For the Hag

The Academy of Country Music announced the inception of the ACM Merle Haggard Spirit Award, which will honor uncompromising artists in the spirit of Merle Haggard, while acknowledging a man who has figured prominently in ACM history. The Academy will bestow the inaugural ACM Merle Haggard Spirit Award at the 10th annual ACM Honors on Aug. 30 to a recipient still to be announced.