A year filled with recognition and awards will spill into 2017 for Charley Pride. The country legend is set to receive the Grammy's Lifetime Achievement Award in February.

The late Jimmie Rodgers (the "father of country music") is another of the seven artists set to receive the award. Gospel music's Shirley Caesar, R&B great Nina Simone, funk master Sylvester "Sly Stone" Stewart, pianist Ahmad Jamal and the Velvet Underground will also receive the honor.

In 2016 the 78-year-old Pride celebrated his 50th year in country music. "Kiss an Angel Good Morning" is his most recognized hit, although the Grand Old Opry's first black member notched three dozen chart-toppers during a career that sold millions of records. In 1971 he won the CMA Entertainer of the Year award, becoming the first African American to do so.

Earlier this year Pride received the Ameripolitan Master Award for his work. In September he was amongst the legends chosen for the "Forever Country" song and video, saying it was an absolute honor. On Nov. 2 he joined country stars old and young for a super medley to begin the 2016 CMA Awards. The Grammy honor extends a time of recognition for Pride.

“This year’s Special Merit Awards recipients comprise a prestigious group of diverse and influential creators who have crafted or contributed to some of the most distinctive recordings in music history,” says Neil Portnow, president / CEO of the Recording Academy, in a press release. “These exceptionally inspiring figures are being honored as legendary performers, creative architects and technical visionaries. Their outstanding accomplishments and passion for their respective crafts have created a timeless legacy.”

The 2017 Grammy Awards are set to air on Feb. 12 on CBS.

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