In recognition of those writers who have made a significant input into the reporting on the Australian country music scene an award has instigated to recognise their contribution.

It was also announced that the honour would henceforth be known as the Eric Watson Award in recognition of the first winner of the title who is renowned as Australia's first Australian country music historian through the publication of his definitive books "The History of Country Music in Australia".

James "Jazzer" Smith was the second recipient.

Tasmanian-born "Jazzer" (as he was known from his Christian name James [or Jas] and middle initial R... JasR) was one of Australia's leading country music journalists and writers.

From his home state, "Jazzer" moved to Melbourne where he was heavily involved in the local music industry and got a taste for country through his writing involvement with "Across Country" magazine.

In the early 1980s, he was enticed to Tamworth to take on the role as the first dedicated editor of the fledgling country music magazine "Capital News"  now the nation's leading country music publication when it first became a monthly publication.

"Jazzer" also battled cancer (non-Hodgkins Lymphoma) for much of his adult life which took a huge toll, and eventually his life in 1987.

In addition to his prolific writings as a journalist, and at a time when he was seriously battling cancer, "Jazzer" wrote "The Book of Australian Country Music" (published in 1984) which is still recognised as one of the nation's most significant country music publications.

An annual talent quest conducted during the Tamworth Country Music Festival in January is named in his honour, as is a special award in the Toastmasters (public speaking and communication) organisation where he also made a major impact.

"Jazzer" was presented with the Australasian Country Music Awards Country Music Capital Award Golden Guitar for services to the country music industry in January 1987.