Every two years, the International Society of Bassists gives its Distinguished Achievement Award, the Society’s highest honor, to a bassist who has demonstrated and attained the highest level of excellence, and whose career has had significant influence on the worldwide double bass community. The 2009 Distinguished Achievement Award honoree is jazz legend Ron Carter.
Mr. Carter received a rousing standing ovation by the audience and an etched granite memento of the occasion during a surprise presentation at the close of his headlining concert with guitarist Russell Malone at the recent ISB convention at Penn State University.

In addition, the ISB also gives a number of Special Recognition Awards, presented biennially to recognize those who has contributed their special talents, knowledge and support to furthering ISB ideals. 2009 recipients include:

Composition – Peter Askim
Lutherie – Michael Krahmer (one of the Pöllmann Bros.)
Scholarship – John Goldsby
Teaching – Francois Rabbath
Solo Performance – Renaud Garcia Fons
Jazz Performance – Rufus Reid
Orchestral Performance – Klaus Stoll
Historically Informed Performance – Rob Nairn
Young Bassists Ambassador – Cathy Elliot
Special Merit – L’Orchestre de Contrabasses
Friend of the Bass – Sue Haug, Director of the Penn State School of Music
Friend of the Bass – Barbara Korner, Dean of the Penn State College of Arts and Architecture
Friend of the Bass – Russell Bloom, Assistant to thFriend of the Bass – Pasquerilla Spiritual Center