Phil Keaggy Honored with ASCAP Golden Note Award

Wrote an article at my job today that couldn't be published so I decided I would share it with you on here.

Legendary guitarist and singer/songwriter Phil Keaggy was honored for his contributions to music and lifetime achievements by receiving the ASCAP Golden Note Award at the 35th Annual Christian Music Awards on May 6th.

Held at the Franklin Theater in Franklin, Tenn., the musician was praised for his 40 plus years in music, and had a video montage showing pictures of him throughout the years playing in the background.

"The reception at the ASCAP Awards was heartwarming; I am so humbled and honored to be recognized," said Keaggy at the awards show. "My thanks to the many who have shown so much love and support."

Keaggy then took to the stage to perform his classic song, "Salvation Army Band," where he showcased his skills using a number of effects pedals and electric loop machines to create sounds and layers while being a one man band.

The crowd was so impressed ASCAP's Chairman, Paul Williams, had this to say, "From now on my nickname for you will be 'soul catcher,' because you catch our souls. Phil is one of the most admired guitarists in modern history and I am honored to salute him in this honor tonight."

Keaggy has over 50 solo albums under his belt as well as albums with his band glass harp. Alternating between instrumental and vocal albums, he has seven Dove Awards and is widely considered one of the greatest guitarists of all time having been named by Guitar Player Magazine as the best several times through reader polls.

"Phil Keaggy's influence on both the contemporary Christian and mainstream music markets is immeasurable," says ASCAP's Michael Martin through a press release. "We are very proud to honor him with the ASCAP Golden Note Award in recognition of his incredible career."

Other recipients of of the Golden Note Award are: Michael W. Smith, Garth Brooks, and Reba McEntire to name a few.