Jason Aldean, Charles Kelley, Darius Rucker to Honor Gregg Allman at CMT Awards

Jason Aldean, Charles Kelley and Darius Rucker will honor their late hero, Gregg Allman, who died at 69 from cancer on May 27.

Jason Aldean, Charles Kelley, Darius Rucker to Honor Gregg Allman at CMT Awards
Jason Aldean, Gregg Allman; Photo via Twitter

The 2017 CMT Music Awards will set aside some time this year to honor the late Gregg Allman, who passed away on May 27 at the age of 69 from complications with cancer. Best known as a Southern rick pioneer, the legendary singer helped influence many of today’s country acts, some of which will join forces to pay tribute to the icon.

The tribute will consist of performances from Jason Aldean, Darius Rucker and Lady Antebellum’s Charles Kelley.

“Gregg Allman and The Allman Brothers Band helped create the bedrock foundation of modern southern music,” said CMT President Brian Philips. “Over the weekend of his death, CMT’s most important artists reached out to see how we might honor Gregg at our Awards. This tribute will celebrate Gregg Allman’s soul, charisma and enduring artistry. ‘The Road Goes on Forever’, indeed.”

Aldean, Rucker and Kelley all had similar reactions upon the news of Allman’s passing, crediting his music with influencing their creativity and present careers. “This one hurts a lot. This was one of my heroes. RIP Gregg Allman…,” wrote Aldean on Twitter, with Kelley sharing a video of an Allman cover during his You Look Good Tour.

In addition to the tribute, CMT announced that Little Big Town and one of the top nominees Kelsea Ballerini will also take the stage. The additions join previously announced performances from Blake Shelton, Brett Eldredge, Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert and Thomas Rhett. Special collaborations include Florida Georgia Line with The Chainsmokers, Lady Antebellum with Earth, Wind & Fire and Keith Urban with Carrie Underwood. Nashville’s Charles Esten will also take on the role of host for the night’s festivities.

Voting for the 2017 CMT Music Awards is now open at CMT.com. The awards take place live from Nashville on June 7 at 8 p.m. ET/PT. See the full list of nominees HERE.