Toby Keith, Joe Nichols in Awards Pileup

American Ride is Toby Keith's 13th studio album. Image courtesy of Show Dog Records Nashville.

Sept. 16, 2009 — Toby Keith, Joe Nichols and John Fogerty join a long list of artists with big awards moments in their future, and it's a good bet that all of them will enjoy a smoother time in the spotlight than Taylor Swift did when Kanye West stole her microphone at last weekend's MTV Video Music Awards.

Toby and John are receiving honors that recognize long-term accomplishments, while Joe is taking part in an awards ceremony featuring one of the world's spiritual leaders.

Among the awards-related events on tap:
• Toby will be honored by the Nashville Songwriters Association International as Songwriter/Artist of the Decade during an Oct. 18 ceremony, according to Country Aircheck. Craig Wiseman, who authored "The Good Stuff" and "Live Like You Were Dying," will also be celebrated as Songwriter of the Decade.

• John Fogerty, whose career encompasses both solo work and the influential band, Creedence Clearwater Revival, is to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award as a songwriter Thursday during the Americana Honors & Awards in Nashville. Buddy Miller is the leading nominee for the night's recognition of this year's releases and artists.

• Joe Nichols will perform "Believers" during a Sept. 23 event at the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis as the Dalai Lama receives the Freedom Award. Joe will join Natalie Cole that same night in a benefit concert the Dalai Lama is hosting.

• "My Heart Has A History" singer Paul Brandt accepts an honorary doctorate Oct. 17 at the University of Lethbridge in Alberta.

• Willie Nelson will be on hand Oct. 26 at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., as Bill Cosby collects the Mark Twain Prize for Humor.

• The Dan Tyminski Band is the frontrunner in the International Bluegrass Music Association Awards, hosted by Kathy Mattea and Hot Rize on Oct. 1 in Nashville.

• Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood will co-host the annual Country Music Association Awards Nov. 11.