Keith Urban and Songwriter Bob DiPiero To Be Honored at 2017 BMI Country Awards

BMI holds the spot as one of the most respected organizations in the business, so gaining the company’s respect marks a huge moment in any creator’s career.

Acclaimed songwriter Bob DiPiero will be recognized at the 2017 BMI Country Awards with the BMI Icon Award. After holding his own for 38 years in the music industry, DiPiero will sit in great company with fellow recipients including Vince Gill, Hank Williams Jr., Willie Nelson and many more.

“Since the early 80’s Bob DiPiero, and his songs, have been a consistent and potent influence on country music. He is a quintessential professional whose work ethic is matched only by his love of life, his fellow songwriters, and his beautiful wife Leslie.  He’s a mentor, a friend, and world-class songwriter.  He’s the embodiment of a BMI Icon,” Jody Williams, BMI Vice President of Creative in Nashville, said in a press release.

Keith Urban also earned his soon-to-be given title of the BMI Champion Award. Not only does the accolade reflect back onto his musical contributions by way of his most recent release, Ripcord, but also the charitable efforts he’s given to for music education. Urban has worked with the CMA Foundation, the GRAMMY Foundation and many more in order to allow kids the opportunity to create music within schools.

“Not only is Keith Urban one of the most talented and prolific songwriters in the industry, but he’s also a true humanitarian,” Williams explained in a press release. “The BMI Champion Award recognizes his contributions to the music community and his tireless efforts to bring attention to important causes that directly affect the next generation of songwriters.”

The premiere awards event will also raise a toast to all of the music makers and songwriters in the country music community for their hard work over the past year within the format.

The 2017 BMI Country Awards will be held in Nashville on Tuesday, November 7.