Award of Merit (1986)

 

January 27, 1986

Paul McCartney

Associated Press

January 10, 1986

    Former Beatle Paul McCartney will be honored with the Special Award of Merit during the 13th annual presentation of the American Music Awards, a spokesman for the show said Thursday.

     McCartney will accept the award by satellite connection from London during the television broadcast of the show, January 27, said publicist Paul Shefrin.  The Award of Merit winner is selected by a blue ribbon panel, unlike the other American Music Award winners, who are selected by polling music buyers. 

    Shefrin said the merit award recognizes outstanding contributions over a long period of time to the musical entertainment of the American public. The inscription on the award will state that for more than two decades, McCartney has been responsible for enormous changes in the sound and content of music.