Big & Rich honored for their humanitarian efforts

Big & Rich were honored with the Artist Humanitarian Award by the industry group Country Radio Broadcasters Wednesday morning at the Nashville Convention Center during to opening ceremonies of the annual Country Radio Seminar. Last year’s winners, the members of Rascal Flatts, were on hand to present them with the award.

The Artist Humanitarian Award was created in 1990 to honor those country music artists who have exhibited exceptional humanitarian efforts during their careers. In addition to Rascal Flatts, past recipients of the annual award have included Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, Trace Adkins, Randy Owen, Toby Keith, Brad Paisley, Brooks & Dunn, Reba McEntire, Vince Gill, Garth Brooks and Charlie Daniels, among others.

John Rich and Kenny Alphin, known professionally as Big & Rich, have been active in charitable endeavors for more than a decade. Their humanitarian efforts have included staging benefit concerts for the Country Music Hall of Fame and the 173rd Airborne Memorial, as well other projects both in the U.S. and abroad. The duo has made a point throughout their career to help underprivileged children and families in struggling countries like Uganda, Sudan, Haiti and Kenya, among others.

"The only way to do this is by having a great career; thanks to everyone in this room for that," said Rich. Added Alphin, “I am blessed and I am humbled. I am thankful that I have been able to help in some small ways. Every little act of kindness everyone does makes our world another step closer to a brighter tomorrow. We're thankful to our great creator and all that are here today.” 

In the photo above, the members of Rascal Flatts and Big & Rich pose with a child spokesperson for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.