In late 2019, Randy Travis will be honored with ASCAP's prestigious Founder's Award in recognition of his pioneering role as a songwriter and country performer. Travis will received the award during the 2019 ASCAP Country Music Awards, which will take place on Nov. 11 at and industry and invite-only gala in Nashville.

For nearly forty years, Travis has been a member of ASCAP (the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers), which is an organization of those who write every kind of music. Recipients of the Founder's Award are musical innovators who make lasting contributions to the craft of music-making, and previous honorees include Emmylou Harris, George Strait, Ricky Skaggs and more of the country genre's most iconic artists.

"Randy Travis is the seminal country artist of a generation," ASCAP Chairman of the Board and President Paul Williams says in a statement. "His meteoric rise to the top of the country charts was fueled by that unmistakable baritone and a talent for traditional country music that spoke to everyone. As a new artist, Randy garnered international attention at a time when such exposure for country artists was reserved for an iconic few. His music and devotion to classic country sounds are a cornerstone in the genre, and it is an honor to present him with this year's Founder's Award."

The accolade will top off what has already been a milestone year for Travis. Most recently, he announced his Music of Randy Travis Tour, which will take singer and actor James Dupre on the road, along with Travis' original band and the iconic singer and his wife, Mary.

LOOK: Randy Travis Through the Years

5 Lessons We've Learned From Randy Travis

More From 95.7 KEZJ