Willie Nelson

Nelson to be given first 'Bridging Divides' award
© 2007 The Associated Press

AUSTIN, Texas — Country music icon Willie Nelson's latest award recognizes him as an ambassador for peace.
The entertainer will be honored at an Oct. 19 dinner at the Frank Erwin Center on the University of Texas campus with the inaugural "Bridging Divides" award for aiding peaceful conflict resolution.
The award, announced Thursday by the University of Texas at Austin Project on Conflict Resolution, is one of many accolades for the performer, whose long line of hits includes "On the Road Again,""Always on My Mind" and "Whiskey River."
"Willie Nelson embodies the kind of peaceful tolerance that can resolve conflicts whether it's singing duets with musicians from a spectrum of styles and political positions, supporting the family farm through Farm Aid, or drawing attention to the opportunities of biodiesel," said Madeline Maxwell, founder of the university's Conflict Resolution Center and a professor in the Department of Communication Studies in the College of Communication.
Guest artist Amy Nelson will sing a song she wrote with her father, and Ray Wylie Hubbard and Jimmie Dale Gilmore are also scheduled to perform. "Texas Monthly" Editor Evan Smith will be master of ceremonies.