Country Music Royalty Comes Together for a Powerful “Will the Circle Be Unbroken?” Performance at ACM Honors

On Wednesday, the ACM Honors looked to celebrate the achievements of Eric Church, Kacey Musgraves, Ella Langley, Jo Dillion, and several others. But throughout the event that featured performances from Dierks Bentley and Megan Moroney, the highlight of the night came when Brenda Lee took the stage to present the Carter Family with the ACM Poet’s Awards. Although there to only present the award, Lee wasn’t about to leave the spotlight without a special performance. And with the Carter Family honored, she called for some help when covering “Can the Circle Be Unbroken (By and By).” 

Originally titled “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” in the early 1900s, the song caught the attention of A.P. Carter. Reworking the song, the Carter Family added their own signature to the lyrics. Switching the title to “Can the Circle Be Unbroken (By and By),” the song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. 

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The timeless hit didn’t stop there, as countless artists have covered the song. The list included Bob Dylan, Jerry Lee Lewis, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Johnny Cash, and more. But no matter how long the list grew, the song always carried the Carter Family’s legacy and lasting influence on country music.

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The Carter Family Was Made For The Poet’s Award

Standing alongside Lee were descendants of the Carter Family. There to represent the family’s rich history in country music were Carlene Carter, John Carter Cash, Kevin Carter Jones, Rita Forrester, Dewanna Cross, and Sara Carter’s granddaughters. 

Holding the Poet’s Award, Lee and the Carter family entertained the crowd with an impromptu performance of the classic hit.

When first discussing who would receive the Poet’s Award, the ACM looked beyond chart success to honor those whose words helped shape the genre itself. According to the organization, the Poet’s Award “recognizes a Country Music songwriter whose work has had an enduring impact on shaping the Country Music genre with exceptional lyrical and musical contributions.” 

With the Carter Family the perfect representation of the award, their influence remained woven throughout country music decades later. And surrounded by generations of the legendary family, the moment celebrated just how far their music had traveled. 

(Photo by David Redfern/Redferns)