The International Country Music Day Organization has named their International Country Music Ambassadors of this year. The honor was bestowed on Judy Seale, manager and founder of the Nashville-based Judy Seale International, and Brazilian country singer Rodrigo Haddad.

In the words of Raúl Tejeiro, President of the Country Music Association of Uruguay and Coordinator of this year’s awards, “these awards represent the recognition of an extensive career and the unique prestige earned and consolidated promoting country music internationally”.

Both Ms. Seale and Mr. Haddad have expressed their joy about the award. Judy Seale heard about it all in Europe, where she was touring with different American country music artists: “Wow! Thank you so much. You have no idea what an honor this is for me. It means so much more to me because it comes from associations, media, and true country music fans who understand the importance of promoting this wonderful music around the world.”

Rodrigo Haddad was overjoyed, too: “I’m so happy to receive this award! It’s an honor for me and all my fans and friends in Brazil and all over the world will be so proud of it! This year has been a special one for me since I recorded my new album “From Brazil to TN” in Nashville, and I’m almost ready for the party release.  I’m here to say to you that I will work harder this year in the name of this award. Once again, thank you very much for giving me this.”

Over the past few months, ICMDAY.org has received dozens of notes congratulating this year’s International Country Music Ambassadors on their awards.

Some of the best country artists, most of them long-time Judy Seale collaborators, have spoken extensively about the honor that she has received:

“Judy Seale has made it possible for country music to cross all borders of this planet. She really has become an ambassador to the world, and the country music industry (and the music industry as a whole) could have no better spokesperson. We have logged many miles with Judy, performing at her international festivals, and look forward to many more. On behalf of myself and The Charlie Daniels Band, we congratulate Judy on being honored by your organization.” Charlie Daniels

“There’s no one in all of Country Music more deserving of being honored for their achievements than Judy Seale. She is a tireless crusader for the Artist and the Industry, and we’re very happy to see she is being recognized for her dedication.” Howard and David, The Bellamy Brothers.

“I’m delighted to hear that Judy Seale is being presented with the International Country Ambassador Award. There has been no truer ambassador of country music than Judy. Through her work, she has brought country music into far-flung areas of the world and allowed the beauty of country music to bring joy to many. I congratulate Judy on her continued success as the champion of international tours and on receiving this prestigious award.”  Gene Watson

“Congratulations to Judy for her election as International Country Music Ambassador. She has been bringing country music to Asia and Europe for over twenty years and is totally commited to bringing the best and brightest country music artists to the world. All of us at Asleep at the Wheel congratulate Judy and look forward to working with her in the future”. Ray Benson, Asleep At The Wheel.

Many country music personalities from around the world expressed their happiness when they heard that Rodrigo Haddad had been honored as this year’s International Country Music Ambassador.

“We are delighted to learn that Rodrigo Haddad is being presented with this award. As one of Latin America’s brightest rising country music entertainers, he has performed on stages from Argentina’s San Pedro Country Music Festival to the CMA Country Music Festival in Nashville, and he is Brazil’s leading advocate for American Country Music”. Loudilla, Loretta & Kay Johnson.
Presidents of International Fan Club Organization (IFCO)

“Rodrigo Haddad was the first international artist that accepted the challenge that turned the Argentinian San Pedro Country Music Festival into the biggest South American country music festival. And our audience still calls for him every single year! He is a great and wise artist investing in his future and consolidating his career. That’s why he deserves a major success and that’s why this recongnition is so fair.” Gustavo Laurino, Director of Country2.com and the San Pedro Country Music Festival.

Jason Bermingham and Rodrigo Haddad

“Like many country music fans worldwide, I have tremendous respect for Rodrigo. He embodies integrity and determination, which I believe form the soul of the country way of life. His tireless efforts in Brazil and abroad have touched hundreds, and he has done more than anyone I know to promote country music.” Jason Bermingham, writer, journalist and former Operations Manager for Country Music Television (CMT) International in Brazil.

“Rodrigo has all the ingredients to be an International County Music Star! His beautiful smile, romantic voice and kind nature make him a dream to work with. His passion for country music and for writing songs is easy to see, because he wears his heart on his sleeve. We are proud to have him as a member of the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI).” Debi Cochran Legislative Director of NSAI, a non-profit trade association for songwriters, located in Nashville, Tennessee. Debi is also a songwriter whose hits include “This is Me Missing You” (by James House) and “My Kind of Girl” (by Collin Raye).

“I am very happy that Rodrigo Haddad has received this wonderful award.  He is the finest and most respectful person that I have had the pleasure to call ‘mi amigo.’  I have witnessed his amazing talent when he has performed in Nashville and the enerygy he creates.  As an individual, Rodrigo is caring, kind, and just a great guy.  I am very proud to call him my friend, and, he represents country music at its finest”.  Cerrito, Nashville independent artist

Two interviews with this year’s International Country Music Ambassadors will be published on the website of the International Country Music Day Organization, www.icmday.org, in the next few days.

The International Country Music Day is held on September 17 every year, commemorating the birth of Hank Williams, one of the foremost legends of country music.

For further information, please contact Andoni Urkiaga at icmday@gmail.com.

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