The NAMM Show kicked off its media preview day yesterday and ended with the presentation of a “Music for Life” award to music legend Graham Nash (soon to be at Bluesfest). The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) honoured Graham Nash with its “Music for Life” award for his 40-years of legendary musical contributions that continue to shape our culture. NAMM’s President and CEO Joe Lamond presented Nash with the “Music for Life” award during the NAMM Show’s opening Breakfast of Champions. Nash will headline the NAMM Nissan Grand Plaza Stage with a performance at the close of the NAMM Show’s opening day.
“The fact is that when music is a part of the school program students are less likely to join a gang, less likely to get into trouble, feel better about themselves and get better grades,” Nash said. “So let’s keep music in schools.”
The “Music for Life” award is NAMM’s highest honor recognizing individuals and organizations that demonstrate, support and exemplify NAMM’s vision that the joy of making music is a precious element of daily living for everyone. Previous recipients have included musicians Stevie Wonder, Yoko Ono, Henry and Felice Mancini, Smokey Robinson and others, as well as Members of Congress, governors and business leaders.
Legendary singer-songwriter Graham Nash is a two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee with Crosby, Stills, and Nash and with the Hollies and was inducted into the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame twice. Among his many accolades, he is also a GRAMMY AwardTM winner, New York Times bestselling author, internationally renowned photographer and visual artist, and was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) by Queen Elizabeth.
The creator of iconic songs including “Our House” and “Teach Your Children” is a powerful voice for peace and social and environmental justice regularly lending his voice to philanthropic endeavors. The No Nukes/Musicians United for Safe Energy (MUSE) concerts he organized in conjunction with fellow musicians Jackson Browne and Bonnie Raitt in 1979, remain seminal benefit events.
Nash’s upcoming studio album, This Path Tonight is set to release April 15, 2016.
Here are some shots from preview day