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Mac McAnally Wins Record Seventh CMA Musician Honor

Chart-topping recording artist, accomplished producer, hit songwriter and studio owner Mac McAnally is many things, but tonight in Music City, he is simply "musician." For an astounding and record-setting seven consecutive years, McAnally has been named Musician of the Year by the Country Music Association.

The honor breaks his tie with fiddler Mark O'Connor, who received the award from 1991-1996. McAnally was first nominated for Musician in 2007, winning in 2008 and every year since. The first person to ever receive the award was Chet Atkins, in 1988.

"I have to be the least deserving winner of the CMA Musician of the Year award, but that doesn't mean I'm not grateful for it," McAnally says. "The guys I'm nominated with honestly deserve it at least as much as I deserve it. Jerry Douglas could be half as good as he is and be the best in the world at his instrument. I wouldn't put myself in that category at all. But I'm the most grateful guy that's ever gotten the award, I'll say that."

Beyond being one of the most respected guitar players and vocalists in Nashville, he has also been nominated for a CMA Award as an artist. In 2009, he and Kenny Chesney were up for Musical Event of the Year for "Down The Road," a duet that rocketed to No. 1 two decades after Mac wrote and recorded it himself as a solo artist.

Early next year, McAnally the artist will perform on Mountain Stage with Larry Groce. The National Public Radio program will tape Jan. 18 in Morgantown, WV, produced by West Virginia Public Radio. Also on the show are Lee Ann Womack, Charlie Worsham and Angaleena Presley. Tickets went on sale this week.

Speaking of Womack, Mac showcased his skills as a player and vocalist during recording sessions for her acclaimed new album The Way I'm Livin'. "It's just outstanding," McAnally says of the project. "Nobody ever regrets being a part of high quality work and that's what we strive for every day - to be associated not just with things that succeed, but with things that are lastingly good."

And with his seventh CMA trophy setting a new bar in a town renowned for having the best musicians in the world, Mac McAnally has redefined the phrase "lastingly good."