American Music Award of Merit: 1974-2016

After a four-year layoff, the American Music Award of Merit returned in 2008. The award was initiated in 1974 as one of the original awards for the first annual American Music Awards show, which was televised on February 19, 1974. The Hollywood Reporter says the award is given to artists “who have made truly exceptional contributions to the music industry.” The award was given each year from 1974 to 2004. Then it was given again until 2008 and then there was an eight-year gap before it was given again, this time to Sting on November 20, 2016. As of May 24, 2021, the award has not been given again. See other lifetime achievement awards. Sting receives the American Music Award of Merit; image from Stereogum.com Alabama (2003) The Beach Boys (1988) Irving Berlin (1976) Chuck Berry (1981) Bon Jovi (2004) Garth Brooks (2002) James Brown (1992) Johnny Cash (1977) Perry Como (1979) Bing Crosby (1974) Neil Diamond (1990) Gloria Estefan (2000) Ella Fitzgerald (1978) Benny Goodman (1980) Berry Gordy Jr. (1975) Bill Graham (1993) Merle Haggard (1991) Whitney Houston (1994) Janet Jackson (2001) Michael Jackson (1984) Billy Joel (1999) Annie Lennox (2008) Little Richard (1997) Loretta Lynn (1985) Paul McCartney (1986) Willie Nelson (1989) Elvis Presley (1987) Prince (1995) Kenny Rogers (1983) Frank Sinatra (1998) Sting (2016) Stevie Wonder (1982) Tammy Wynette (1996) Resources/Related Links: Dave’s Music Database: “Lifetime Achievement Awards” American Music Awards (official site) HollywoodReporter.com (11/20/2016). “American Music Awards: Sting Performs Medley of Hits, Honored with Award of Merit” by Caitlin Greenho and Hilary Lewis Rockonthenet.com: “American Music Awards: Award of Merit” Wikipedia: “American Music Award of Merit” (list of recipients by year) First posted 11/23/2008; last updated 5/24/2021.