NASHVILLE (AP) — The National Music Council is honoring the life-long musical contributions of Kris Kristofferson, Charley Pride and Jim Lauderdale.

The trio was honored on Saturday at the 32nd Annual American Eagle Awards during a Nashville trade show gathering of the National Association of Music Merchants.

According to a news release, Rosanne Cash delivered a tribute to Kristofferson with a rendition of "Loving Her Was Easier."

The awards also honored artist manager Jim Halsey and country music producer/director Sherman Halsey, who died in 2013.

Speaking of the later, Dwight Yoakam said, "Managers are in fact artists, and that's who Sherman was."

The Oak Ridge Boys and Jack Ingram also performed in celebration of this year's honorees.

Proceeds benefit the National Music Council's Music Education and Creator's Rights Advocacy programs.