Dwight, who is GAC's Artist of the Month, grew up in Pikesville, but he found his path to success after he moved to Los Angeles and started working the club circuit in the 1980s. Receiving the honor in his home state has huge meaning for him.

"It really is all about my family," Dwight told The Tennessean. "Kentucky is that and always will be that. It's an honor that really is one of my proudest because of how emotionally connected to me it will always be."

Southern California, Dwight's current home, holds the end of one of America's most famous highways, Route 66. But Dwight was born near another significant roadway. He considers himself part of the Route 23 gang. He made his debut on the planet in the same hospital in which Patty Loveless was later born, and those who grew up in proximity to the highway also include Loretta Lynn, the Judds, Ricky Skaggs and Billy Ray Cyrus.

"We've had a pretty good run along Route 23," Dwight said. "I'm proud to have it as a birthright."