WHO WAS VIC? (His Life & Legacy)

Vic Chesnutt was an Athens, Georgia, singer-songwriter known for his raw, unconventional take on Americana. After his debut, Little (1990), he gained wide recognition with Sweet Relief: II: Gravity of the Situation (1996). Over his career, he released 17 albums, including collaborations with Michael Stipe and a major-label release, About to Choke. Paralyzed from a 1983 car accident, Chesnutt created music from his wheelchair with remarkable depth and honesty, leaving a lasting legacy cherished in Athens and beyond, with the support of his wife, Tina.

WHAT DOES THIS AWARD DO?

The Vic Chesnutt Songwriter Award was established in 2016 to recognize and celebrate the creative talents of songwriters of all genres in the greater Athens area. The awards are presented by the Classic City Rotary Club.

HOW FINALISTS ARE CHOSEN?

Finalists and winners are chosen by a panel of music industry experts, and finalists perform their nominated song live at the annual Vic Chesnutt Songwriter of the Year Awards Show. The winner is announced at the show and receives a $1500 cash prize (raised from $1000 starting 2022!). Winners also receive studio recording time from Amplify at Nuçi’s Space, a photo shoot from Jason Thrasher, and a publicity and radio promotion campaign, courtesy of Team Clermont and owners Bill Benson and Nelson Wells. Each finalist also receives a cash prize.