Charlie Daniels was honored Wednesday night for 50 years of work in the music business during a party at the Nashville offices of the performing rights organization BMI.

Charlie was recognized by a number of different agencies, claiming a certificate of merit from Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen, the Adjutant Distinguished Patrio Medal, a proclamation from the City of Nashville and a letter from President George W. Bush. Charlie also collected a plaque honoring 500,000 album sales through his own Blue Hat record label.

"I came to Nashville in 1967 with the clutch out of my car and a $20 bill," he told local television station WTVF. "And you know, God has blessed me with doing things I didn't ever have the imagination to think of."

The event was just the latest public expression of gratitude extended to Charlie this year. In January, he joined the Grand Ole Opry; and earlier this month, he was given a Career Achievement Award by Country Radio Broadcasters.