Renowned musicians, humanitarians honored by Belmont for contributions to music and community
Belmont University President Dr. Greg Jones, Rev. Susan Pendleton Jones, Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Cheryl Byrd, former Belmont Men's Basketball Coach Rick Byrd
Belmont University has named music icons Vince Gill and Amy Grant as the 2024 honorees for its prestigious Rick Byrd Character Award. This annual recognition — named after the University's esteemed former Men's Basketball Coach Rick Byrd — celebrates individuals who exemplify unwavering integrity and make significant contributions to their community and profession. Through this award, Belmont honors those who, like Coach Byrd, promote a legacy of leadership, a winning tradition and a culture of selfless service.
Vince Gill, one of the most popular artists in modern country music, is known for his exceptional songwriting, world-class guitar playing and warm tenor voice. During his distinguished and lengthy career he has earned six multi-platinum, five platinum, and three gold albums, exceeding 30 million sales globally. Gill has won 18 CMA Awards, 22 Grammy Awards and eight Academy of Country Music Awards. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2007, received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2012, then in 2014 was named a BMI Icon.
Amy Grant's career spans more than 40 years, evolving from her roots in gospel to becoming an iconic pop star, songwriter, television personality and philanthropist. With three multi-platinum albums, six platinum albums and four gold albums, her total career album sales have amassed 30 million with more than 1 billion global streams. Grant has earned six Grammy Awards, 26 Dove Awards and has been awarded stars on both the Hollywood and Music City Walks of Fame. She is also a member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. In 2022, Grant was recognized for her lifetime of artistic achievements as a member of the 45th class of Kennedy Center Honorees.
"We are thrilled to honor Vince Gill and Amy Grant with the Rick Byrd Character Award," said Belmont President Dr. Greg Jones. "Their extraordinary musical talents have deeply enriched our culture and are matched by their unwavering commitment to serving others. Vince and Amy exemplify the very essence of what this award represents: individuals who lead with integrity, inspire through their actions and use their gifts to make a profound difference. Their dedication to numerous charitable causes and ability to bring people together through music truly embody the spirit of servant leadership that Coach Rick Byrd has always championed.”
Gill has demonstrated a strong commitment to charitable causes throughout his career. He has participated in hundreds of charitable events, including the "All For The Hall" fundraising initiative he created for the Country Music Hall of Fame. His philanthropic work extends to organizations such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Special Olympics and St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, among many others.
With a hands-on approach to philanthropy, Grant hosts the Barefoot Republic camp each summer for two weeks on her farm, where she actively participates in leading worship and outdoor adventures. In recognition of her broader charitable efforts, Grant was honored in 2020 with the Tony Martell Outstanding Entertainment Achievement Award by the T.J. Martell Foundation, acknowledging her contributions to innovative medical research focused on treatments and cures for cancer.
The Rick Byrd Character Award was presented Sunday, Oct. 27 during Belmont University’s “Night of Hope” celebration at the Country Music Hall of Fame. The evening served as the kickoff for the University’s annual Hope Summit, a multi-day event focused on convening leaders across the country who are interested in making change in the world.
Learn more about The Hope Summit.