The Americana Music Honors & Awards is the marquee event for the

Americana Music Association The Americana Music Association is a not-for-profit trade organization advocating for American Roots Music globally, and supporting professionals within the field. Purpose The Americana Music Association was founded in order to advocate and p ...

. Beginning in 2002, the Americana Music Association honors distinguished members of the music community. Six member-voted awards and several Lifetime Achievement Awards are handed out while over 2000 artists, music-loving fans and entertainment industry executives look on. The Honors & Awards have featured a variety of musical events, including

Johnny Cash John R. Cash (born J. R. Cash; February 26, 1932 – September 12, 2003) was an American singer-songwriter. Most of his music contains themes of sorrow, moral tribulation, and redemption, especially songs from the later stages of his career. ...

and

June Carter Cash Valerie June Carter Cash (June 23, 1929 – May 15, 2003) was an American country singer and songwriter. A five-time Grammy Award–winner, she was a member of the Carter Family and the second wife of singer Johnny Cash. Prior to her marria ...

's last live performance together. Artists such as

The Carolina Chocolate Drops The Carolina Chocolate Drops were an old-time string band from Durham, North Carolina. Their 2010 album, '' Genuine Negro Jig,'' won the Grammy Award for Best Traditional Folk Album at the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards, and was number 9 in ''fRoot ...

, Robert Plant & His Band of Joy,

Steve Earle Stephen Fain Earle (; born January 17, 1955) is an American country, rock, and folk singer-songwriter. He began his career as a songwriter in Nashville and released his first EP in 1982. Earle's breakthrough album was his 1986 debut album '' ...

Allison Moorer Allison Moorer (born June 21, 1972) is an American Country music, country singer-songwriter. She signed with MCA Nashville in 1997 and made her debut on the U.S. Billboard Country Chart with the release of her debut single, "A Soft Place to F ...

Rosanne Cash Rosanne Cash (born May 24, 1955) is an American singer-songwriter and author. She is the eldest daughter of country musician Johnny Cash and his first wife, Vivian Cash. Although Cash is often classified as a country artist, her music draws f ...

and

John Fogerty John Cameron Fogerty (born May 28, 1945) is an American singer, songwriter and guitarist. Together with Doug Clifford, Stu Cook, and his brother Tom Fogerty, he founded the swamp rock band Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR), for which he was th ...

have also performed for the event, and special appearances by artists like

Kris Kristofferson Kristoffer Kristofferson (June 22, 1936 – September 28, 2024) was an American singer, songwriter, and actor. He was a pioneering figure in the outlaw country movement of the 1970s, moving away from the polished Nashville sound and toward a m ...

(2003),

Loretta Lynn Loretta Lynn (; April 14, 1932 – October 4, 2022) was an American country music singer and songwriter. In a career spanning six decades, Lynn released multiple gold albums. She had numerous hits such as "Hey Loretta", "The Pill (song), The P ...

(2004/2014),

Billy Bob Thornton Billy Bob Thornton (born August 4, 1955) is an American actor, filmmaker, singer and songwriter. He received international attention after writing, directing and starring in the independent film, independent Drama (film and television), drama f ...

(2005),

Bonnie Raitt Bonnie Lynn Raitt (; born November 8, 1949) is an American singer, guitarist, and songwriter. In 1971, Raitt released her Bonnie Raitt (album), self-titled debut album. Following this, she released a series of critically acclaimed Americana (mu ...

(2012/2016),

Dwight Yoakam Dwight David Yoakam (born October 23, 1956) is an American singer-songwriter, actor, and filmmaker. He first achieved mainstream attention in 1986 with the release of his debut album ''Guitars, Cadillacs, Etc., Etc.''. Yoakam had considerable s ...

(2016) and

George Strait George Harvey Strait Sr. (born May 18, 1952) is an American country music singer, songwriter, actor, and music producer. Strait has sold over 120 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling music artists of all time. He holds ...

(2016) demonstrate the prestige of the genre and awards show. The Honors & Awards show was first broadcast on national television in 2005. Also in 2005,

SiriusXM Sirius XM Holdings Inc. is an American broadcasting corporation headquartered in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, that provides satellite radio and online radio services operating in the United States. The company was formed by the 2008 merge ...

BBC2 BBC Two is a British free-to-air public broadcast television channel owned and operated by the BBC. It is the corporation's second flagship channel, and it covers a wide range of subject matter, incorporating genres such as comedy, drama and ...

, and

Voice of America Voice of America (VOA or VoA) is an international broadcasting network funded by the federal government of the United States that by law has editorial independence from the government. It is the largest and oldest of the American internation ...

began broadcasting the show on radio.

PBS The Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) is an American public broadcaster and non-commercial, free-to-air television network based in Arlington, Virginia. PBS is a publicly funded nonprofit organization and the most prominent provider of educat ...

began airing an abbreviated version during

Austin City Limits ''Austin City Limits'' is an American Concert, live music Television show, television program recorded and produced by KLRU, Austin PBS. The show helped Austin become widely known in the United States as the "Live Music Capital of the World", an ...

in 2011. The Americana Honors & Awards Show returned to the historic

Ryman Auditorium Ryman Auditorium (originally Union Gospel Tabernacle and renamed Grand Ole Opry House for a period) is a historic 2,362-seat live-performance venue and museum located at 116 Rep. John Lewis Way North, in the downtown core of Nashville, Tennesse ...

on September 12, 2012. It was once again hosted by

Jim Lauderdale James Russell Lauderdale (born April 11, 1957) is an American country, bluegrass, and Americana singer-songwriter. Since 1986, he has released 31 studio albums, including collaborations with artists such as Dr. Ralph Stanley, Buddy Miller, ...

, while the All Star Band was led by

Buddy Miller Steven Paul "Buddy" Miller (born September 6, 1952) is an American singer, songwriter, musician, recording artist and producer, currently living in Nashville Nashville, often known as Music City, is the capital and List of municipalities in T ...

. The 2012 Honors & Awards show was aired live on

AXS TV AXS TV () is an American cable television channel majority-owned by Canadian broadcaster Anthem Sports & Entertainment. It is devoted primarily to music-related programming (such as concert films, documentaries, and reality series involving musi ...

and later aired on

and replayed on AXS TV. Lauderdale stepped down from hosting duties after the 2017 ceremony and the 2018–19 Honors & Awards were hosted by

The Milk Carton Kids The Milk Carton Kids are an American indie folk duo from Eagle Rock, Los Angeles, Eagle Rock, California, United States, consisting of singer-guitarists Kenneth Pattengale and Joey Ryan. They began making music together in early 2011 and have r ...

. The show did not include a host in 2021.

Nomination process

The eligibility period for the Americana Music Association's “Of The Year” categories typically runs from April 1 through March 31 of the following year. Only active members of the Americana Music Association may participate in the nomination and election process. The winners are announced at the annual Americana Music Honors & Awards show. Below are the Criteria for each of the following categories: *Album of the Year – Americana albums released during the eligibility period. *Song of the Year – Americana songs released from Albums released during the eligibility period. *Artist of the Year – An Artist who has had an exemplary year based on overall recognition and activity whether through album, song, radio airplay, publicity, touring, or other criteria within the eligibility period. *Emerging Act of the Year – Solo artist, duo, or group having an exemplary year and first blush of national public awareness through overall recognition and activity, whether through album, song, radio airplay, sales, publicity, touring, or other criteria during eligibility period who has not previously been nominated in any category. *Duo/Group of the Year – Duo/Group – have had an exemplary year based on overall recognition and activity, whether through album, song, radio airplay, publicity, touring, or other criteria within the eligibility period. *Instrumentalist of the Year : An award given to a collaborative musician having an exemplary year within the eligibility period based on overall recognition and activity, whether through work on an album, song, touring, or other criteria.

Competitive awards

All awards history information is also available on the Americana Music Association's website.

Album of the Year

Song of the Year

Artist of the Year

John Prine by Ron Baker.jpg,

John Prine John Edward Prine (; October 10, 1946 – April 7, 2020) was an American singer-songwriter of country-folk music. Widely cited as one of the most influential songwriters of his generation, Prine was known for his signature blend of humoro ...

has been named artist of the year in 2005, 2017 and 2018 Dwight Yoakam (2008).jpg, 2013 recipient

Buddy-Miller in 2010.jpg,

is the first person to win artist of the year twice Central_Park_Sound_Stage.jpg, 2007 winner

Patty Griffin Patricia Jean Griffin (born March 16, 1964) is an American singer, songwriter, and musician.Griffin, Patricia She is a vocalist and plays guitar and piano. She is known for her stripped-down songwriting style in the folk music genre. Her songs ...

Loretta Lynn.jpg, Pioneering country singer

was named artist of the year in 2004 Jim Lauderdale AMA 2010.jpg, Inaugural winner

has hosted the awards since its inception

Duo/Group of the Year

The Civil Wars 2012.jpg, 2012 winners

The Civil Wars The Civil Wars were an American musical duo composed of Joy Williams and John Paul White. Formed in 2008, their style blended folk, country, and Americana, characterized by haunting harmonies and poignant lyrics. The duo gained recognition ...

KraussPlantNIA2008.JPG, Bluegrass singer

Alison Krauss Alison Maria Krauss (born July 23, 1971) is an American bluegrass-country singer, fiddler and music producer. She entered the music industry at an early age, competing in local contests by the age of eight and recording for the first time at ...

and rocker

Robert Plant Robert Anthony Plant (born 20 August 1948) is an English singer and songwriter. He was the lead singer and lyricist of the rock band Led Zeppelin from its founding in 1968 until their breakup in 1980. Since then, he has had a successful solo ca ...

won in 2008 Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell.jpg, Two-time winners

Emmylou Harris Emmylou Harris (born April 2, 1947) is an American singer, songwriter, musician, bandleader, and activist. She is considered one of the leading music artists behind the country rock genre in the 1970s and the Americana (music), Americana genre ...

and

Rodney Crowell Rodney Crowell (born August 7, 1950) is an American musician, known primarily for his work as a singer and songwriter in country music. Crowell has had five number one singles on Hot Country Songs, all from his 1988 album '' Diamonds & Dirt''. ...

Dco avett bros pickathon DSC 0387.jpg,

The Avett Brothers The Avett Brothers are an American folk rock band from Concord, North Carolina. The band is made up of two brothers, Scott Avett (banjo, lead vocals, guitar, piano, kick-drum) and Seth Avett (guitar, lead vocals, piano, hi-hat) along with Bob Cr ...

are the most awarded with three wins Drive_by_truckers.jpg, Inaugural recipients

Drive-By Truckers Drive-By Truckers are an American rock music, rock band based in Athens, Georgia. Two of five current members (Patterson Hood and Mike Cooley (American musician), Mike Cooley) are originally from The Shoals region of northern Alabama and met as ...

Instrumentalist of the Year

Brittany haas fls.jpg, 2020 recipient

Brittany Haas Brittany Caroline Haas (born 1987) is an American fiddle player, who also sings and plays the banjo. She is a member of the Boston-based alternative bluegrass band Crooked Still, which is currently on hiatus. She was a regular performer on Live ...

is the second fiddle player to win SaraWatkinsACL.jpg, 2016 winner

Sara Watkins Sara Ullrika Watkins (born June 8, 1981) is an American singer-songwriter and fiddler. Watkins debuted in 1989 as the fiddler of Nickel Creek, the progressive bluegrass group she formed with her brother Sean and mandolinist Chris Thile. In addi ...

is the first female instrumentalist of the year DavidRawlings.jpg, 2012 recipient

David Rawlings David Todd Rawlings (born December 30, 1969) is an American guitarist, singer, and record producer. He is known for his musical partnership with singer and songwriter Gillian Welch. He and Welch were nominated for the Academy Award for Best Or ...

is famous for his work with

Gillian Welch Gillian Howard Welch (; born October 2, 1967) is an American singer-songwriter. She performs with her musical partner, guitarist David Rawlings. Their sparse and dark musical style, which combines elements of Appalachian music, bluegrass, coun ...

Buddy-Miller in 2010.jpg,

is the most awarded musician with five wins Landreth.jpg, Slide guitarist

Sonny Landreth Clide Vernon "Sonny" Landreth (born February 1, 1951) is an American blues musician from southwest Louisiana who is especially known as a slide guitar player. He was born in Canton, Mississippi, and settled in Lafayette, Louisiana. He lives in Br ...

received the award in 2005 Jerry Douglas 2009 Rivercity.jpg, Inaugural winner

Jerry Douglas Gerald Calvin Douglas (born May 28, 1956) is an American Dobro and lap steel guitar player and record producer. He is widely regarded as "perhaps the finest Dobro player in contemporary acoustic music, and certainly the most celebrated and prol ...

Emerging Act of the Year

Amanda Shires 2016.jpg,

Amanda Shires Amanda Rose Shires (born March 5, 1982) is an American singer-songwriter and fiddle player. Shires has released seven solo albums starting in 2005, her most recent being '' Take It Like a Man'' in 2022. In 2019, she founded a country music super ...

had released five albums before her 2017 win Shovels and Rope at Red Rocks Amphitheater July 13 2014.JPG,

Shovels & Rope Shovels & Rope are an American folk duo from Charleston, South Carolina composed of husband and wife Michael Trent and Cary Ann Hearst. Combining threads from their individual solo careers, Shovels & Rope blends traditional folk, rock and roll ...

won in 2013 Mumford_%26_Sons_in_Teatro_Romano_Verona_2012.jpg, British band

Mumford & Sons Mumford & Sons are a British folk rock band formed in London in 2007. The band consists of Marcus Mumford (lead vocals, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, drums), Ted Dwane (vocals, double bass, bass guitar), and Ben Lovett (British musician), B ...

are the first non-Americans to win Hayes Carll.jpg,

Hayes Carll Joshua Hayes Carll (born January 9, 1976), known professionally as Hayes Carll, is an American singer-songwriter. A native of Houston, Texas, his style of country, folk, and roots-oriented songwriting is noted for his plain-spoken poetry and se ...

received the award in 2010 Justin Townes Earle 2010.jpg, 2009 recipient

Justin Townes Earle Justin Townes Earle (January 4, 1982August 20, 2020) was an American singer-songwriter and musician. After his debut EP, ''Yuma'' (2007), he released eight full-length albums. He was recognized with an Americana Music Award for Emerging Artist ...

Mindysmith1.jpg, Inaugural winner

Mindy Smith Melinda Leigh Smith (born June 1, 1972, Long Island, New York) is an American singer-songwriter. Her first record deal came after she sang a cover version of the song " Jolene" by Dolly Parton. Music career Smith was adopted at birth by a non-d ...

Lifetime Achievement Awards

Americana Trailblazer Award

ShawnColvinNovember20.jpg,

Shawn Colvin Shawn Colvin (born Shawna Lee Colvin, January 10, 1956) is an American singer-songwriter. She is best known for her 1997 Grammy Award-winning song "Sunny Came Home". Early life Colvin was born Shawna Lee Colvin in Vermillion, South Dakota, and ...

received the award in 2016 Don Henley.jpg,

Don Henley Donald Hugh Henley (born July 22, 1947) is an American musician who is a founding member of the rock band the Eagles, for whom he is the drummer and co-lead vocalist, as well as its sole continuous member. Henley sang the lead vocals on Eagles ...

, founding member of the

Eagles Eagle is the common name for the golden eagle, bald eagle, and other birds of prey in the family of the Accipitridae. Eagles belong to several groups of Genus, genera, some of which are closely related. True eagles comprise the genus ''Aquila ( ...

, was honoured in 2015 Old Crow Medicine Show A Prairie Home Companion warm up Macalester College Saint Paul MN July 2014.jpg, Old-time music band

Old Crow Medicine Show Old Crow Medicine Show is an Americana (music), Americana string band based in Nashville, Tennessee, that has been recording since 1998. They were inducted into the Grand Ole Opry on September 17, 2013. Their ninth album, ''Remedy (Old Crow Med ...

were chosen in 2013 Bob Harris 2012 at Concert@theKings.jpg, British radio host Bob Harris is the first non-performer to be honored Nancicarolinegriffith.jpg, Folk singer

Nanci Griffith Nanci Caroline Griffith (July 6, 1953 – August 13, 2021) was an American singer, guitarist, and songwriter. She often appeared on the PBS music program ''Austin City Limits'', starting in 1985 during season 10. In 1990, Griffith appeared on th ...

was honoured in 2008 Lyle Lovett at Oregon Zoo.jpg,

Lyle Lovett Lyle Pearce Lovett (born November 1, 1957) Lyle Lovett Pageat Allmusic – Lovett's Genre and Styles. Retrieved February 2, 2007 is an American country singer and actor. Active since 1980, he has recorded 14 albums and released 25 singles to dat ...

received the inaugural trailblazer award

First Amendment Center and Americana Music Association "Spirit of Americana" Free Speech Award/Inspiration Award

Billy Bragg shot by Kris Krug.jpg, British folk singer

Billy Bragg Stephen William Bragg (born 20 December 1957) is an English singer, songwriter, musician, author and political activist. His music blends elements of folk music, punk rock and protest songs, with lyrics that mostly span political or romantic th ...

was the first European recipient 2013 Buffy St. Marie.jpg, 2015 honoree

Buffy Sainte-Marie Buffy Sainte-Marie (born Beverley Jean Santamaria; February 20, 1941) is an American singer-songwriter, musician, and social activist. Sainte-Marie's singing and writing repertoire includes subjects of love, war, religion, and mysticism, and h ...

was the first non-American winner Jackson Browne 2017.jpg,

Jackson Browne Clyde Jackson Browne (born October 9, 1948) is an American rock musician, singer, songwriter, and political activist who has sold over 30 million albums in the United States. Emerging as a teenage songwriter in mid-1960s Los Angeles, he had his ...

received the award in 2014 Jb081309seattle.JPG, Renowned activist and folk singer

Joan Baez Joan Chandos Baez (, ; born January 9, 1941) is an American singer, songwriter, musician, and activist. Her contemporary folk music often includes songs of protest and social justice. Baez has performed publicly for over 60 years, releasing mo ...

won in 2008 Mavis_Staples.jpg,

Mavis Staples Mavis Staples (born July 10, 1939) is an American rhythm and blues and gospel music, gospel singer and civil rights activism, activist. She rose to fame as a member of her family's band The Staple Singers, of which she is the last surviving memb ...

was honoured in 2007 and collected her award in 2019 judycollins_20090205.jpg, Activist folk singer

Judy Collins Judith Marjorie Collins (born May 1, 1939) is an American singer-songwriter and musician with a career spanning nearly seven decades. An Academy Awards, Academy Award-nominated documentary director and a Grammy Awards, Grammy Award-winning rec ...

received the award in 2005 JohnnyCashHouse1969.jpg, Inaugural Free Speech winner

Jack Emerson Lifetime Achievement Award for Executive

CrisWilliamson2013.jpg ,

Cris Williamson Cris Williamson (born February 15, 1947) is an American feminist singer-songwriter and recording artist. She was a visible lesbian political activist during an era when few who were unconnected to the lesbian community were aware of gay and l ...

received the award in 2018 Rick Hall at FAME Recording Studios crop.jpg,

Rick Hall Roe Erister "Rick" Hall (January 31, 1932 – January 2, 2018) was an American record producer, songwriter, and musician who became known as the owner of FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. As the "Father of Muscle Shoals Music", he was ...

was honoured in 2011 Tboneburnettcolor.jpg , Renowned producer

T-Bone Burnett Joseph Henry "T Bone" Burnett III (born January 14, 1948) is an American record producer, guitarist, singer, and songwriter. He was a guitarist in Bob Dylan's band during the 1970s. Burnett has won several Grammy Awards for his work on film sou ...

was the inaugural recipient

Lifetime Achievement Award for Instrumentalist

Ricky Skaggs jams with OCMS at the Grand Ole Opry 23 Feb 2013.JPG,

Ricky Skaggs Rickie Lee Skaggs (born July 18, 1954), known professionally as Ricky Skaggs, is an American neotraditional country and bluegrass singer, musician, producer, and composer. He primarily plays mandolin; however, he also plays fiddle, guitar, ma ...

received the honor in 2015 Booker T at Petaluma festival.jpg, R&B pianist

Booker T. Jones Booker Taliaferro Jones Jr. (born November 12, 1944) is an American musician, songwriter, record producer and arranger, best known as the frontman of the band Booker T. & the M.G.'s. He has also worked in the studios with many well-known artis ...

was given the award in 2012 Greg Leisz playing lap steel 02Apr2013.jpg, 2010 recipient

Greg Leisz Gregory Brian Leisz ( ; born September 18, 1949) is an American musician. He is a songwriter, recording artist, and producer. He plays guitar, dobro, mandolin, banjo, lap steel and pedal steel guitar. Biography Leisz grew up in the garage ba ...

has played with hundreds of Americana artists LarryCampbell2015.jpg,

Larry Campbell Larry W. Campbell (born February 28, 1948) is a Canadian politician who was the 37th mayor of Vancouver, Canada, from 2002 until 2005, and a member of the Senate of Canada from 2005 until his retirement in 2023. Before he was mayor, Campbe ...

plays guitar, mandolin, bass, violin and bouzouki Ry Cooder 19Aug2015 (2).jpg, Guitarist

Ry Cooder Ryland Peter Cooder (born March 15, 1947) is an American musician, songwriter, film score composer, record producer, and writer. He is a multi-instrumentalist but is best known for his slide guitar work, his interest in traditional music, and h ...

was honoured in 2007

Lifetime Achievement Award for Performance

Weir, Bob (2007) 2.jpg,

Bob Weir Robert Hall Weir ( ; né Parber, born October 16, 1947) is an American musician and songwriter best known as a founding member of the Grateful Dead. After the group disbanded in 1995, Weir performed with the Other Ones, later known as the Dead ...

received the Performance Award in 2016 Taj Mahal (musician).jpg, 2014 winner

Taj Mahal The Taj Mahal ( ; ; ) is an ivory-white marble mausoleum on the right bank of the river Yamuna in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India. It was commissioned in 1631 by the fifth Mughal Empire, Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan () to house the tomb of his belo ...

Bonnie Raitt at John Edwards presidential campaign.jpg, 2012 recipient

WandaJacksonopSjock.jpg, Rockabilly queen

Wanda Jackson Wanda LaVonne Jackson (born October 20, 1937) is an American retired singer and songwriter. Since the 1950s, she has recorded and released music in the genres of Rock music, rock, Country music, country and Gospel music, gospel. She was among th ...

was honoured in 2010 Asleep at the Wheel 15April2008.jpg, Western swing band

Asleep at the Wheel Asleep at the Wheel is an American country music, Western swing music group that was formed in Paw Paw, West Virginia, in 1970, and is based in Austin, Texas. The band has won nine Grammy Awards, released over 20 albums, and has charted more t ...

won in 2009 Martystuart-fls.jpg, 2005 honoree

Marty Stuart John Marty Stuart (born September 30, 1958) is an American country music, country and bluegrass music singer, songwriter, and musician. Active since 1968, Stuart initially toured with Lester Flatt, and then in Johnny Cash's road band before be ...

Emmylou Harris 2006 2.jpg, Inaugural winner, folk/country singer

Lifetime Achievement Award for Producer/Engineer

Lifetime Achievement Award for Songwriting

Gillian Banjo.jpg, 2015 recipients

and

Loretta Lynn.jpg, 2014 honoree

Richard Thompson - Cambridge 2006 1.jpg,

Richard Thompson Richard Thompson may refer to: Arts and entertainment * Richard Thompson (animator) (1914–1998), Warner Bros. cartoon animator in the 1950s * Richard Thompson (cartoonist) (1957–2016), cartoonist who also worked as an illustrator * Richard Tho ...

is the first non-American winner Lucinda Williams & guitar.jpg,

Lucinda Williams Lucinda Gayl Williams (born January 26, 1953) is an American singer-songwriter and a solo guitarist. She recorded her first two albums, ''Ramblin' on My Mind (Lucinda Williams album), Ramblin' on My Mind'' (1979) and ''Happy Woman Blues'' (198 ...

is the first female recipient Willie UK2K7 2.JPG, Prolific country singer

Willie Nelson Willie Hugh Nelson (born April 29, 1933) is an American singer, guitarist, songwriter, actor and activist. He was one of the main figures of the outlaw country subgenre that developed in the late 1960s as a reaction to the conservative restr ...

was honoured in 2007 Rodney Crowell 1.jpg, 2006 recipient

Guy Clark at the 2009 Newport Folk Festival.jpg,

Guy Clark Guy Charles Clark (November 6, 1941 – May 17, 2016) was an American folk and country singer-songwriter and luthier. He released more than 20 albums, and his songs have been recorded by other artists, including Townes Van Zandt, Jerry Jeff ...

received the Award in 2005 Billy Joe Shaver.JPG, Inaugural winner

Billy Joe Shaver Billy Joe Shaver (August 16, 1939 – October 28, 2020) was an American singer and songwriter. Billy Joe was a prominent figure in the outlaw country genre. He is considered one of the great American songwriters of his generation. He has recei ...

National Museum of African American Music The National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) is a museum in Nashville, Tennessee. The museum showcases the musical genres inspired, created, or influenced by African-Americans. Its location at Fifth + Broadway in Downtown Nashville, as op ...
/Americana Music Association Legacy of Americana Award

Rhiannon-Giddens.jpg,

Rhiannon Giddens Rhiannon Giddens (born February 21, 1977) is an American musician known for her eclectic folk music. She is a founding member of the country, blues, and old-time music band the Carolina Chocolate Drops, where she was the lead singer, fiddle pl ...

is the inaugural living winner

President's Award

Woody Guthrie 2.jpg, Folk artist

Woody Guthrie Woodrow Wilson Guthrie (; July 14, 1912 – October 3, 1967) was an American singer, songwriter, and composer widely considered to be one of the most significant figures in American folk music. His work focused on themes of American Left, A ...

was honoured posthumously in 2016 B.B. King in 2009.jpg, Blues performer

B. B. King Riley B. King (September 16, 1925 – May 14, 2015), known professionally as B.B. King, was an American blues guitarist, singer, songwriter, and record producer. He introduced a sophisticated style of soloing based on fluid string bending, shi ...

received the President's Award in 2015 Hank Williams Promotional Photo.jpg, Iconic country singer

Hank Williams Hiram "Hank" Williams (September 17, 1923 – January 1, 1953) was an American singer, songwriter, and musician. An early pioneer of country music, he is regarded as one of the most significant and influential musicians of the 20th century. W ...

was the 2013 recipient Image-John Hartford playing at Merlefest, North Carolina (2000)-fls.jpg, Bluegrass musician

John Hartford John Cowan Hartford (December 30, 1937 – June 4, 2001) was an American folk, country, and bluegrass composer and musician known for his mastery of the fiddle and banjo, as well as for his witty lyrics, unique vocal style, and extensive kn ...

was honoured in 2005 Carter Family 1927.jpg, 2004 honorees

The Carter Family The Carter Family was an American folk music group that recorded and performed between 1927 and 1956. Regarded as one of the most important music acts of the early 20th century, they had a profound influence on the development of bluegrass, c ...

are often called the "first family" of country Gram Parsons.jpg, 2003 honoree the late

Gram Parsons Ingram Cecil Connor III (November 5, 1946 – September 19, 1973), known professionally as Gram Parsons, was an American singer, songwriter, guitarist, and pianist. He recorded with the International Submarine Band, the Byrds, and the Flying Bu ...

called the "father of country rock" Doug Sahm Warner Brothers Portrait cropped.jpg, 2002 Inaugural recipient, roots rocker

Doug Sahm Douglas Wayne Sahm (November 6, 1941 – November 18, 1999) was an American musician, singer-songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist from San Antonio, Texas. He is regarded as a key Tejano music, Tex-Mex music and Music of Texas, Texan Music pe ...

WagonMaster/Lifetime Achievement Award

Jim Lauderdale AMA 2010.jpg,

was honoured in 2016 Porter wagoner 1999.jpg, Country singer

Porter Wagoner Porter Wayne Wagoner (August 12, 1927 – October 28, 2007) was an American country music singer known for his flashy Nudie and Manuel suits and blond pompadour. In 1967, he introduced singer Dolly Parton on his television show, ''The Por ...

is the namesake of the award

UK Americana Music Association Awards

The inaugural UK AMA awards were presented by the UK Americana Music Association were held at St John at Hackney in

London London is the Capital city, capital and List of urban areas in the United Kingdom, largest city of both England and the United Kingdom, with a population of in . London metropolitan area, Its wider metropolitan area is the largest in Wester ...

on 3 February 2016 and was hosted by Bob Harris and

Ethan Johns Ethan Thomas Robert Johns (born 1969 in Merton, London) is an English record producer, engineer, mixer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. Johns has worked with artists including Robert Vincent, Ryan Adams, Kings of Leon, Paul McCartney, ...

. The second annual UK Americana awards were held on 2 February 2017 and the third awards were held on 1 February 2018. The fifth awards were held on 30 January 2020. The 2021 ceremony was held virtually on 29 January due to the

COVID-19 pandemic The COVID-19 pandemic (also known as the coronavirus pandemic and COVID pandemic), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), began with an disease outbreak, outbreak of COVID-19 in Wuhan, China, in December ...

. The 2022 ceremony was held at the

Hackney Empire Hackney Empire is a theatre on Mare Street, in Hackney in the London Borough of Hackney. Originally designed by Frank Matcham it was built in 1901 as a music hall, and expanded in 2001. Described by ''The Guardian'' as "the most beautiful theat ...

and was hosted by Harris and Baylen Leonard on 26 January 2023.

UK Album of the Year

*2023 – ''Superhuman'' by Ferris & Sylvester *2022 – ''

Stand for Myself ''Stand for Myself'' is the second studio album by English singer and songwriter Yola. It was released on 30 July 2021, through Easy Eye Sound and distributed by Concord Records. The album debuted at number 196 on the ''Billboard'' 200 chart and ...

'' by Yola (produced by

Dan Auerbach Daniel Quine Auerbach (; born May 14, 1979) is an American musician, singer-songwriter, and record producer, best known as the guitarist and vocalist of The Black Keys, a blues rock band from Akron, Ohio. As a member of the group, Auerbach has ...

) *2021 – ''In This Town You're Owned'' by Robert Vincent *2020 – '' Walk Through Fire'' by Yola (produced by

) *2019 – ''Shorebound'' by Ben Glover *2018 – ''I'll Make The Most of My Sins'' by Robert Vincent *2017 – ''Ghost'' by Lewis & Leigh (produced by

Matt Ingram Matthew Robert Ingram (born 18 December 1993) is an English professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for club Oxford United. He has previously played for Wycombe Wanderers, Lewes, Hayes & Yeading United, Oxford City, Northampton Town, ...

) *2016 – '' What Kind of Love'' by

Danny and the Champions of the World Danny and the Champions of the World are a heartland rock and soul band. Formed in London during the summer of 2007 by Danny George Wilson, the band have since released seven studio albums and two live albums. The band's name is an allusion t ...

(produced by Chris Clarke and Danny George Wilson)

International Album of the Year

*2023 – '' Raise the Roof'' by

and

(produced by

T Bone Burnett Joseph Henry "T Bone" Burnett III (born January 14, 1948) is an American record producer, guitarist, singer, and songwriter. He was a guitarist in Bob Dylan's band during the 1970s. Burnett has won several Grammy Awards for his work on film sou ...

) *2022 – '' Outside Child'' by

Allison Russell Allison Russell is a Canadian singer-songwriter, musician, and activist. Prior to her solo music career, Russell performed as a member of various music groups including Po' Girl, Birds of Chicago, Songs of Our Native Daughters, Our Native Daug ...

(produced by Dan Knobler) *2021 – '' Old Flowers'' by

Courtney Marie Andrews Courtney Marie Andrews (born November 7, 1990) is an American singer-songwriter originally from Phoenix, Arizona. She released her first widely distributed and breakthrough studio album, '' Honest Life'', in 2016. From 2010 to 2011, Andrews was a ...

(produced by Andrew Sarlo) *2020 – ''

The Highwomen The Highwomen is an American country music supergroup composed of Brandi Carlile, Natalie Hemby, Maren Morris, and Amanda Shires. Formed in 2019, the group's self-titled debut album was released on September 6 of the same year by Elektra Recor ...

'' by

(produced by

Dave Cobb Dave Cobb (born July 9, 1974) is an American record producer based in Nashville, Tennessee, best known for producing the work of Chris Stapleton, Brandi Carlile, John Prine, Sturgill Simpson, Jason Isbell, The Highwomen, Take That, Rival ...

) *2019 – '' May Your Kindness Remain'' by

*2018 – ''

The Nashville Sound ''The Nashville Sound'' is the sixth studio album by Jason Isbell, and the third credited to "Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit" (the first since ''Here We Rest'' in 2011). It was released on June 16, 2017. The album was produced by Dave Cobb, who ha ...

'' by Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit (produced by

) *2017 – ''

Angeleno The demographics of Los Angeles are determined by population surveys, such as the American Community Survey and the United States census. According to 2019 U.S. Census Bureau estimates, the City of Los Angeles' metro population was 3,979,57 ...

'' by Sam Outlaw (produced by

and

Joachim Cooder Joachim Herbert Cooder (born August 23, 1978) is a drummer, percussionist, composer, and keyboardist best known for his collaborations with his father, Ry Cooder. Early life Cooder began to play drums at the age of 5, inspired by Jim Keltner. C ...

) *2016 – ''Blackbirds'' by

Gretchen Peters Gretchen Peters is an American singer and songwriter. Early life Peters was born in Bronxville, New York on November 14, 1957. She wrote her first song with her sister at the age of 5. In 1970, her parents broke up, and Peters moved with her ...

(produced by Doug Lancio, Barry Walsh and Gretchen Peters)

UK Artist of the Year

*2023 – Elles Bailey *2022 – Yola *2021 – Robert Vincent *2020 – Yola *2019 – Bennett Wilson Poole *2018 –

Emily Barker Emily Barker (born 2 December 1980) is an Australian singer-songwriter, musician and composer. Her music has featured as the theme to BBC dramas ''Wallander'' and '' The Shadow Line''. With multi-instrumental trio the Red Clay Halo, she record ...

*2017 – Yola *2016 –

International Artist of the Year

*2023 –

*2022 –

*2021 –

*2020 –

Brandi Carlile Brandi Marie Carlile (born June 1, 1981) is an American singer-songwriter and producer. Her music spans different genres, including folk rock, alternative country, Americana, and classic rock. Throughout her career, she has received eleven Gramm ...

*2019 –

Mary Gauthier Mary Veronica Gauthier ( ; born March 11, 1962) is a Grammy-nominated American folk singer-songwriter and author, whose songs have been covered by performers including Tim McGraw, Blake Shelton, Kathy Mattea, Boy George, Jimmy Buffett, Bettye La ...

*2018 –

*2017 –

Sturgill Simpson John Sturgill Simpson (born June 8, 1978) is an American country music singer-songwriter and actor. As of June 2024, he has released eight albums as a solo artist. Simpson's style has been met with critical favor and frequent comparisons to ou ...

*2016 –

Jason Isbell Michael Jason Isbell ( ; born February 1, 1979) is an American singer-songwriter and actor. One of the most celebrated contemporary songwriters in his genre, his lyrics are defined by their raw emotional honesty. Isbell began his career as a me ...

UK Song of the Year

*2023 - “Car Crash” by Hannah White *2022 – "Willing" by Lady Nade *2021 – "I Don't Wanna Lie" by Yola,

and Bobby Wood *2020 – "Little Piece of Heaven" by Elles Bailey, Bobby Wood and

*2019 – "Southern Wind" by Dean Owens *2018 – "Home" by Yola Carter *2017 – "The 4:19" by Al Lewis and Alva Leigh (Lewis & Leigh) *2016 – "Clear Water" by Danny George Wilson and Paul Lush (

)

International Song of the Year

*2023 – "You Are Not Alone" by

featuring

*2022 – " Right on Time" by

*2021 – ''Hand Over My Heart'' by

The Secret Sisters The Secret Sisters is an Americana singing and songwriting duo consisting of vocalists Laura Rogers and Lydia Slagle (née Rogers). The duo's music has been compared to artists like the Everly Brothers. History Beginnings Laura and Lydia Roge ...

*2020 – "Me and the Ghost of Charlemagne" by

Amy Speace Amy Speace is a Nashville-based folk/ Americana American singer-songwriter and essayist from Baltimore, Maryland. Career National Public Radio described her voice as "velvety and achy" and compared her to Lucinda Williams. She lives in Nash ...

*2019 – " The Joke" by

*2018 – "Tenderheart" by Sam Outlaw *2017 – "Hands of Time" by

Margo Price Margo Rae Price (born April 15, 1983) is an American country singer-songwriter, producer, and author based in Nashville. ''The Fader'' called her "country's next star." Her debut solo album '' Midwest Farmer's Daughter'' was released on Third Ma ...

*2016 – "Blackbirds" by

and

Ben Glover Benjamin Allen Glover (born June 1, 1978) is a songwriter and producer hailing from Loveland, Colorado, a small city on the edge of the Rocky Mountains. Glover moved to Nashville, Tennessee in 2000 after signing his first publishing deal the year ...

(Gretchen Peters)

Bob Harris Emerging Artist of the Year

*2023 – The Hanging Stars *2022 – Lauren Housley *2021 – Robbie Cavanaugh and Demi Marriner *2020 – Ferris & Sylvester *2019 – Curse of Lono *2018 – The Wandering Hearts *2017 –

Wildwood Kin Wildwood Kin are an English folk rock band, composed of sisters Beth Key and Emillie Whiteside, from Exeter, Devon, England. They released their first album, ''Turning Tides'', in August 2017. They released their self-titled second album in Octo ...

*2016 – Robert Vincent

UK Instrumentalist of the Year

*2023 – Holly Carter (steel guitar) *2022 – Michelle Stodart (guitar) *2021 – Anna Corcoran (piano) *2020 – Siân Monaghan (drums) *2019 – CJ Hillman (multiple instruments) *2018 – Thomas Collison (multiple instruments) *2017 – CJ Hillman (multiple instruments) *2016 – B. J. Cole (steel guitar)

AMA Trailblazer

*2023 –

Nickel Creek Nickel Creek (formerly known as the Nickel Creek Band) is an American bluegrass music, bluegrass band consisting of Chris Thile (mandolin), and siblings Sara Watkins (fiddle) and Sean Watkins (guitar). Formed in 1989 in Southern California, the ...

*2022 –

Beth Orton Elizabeth Caroline Orton (born 14 December 1970) is an English musician known for her "folktronica" sound, which mixes elements of folk and electronica. She was initially recognised for her collaborations with William Orbit, Andrew Weatherall ...

and

The Long Ryders The Long Ryders are an American alternative country and Paisley Underground band, principally active between 1982 and 1987, who have periodically regrouped for brief reunions (2004, 2009, 2014, 2016). In 2019 they released a new studio album � ...

*2021 –

Christine McVie Christine Anne McVie (; Perfect; 12 July 1943 – 30 November 2022) was an English musician. She was the keyboardist and one of the vocalists and songwriters of the rock band Fleetwood Mac. McVie was a member of several bands, notably Chic ...

and

*2020 –

Nick Lowe Nicholas Drain Lowe (born 24 March 1949) is an English singer-songwriter, musician and producer. A noted figure in Pub rock (United Kingdom), pub rock, power pop and New wave music, new wave,Mumford & Sons Mumford & Sons are a British folk rock band formed in London in 2007. The band consists of Marcus Mumford (lead vocals, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, drums), Ted Dwane (vocals, double bass, bass guitar), and Ben Lovett (British musician), B ...

*2017 –

Albert Lee Albert William Lee (born 21 December 1943) is an English guitarist known for his fingerstyle and hybrid picking technique. Lee has worked, both in the studio and on tour, with many famous musicians from a wide range of genres. He has also m ...

*2016 –

AMA Lifetime Achievement Award

*2024 -

Dan Penn Dan Penn (born Wallace Daniel Pennington, November 16, 1941) is an American songwriter, singer, musician, and record producer, who co-wrote many soul hits of the 1960s, including " The Dark End of the Street" and " Do Right Woman, Do Right Man" ...

*2023 – Mike Scott and

*2022 –

*2021 –

Elvis Costello Declan Patrick MacManus (born 25 August 1954), known professionally as Elvis Costello, is an English singer, songwriter, record producer, author and television host. According to ''Rolling Stone'', Costello "reinvigorated the literate, lyrical ...

and

*2020 –

Joan Armatrading Joan Anita Barbara Armatrading (, born 9 December 1950) is an English singer-songwriter and guitarist. Her first major commercial success came with her third and fourth albums, '' Joan Armatrading'' (1976) and '' Show Some Emotion'' (1977), a ...

*2019 –

Graham Nash Graham William Nash (born 2 February 1942) is a British and American musician, singer and songwriter. He is known for his light tenor voice and for his contributions as a member of the Hollies and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Crosby, Stills ...

*2018 –

*2017 –

Songwriters Legacy Award

*2023 –

*2021 –

Best Selling Americana Album

*2023 – ''

FTHC ''FTHC'' (initialism for ''Frank Turner Hardcore'') is the ninth studio album by English singer-songwriter Frank Turner, released on 11 February 2022. Background and production After tour plans for the rest of 2020 were cut short due to the COVI ...

'' by Holly Carter *2022 – '' Greenfields'' by

Barry Gibb Sir Barry Alan Crompton Gibb (born 1 September 1946) is a British musician, singer, songwriter and record producer. Along with his younger fraternal twin brothers, Robin Gibb, Robin and Maurice Gibb, Maurice, he rose to global fame as a member ...

*2021 – '' Song for Our Daughter'' by

Laura Marling Laura Beatrice Marling (born 1 February 1990) is an English Folk music, folk singer-songwriter. She won the Brit Award for Brit Award for British Female Solo Artist, Best British Female Solo Artist at the 2011 Brit Awards and was nominated for th ...

*2020 – ''

Jade Bird Jade Elizabeth Bird (born 1 October 1997) is an English singer, songwriter and musician. Bird's music has been influenced by many folk and Americana artists. The media, when describing Bird's music, have drawn comparisons with pop, American ...

'' by

*2019 – ''

Be More Kind ''Be More Kind'' is the seventh studio album by English singer-songwriter Frank Turner, released on 4 May 2018 by Xtra Mile Recordings. This is the final album to feature Nigel Powell on drums. Background Frank Turner released his sixth studi ...

'' by

Frank Turner Francis Edward Turner (born 28 December 1981) is an English Punk rock, punk and Folk music, folk singer-songwriter from Meonstoke, Hampshire. He began his career as the vocalist of post-hardcore band Million Dead, then embarked upon a primaril ...

*2018 – ''

Carry Fire ''Carry Fire'' is the eleventh solo studio album by English rock singer, songwriter and musician Robert Plant, released on 13 October 2017 on Nonesuch/Warner Bros. Records. It was also Plant's second studio album with his backing band the Sensa ...

'' by

*2017 – '' Roll with the Punches'' by

Van Morrison Sir George Ivan "Van" Morrison (born 31 August 1945) is a Northern Irish singer-songwriter and musician whose recording career started in the 1960s. Morrison's albums have performed well in the UK and Ireland, with more than 40 reaching the UK ...

*2016 – '' Stay Gold'' by

First Aid Kit A first aid kit or medical kit is a collection of supplies and equipment used to give First aid, immediate medical treatment, primarily to treat injuries and other mild or moderate medical conditions. There is a wide variation in the contents o ...

Australian Americana Music Association Honours

The inaugural annual Australian American Music Honours Night, a celebration of Australian roots music, was held on October 2, 2017. The ceremony, which was televised on the

Country Music Channel Country Music Channel (CMC) was an Australian cable and satellite music television channel owned and operated by Foxtel Networks. It was the only country music video channel in Australia, created after the departure of MusicCountry from the Au ...

in early 2018, featured performances from many of Australia's top roots performers alongside

Valerie June Valerie June Hockett (born January 10, 1982),Hubbell, John (2009),, ''The Commercial Appeal'', May 28, 2009.(aged 27 in May 2009). is an American singer, songwriter, Grammy-nominated, multi-instrumentalist, and author.Barnett, Laura (2012),One to ...

and

who acted as "US Americana Ambassadors". The inaugural ceremony also featured the presentation of two honours. The second event was held on October 11, 2018, and featured

and

Joshua Hedley Joshua Hedley, born and raised in Naples, Florida, is a country music singer-songwriter, violinist, and guitarist. His debut album ''Mr. Jukebox'' was released in 2018 through Third Man Records. Biography Joshua "Josh" Hedley was born and rais ...

as Americana Ambassadors.

Vanguard Award

*2017:

Kasey Chambers Kasey Chambers (born 4 June 1976) is an Australian country music, Australian country singer-songwriter and musician born in Mount Gambier, South Australia, Mount Gambier to musicians Diane and Bill Chambers (musician), Bill Chambers. Her older ...

*2017: Brian Taranto *2018:

Shane Howard Shane Michael Howard (born 26 January 1955) is an Australian singer-songwriter and guitarist, he was the mainstay of folk rock group Goanna (1977–85, 1998) which had hit singles with " Solid Rock" (September 1982, No. 3) and " Let the ...

*2018:

Brian Wise Brian Wise is an Australian music journalist and broadcaster based in Murrumbeena, Victoria. He is best known for his program ''Off The Record'' on Australian community radio station 3RRR. Biography Brian Wise was one of the co-founders of ...

References

External links

Americana Music Association website

Americana Radio Chart
{{DEFAULTSORT:Americana Music Honors and Awards American music awards Lifetime achievement awards Americana (music) * Awards established in 2002 2002 establishments in the United States

Nomination process

Competitive awards

Album of the Year

Song of the Year

Artist of the Year

Duo/Group of the Year

Instrumentalist of the Year

Emerging Act of the Year

Lifetime Achievement Awards

Americana Trailblazer Award

First Amendment Center and Americana Music Association "Spirit of Americana" Free Speech Award/Inspiration Award

Jack Emerson Lifetime Achievement Award for Executive

Lifetime Achievement Award for Instrumentalist

Lifetime Achievement Award for Performance

Lifetime Achievement Award for Producer/Engineer

Lifetime Achievement Award for Songwriting

President's Award

WagonMaster/Lifetime Achievement Award

UK Americana Music Association Awards

UK Album of the Year

International Album of the Year

UK Artist of the Year

International Artist of the Year

UK Song of the Year

International Song of the Year

Bob Harris Emerging Artist of the Year

UK Instrumentalist of the Year

AMA Trailblazer

AMA Lifetime Achievement Award

Songwriters Legacy Award

Best Selling Americana Album

Australian Americana Music Association Honours

Vanguard Award

See also

References

External links