The City of Austin announced July 16 the naming of country-western singer-songwriter, actor and director Dwight Yoakam as an honorary citizen of Austin.

The Grammy Award winner performed two shows July 13 at Austin City Limits Live's Moody Theater downtown and received the honor in person from Don Pitts, City of Austin Music Program manager.

"He's always had an affection for Austin," Pitts said. "Mr. Yoakam embodies the essence of what live music is about."

Yoakam has sold more than 25 million albums, which Pitts said includes a live album recorded in Austin. He has also performed numerous times throughout the years at both the ACL Live studio and at the ACL Music Festival.

Yoakam is the first recipient of the honorary citizen award affiliated with the city's music division, which is housed within the Economic Growth and Redevelopment Services Office.

Past recipients include actors Adam West, Burt Ward, Tim Curry and Chuck Norris, as well as comedian Craig Ferguson.

"Our office is looking at maybe doing this six to eight times a year with artists of international fame to keep promoting Austin as a music city," Pitts said.