)

1998: U.S. Rep. Sonny Bono (R-CA)

1998: Governor Don Sundquist (R-TN)

1995: Bill Lynch

1993: U.S. Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-MD)

1992: U.S. Rep. Bob Clement (D-TN) 

 

 

CHAMPION AWARD

Given in recognition of generous support for – and dedication to – songwriters, the music industry and NSAI, chosen by NSAI Executive Director Bart Herbison.

 

2024: Lisa Harless

2023: Butch Spyridon

2020: Jody Williams

2020: Whit Adamson

2018: Cary Sherman

2017: John A. Hardaway

2016: Andrew Kentz

2015: Liz and Casey Anderson

2014: Mervin Louque

2013: Mark Ford

2012: Lisa Harless

2010: Aubrey Preston

2009: Phil Goldberg

2008: Gary Smith

2007: Connie Bradley

2006: Harry Chapman

2005: Harold Shedd

2004: Marijohn Wilkin

2003: Eddie Miller

2002: Butch Spyridon

2000: Charles Sussman & Victoria Fister

1999: Terry Crowe

1998: Mike Dye

1994: U.S. Vice President Al Gore, Jr.

1992: Paul Milosevich

1991: Thomas B. O'Grady