Robbie Robertson Honored with Prestigious Award at 2017 NAMM Trade Show

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PRNewsFoto/NAMMThe Band‘s Robbie Robertson was presented with the National Association of Music Merchants’ “Music for Life” award on Thursday in Anaheim, California, at the 2017 edition of the popular NAMM Show trade event. The honor recognizes Robertson’s many musical contributions, including his work as a songwriter, guitarist and film-score composer.

The 73-year-old Rock and Roll Hall of Famer received the award at the association’s “Breakfast of Champions” session, which opened the 2017 NAMM Show’s first day. The event’s theme was innovation, and Robertson discussed his own motivation to break new ground in his musical endeavors.

“You are influenced by people you admire…No matter how long you’ve been doing something, you’re still absorbing, you’re still learning,” he maintained. “You learn one thing and then something else comes along and it challenges you and it raises you to a new place. The challenges that make you want to wake up early is one of the greatest gifts of life.”

Robbie was presented with the “Music for Life” award by NAMM President and CEO Joe Lamond, who in introducing the influential roots rocker, said, “Robertson came of age during a time of great musical and social change which is still reverberating today. And with a seat at the table of some of the most memorable music moments of our lifetime, he has inspired countless to pick up an instrument and find their own voices.”

Previous “Music for Life” award honorees include Graham Nash, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robertson, Yoko Ono and Henry Mancini.

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