CMT News

Dwight Yoakam was presented the Country Music Association's International Artist Achievement Award during an event prior to Wednesday's (Nov. 7) CMA Awards show in Nashville. Throughout his career, Yoakam has worked to develop a worldwide fan base through tours of France, Germany, the UK, Australia, Italy, Spain, Switzerland and other nations. Yoakam said he received early tour support from Warner Bros., his first record label, but added, "I think it is incumbent upon the individual artist to sometimes take the economic hit and go overseas. It's expensive to travel, but I've reaped great rewards from having fans all around the world. I was very, very honored that CMA would give me that award."