Jim Ed Norman Honored With Bob Kingsley Living Legend Award

NASHVILLE, TN (CelebrityAccess) — Legendary country musician, record producer and label exec Jim Ed Norman was honored with the Bob Kingsley Living Legend Award at a benefit at the Grand Ole Opry.

Norman was surprised on stage with the award, which is intended to recognize people who have made a lasting impact on the country music business. The award is named after Bob Kingsley, a famed radio personality, who received the inaugural award in 2014.

Among the artists who participated in the benefit through performances, appearances and taped messages were Big & Rich, Lee Brice, Crystal Gayle, Mickey Gilley, Natalie Grant, Jeff Hanna, Don Henley, Gary Morris, Michael Martin Murphy, Pinkard & Bowden, Mo Pitney, Kenny Rogers, and TG Sheppard.

The evening benefitted the Opry Trust Fund, which for 50 years has supported members of the country music community in need.

With a professional career that spans more than 40 years, Norman's work includes albums by the Eagles and helping to shape the sound of West Coast Rock. He's previously served as both the President of Warner Bros. Records Nashville and is currently CEO of The Curb Group.

Joe Galante, former head of Sony Music Nashville, was honored with the award in 2015. – Staff Writers