The Academy of Country Music announced the inception of the ACM Merle Haggard Spirit Award, which will honor uncompromising artists in the spirit of Merle Haggard, while acknowledging a man who has figured prominently in ACM history. The Academy will bestow the inaugural ACM Merle Haggard Spirit Award at the 10th annual ACM Honors on Aug. 30 to a recipient still to be announced.