Nashville, TN (September 1, 2011) -- The ICM Faith, Family & Country Awards Top 5 finalists were announced yesterday, and Ricky Skaggs secured nominations in five categories: Legend/Pioneer Award, Entertainer, Inspirational Country Song ("Someday Soon"), Musician and Inspirational Bluegrass Artist.  For Skaggs, who has previously won several ICM Awards, this year's nominations are particularly sweet. "I'm very grateful to the ICM for all the nominations," says Skaggs. "When I started playin' and singin', they didn't have award shows like they do now, so I've never been driven to win them.  I just love the music and I love the fact that God uses music to speak to people's hearts.  That's what I'm in it for, to be a messenger of His Love."  The 17th Annual Inspirational Country Music Awards will be held on Friday, October 28 at Nashville's Schermerhorn Symphony Center.  

Ricky has been honored with the following ICM Awards:  Musician of the Year, Christian Country Music Association - 1994, 1995, Musician of the Year - 2008, Inspirational Bluegrass Artist (with The Whites) - 2008, Mainstream Country Artist (with The Whites) - 2008, Mainstream Country Artist - 2009 and Inspirational Bluegrass Artist - 2010. 

A 14-time Grammy® winner, Skaggs should have no problem garnering additional nominations in the future, as he continues to record and produce peerless music that appeals to an ever-growing fan base that crosses multiple genres.  He released COUNTRY HITS BLUEGRASS STYLE in July, and the 14-song disc is a mix of Skaggs' Country and Bluegrass roots; a compilation of numerous Skaggs' #1 Country hits and fan favorites, played in a Bluegrass style. Ricky's been sharing his music with fans around the country during his current Treasure Chest Tour.  The tour continues with shows in Copper Mountain, CO (Villages at Copper Mountain), Stephenville, TX (Birdsong Amphitheater), Bloomington, IL (Bloomington Performing Arts Center) and Hiawassee, GA (Georgia Mountain Fall Festival) in addition to a host of bluegrass dates.

In August, Skaggs Family Records announced the issue of another 2011 CD:  A SKAGGS FAMILY CHRISTMAS VOLUME TWO.  The 10-song disc hits stores nationwide on September 27, and features both studio and live recordings.  A bonus DVD filled with 26 performances of traditional seasonal favorites and new compositions that are sure to become holiday treasures is included with the CD.  Skaggs and The Whites have taken their live holiday show on the road for the last eight years, entertaining crowds in venues ranging from churches to symphony halls, to the National Tree Lighting Ceremony in Washington D.C., where they sang for President George W. Bush.  They continue the tradition this year with bookings at a variety of outlets throughout the holiday season.  A Skaggs Family Christmas Tour concludes with a special evening at Nashville's Schermerhorn Symphony Center on December 22.

For more news on this music icon and a complete itinerary, log on to: www.rickyskaggs.com.