Photos

Nov 11, 2009 BMI Icon Kris Kristofferson and longtime friend Jessi Colter at the 2009 BMI Country Awards, held November 10 in Nashville. View Photo

Nov 11, 2009 Willie Nelson delivers a heart-wrenching rendition of “Lovin’ Her Was Easier (Than Anything I’ll Ever Do Again)” during the tribute to BMI Icon Kris Kristofferson at the 2009 BMI Country Awards in Nashville. View Photo

Nov 11, 2009 Vince Gill, Patty Griffin, and Willie Nelson perform “Me and Bobby McGee” together in a soulful tribute to newly crowned BMI Icon Kris Kristofferson at the 2009 BMI Country Awards in Nashville. View Photo

Nov 11, 2009 BMI's President & CEO Del Bryant, BMI Icon Kris Kristofferson, BMI Song of the Year Honoree Taylor Swift, BMI Songwriter of the Year Bobby Pinson, and BMI's Jody Williams. View Photo

Nov 11, 2009 Vince Gill performs a stunning version of “Why Me” during the tribute to BMI Icon Kris Kristofferson at the 2009 BMI Country Awards in Nashville. View Photo

Nov 11, 2009 Big Kenny is interviewed on the red carpet at the BMI Country Awards, staged November 10 in Nashville. View Photo

Nov 11, 2009 BMI Icon Kris Kristofferson interviewed on the red carpet at the 2009 BMI Country Awards, held November 10 in Nashville. View Photo

Nov 11, 2009 Taylor Swift arrives on the red carpet at the 2009 BMI Country Awards, held November 10 in Nashville. View Photo

Nov 11, 2009 Brooks & Dunn are surprised with the prestigious BMI President’s Award at the 2009 BMI Country Awards, held November 10 in Nashville. Pictured are (l-r): Ronnie Dunn, BMI's Jody Williams, BMI's President & CEO Del Bryant, and Kix Brooks. View Photo

Nov 11, 2009 Melita Snider, Don Was, Kix Brooks, Deborah Allen, and Todd Snider pause for a photo at the 2009 BMI Country Awards, staged November 10 at the organization’s Music Row offices. View Photo