Americana Music Honors & Awards

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

Americana Honors & Awards
Current: 2024 Americana Music Honors & Awards
Awarded for	Outstanding achievements in the music industry
Country	United States
Presented by	Americana Music Association
Hosted by	Jim Lauderdale (2002–2017) Milk Carton Kids (2018-19)
First awarded	2002
Website	americanamusic.org
Television/radio coverage
Network	PBS (2011–present) AXS TV (2012–present)

The Honors & Awards have featured a variety of musical events, including Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash's last live performance together.^[1] Artists such as The Carolina Chocolate Drops, Robert Plant & His Band of Joy, Steve Earle & Allison Moorer, Rosanne Cash and John Fogerty have also performed for the event, and special appearances by artists like Kris Kristofferson (2003), Loretta Lynn (2004/2014), Billy Bob Thornton (2005), Bonnie Raitt (2012/2016), Dwight Yoakam (2016) and George Strait (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, BBC2, and Voice of America began broadcasting the show on radio. PBS began airing an abbreviated version during Austin City Limits in 2011.

The Americana Honors & Awards Show returned to the historic Ryman Auditorium on September 12, 2012. It was once again hosted by Jim Lauderdale, while the All Star Band was led by Buddy Miller. The 2012 Honors & Awards show was aired live on AXS TV^[2] and later aired on Austin City Limits on PBS^[3] 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.^[4] 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.^[5]

Below is the Criteria for each of the following categories:^[5]

• 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.^[6]

Album of the Year

Year	Recipient	Work	Nominees	Ref.
2022	Allison Russell, produced by Dan Knobler	Outside Child	Brandi Carlile - In These Silent Days Robert Plant & Alison Krauss - Raise The Roof Adia Victoria - A Southern Gothic Yola - Stand for Myself	[7]
2021	Sturgill Simpson, Produced by David Ferguson & Sturgill Simpson	Cuttin’ Grass - Vol. 1 (Butcher Shoppe Sessions)	Steve Earle & the Dukes - J.T Valerie June - The Moon and Stars: Prescriptions for Dreamers Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit - Reunions Sarah Jarosz - World on the Ground	[8]
2020	The Highwomen, Produced by Dave Cobb	The Highwomen	Nathaniel Rateliff - And It's Still Alright Tyler Childers - Country Squire Brittany Howard - Jaime Tanya Tucker - While I'm Livin'	[9]
2019	John Prine, Produced by Dave Cobb	The Tree of Forgiveness	Amanda Shires - To the Sunset Lori McKenna - The Tree Yola - Walk Through Fire	[10]
2018	Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Produced by Dave Cobb	The Nashville Sound	Margo Price - All-American Made Brandi Carlile - By the Way, I Forgive You Mary Gauthier - Rifles & Rosary Beads	[11]
2017	Sturgill Simpson, Produced by Sturgill Simpson	A Sailor's Guide To Earth	Drive-By Truckers - American Band Rodney Crowell - Close Ties Rhiannon Giddens - Freedom Highway Hurray For The Riff Raff - The Navigator	[12]
2016	Jason Isbell, Produced by Dave Cobb	Something More Than Free	Lucinda Williams - The Ghosts of Highway 20 Parker Millsap - The Very Last Day Chris Stapleton - Traveller	[13]
2015	Lucinda Williams, Produced by Lucinda Williams, Tom Overby, and Greg Leisz	Down Where The Spirit Meets The Bone	Shakey Graves - And The War Came Sturgill Simpson - Metamodern Sounds in Country Music Lee Ann Womack - The Way I'm Livin' Rhiannon Giddens - Tomorrow Is My Turn	[14]
2014	Jason Isbell, Produced by Dave Cobb	Southeastern	Robert Ellis - The Lights From The Chemical Plant Rosanne Cash - The River And The Thread Sarah Jarosz - Build Me Up From Bones	[15]
2013	Emmylou Harris & Rodney Crowell, Produced by Brian Ahern	Old Yellow Moon	Buddy Miller & Jim Lauderdale - Buddy & Jim Kelly Willis & Bruce Robison - Cheaters Game John Fullbright - From The Ground Up Shovels & Rope - O’ Be Joyful	[16]
2012	Various Artists, Produced by Tamara Saviano	This One's For Him: A Tribute to Guy Clark	Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit - Here We Rest Steve Earle - I'll Never Get Out of this World Alive Gillian Welch - The Harrow & The Harvest	[17]
2011	Robert Plant, Produced by Robert Plant and Buddy Miller	Band of Joy	Elizabeth Cook - Welder Justin Townes Earle - Harlem River Blues Lucinda Williams - Blessed	[18]
2010	Rosanne Cash, Produced by John Leventhal	The List	Dave Rawlings Machine - A Friend of a Friend Patty Griffin - Downtown Church Ray Wylie Hubbard - A. Enlightenment B. Endarkenment (Hint: There Is No C)	[19]
2009	Buddy & Julie Miller, Produced by Buddy & Julie Miller	Written In Chalk	Alejandro Escovedo - Real Animal Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit - Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit Justin Townes Earle - Midnight At The Movies	[20]
2008	Alison Krauss & Robert Plant, Produced by T Bone Burnett	Raising Sand	Hayes Carll - Trouble In Mind James McMurtry - Just Us Kids Levon Helm - Dirt Farmer	[21]
2007	Patty Griffin, Produced by Griffin McCarthy and Mike McCarthy	Children Running Through	Avett Brothers - Emotionalism Bob Dylan - Modern Times Lucinda Williams - West	[22]
2006	James McMurtry, Produced by James McMurtry	Childish Things	Delbert McClinton - Cost of Living Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives - Soul's Chapel Rodney Crowell - The Outsider	[23]
2005	Buddy Miller, Produced by Buddy Miller	Universal United House of Prayer	Steve Earle - The Revolution Starts… Now Mary Gauthier - Mercy Now Tift Merritt - Tambourine	[24]
2004	Loretta Lynn, Produced by Jack White	Van Lear Rose	Mindy Smith - One Moment More Rodney Crowell - Fate's Right Hand Slaid Cleaves - Wishbones	[25]
2003	Johnny Cash, Produced by Rick Rubin	American IV: The Man Comes Around	Kathleen Edwards - Failer The Jayhawks - Rainy Day Music Buddy Miller - Midnight & Lonesome	[26]
2002	Buddy & Julie Miller, Produced by Buddy & Julie Miller	Buddy & Julie Miller	Gillian Welch - Time (The Revelator) The Flatlanders - Now Again Various Artists - Caught In The Webb: Tribute to Webb Pierce	[27]

Song of the Year

Year	Recipients	Work	Nominees	Ref
2022	Brandi Carlile, written by Brandi Carlile, Dave Cobb, Phil Hanseroth and Tim Hanseroth	"Right on Time"	“Canola Fields” - James McMurty, written by James McMurtry “Diamond Studded Shoes” - Yola, written by Dan Auerbach, Natalie Hemby, Aaron Lee Tasjan and Yola “Juanita” - Sturgill Simpson feat. Willie Nelson, written by Sturgill Simpson “Persephone” - Allison Russell, written by JT Nero and Allison Russell	[7]
2021	John Prine, written by Pat McLaughlin and John Prine	"I Remember Everything"	“Black Myself” - Amythyst Kiah, written by Amythyst Kiah “Call Me a Fool” - Valarie June ft. Carla Thomas, written by Valarie June "Dreamsicle" - Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, written by Jason Isbell "Long Violent History" - Tyler Childers, written by Tyler Childers	[8]
2020	The Highwomen, written by Brandi Carlile, Natalie Hemby, and Lori McKenna	"Crowded Table"	“And It's Still Alright” - Nathaniel Rateliff, written by Nathaniel Rateliff “Bring My Flowers Now” - Tanya Tucker, written by Brandi Carlile, Phil Hanseroth, Tim Hanseroth and Tanya Tucker “My Love Will Not Change” - Aubrie Sellers feat. Steve Earle, written by Billy Burnette and Shawn Camp “Stay High” - Brittany Howard, written by Brittany Howard “Thoughts and Prayers” - Drive-By Truckers, written by Patterson Hood	[9]
2019	John Prine, written by Pat McLaughlin and John Prine	"Summer's End"	“By Degrees” - Mark Erelli, Rosanne Cash, Sheryl Crow, Lori McKenna, Anais Mitchell and Josh Ritter, written by Mark Erelli “Mockingbird” - Ruston Kelly, written by Ruston Kelly “People Get Old” - Lori McKenna, written by Lori McKenna	[10]
2018	Jason Isbell, written by Jason Isbell	"If We Were Vampires"	“A Little Pain” - Margo Price, written by Margo Price “All the Trouble” - Lee Ann Womack, written by Waylon Payne, Lee Ann Womack and Adam Wright “The Joke” - Brandi Carlile, written by Brandi Carlile, Dave Cobb, Phil Hanseroth and Tim Hanseroth	[11]
2017	Rodney Crowell, written by Rodney Crowell	"It Ain't Over Yet"	“All Around You” - Sturgill Simpson, written by Sturgill Simpson “To Be Without You” - Ryan Adams, written by Ryan Adams “Wreck You” - Lori McKenna, written by Lori McKenna & Felix McTeigue	[12]
2016	Jason Isbell, written by Jason Isbell	"24 Frames"	“Dime Store Cowgirl” - Kacey Musgraves, written by Kacey Musgraves, Luke Laird, Shane McAnally “Hands Of Time” - Margo Price, written by Margo Price “S.O.B.” - Nathaniel Rateliff & The Nightsweats, written by Nathaniel Rateliff	[13]
2015	Sturgill Simpson, written by Sturgill Simpson	"Turtles All The Way Down"	“Dearly Departed” - Shakey Graves, written by Alejandro Rose-Garcia and Esme Patterson “East Side Of Town” - Lucinda Williams, written by Lucinda Williams “Terms Of My Surrender” - John Hiatt, written by John Hiatt “You're The Best Lover That I Ever Had” - Steve Earle & the Dukes, written by Steve Earle	[14]
2014	Jason Isbell, written by Jason Isbell	"Cover Me Up"	“The Lights From The Chemical Plant” - Robert Ellis, written by Robert Ellis “The River And The Thread” - Rosanne Cash, written by Rosanne Cash & John Leventhal “Build Me Up From Bones” - Sarah Jarosz, written by Sarah Jarosz	[15]
2013	Shovels & Rope, written by Shovels & Rope	"Birmingham"	“Good Things Happen to Bad People” - Richard Thompson, written by Richard Thompson “Ho Hey” - The Lumineers, written by Jeremy Fraites & Wesley Keith Schultz “North Side Gal” - JD McPherson, written by JD McPherson	[16]
2012	Jason Isbell, written by Jason Isbell	“Alabama Pines”	“Come Around” - Sarah Jarosz, written by Sarah Jarosz “I Love” - Patty Griffin, written by Tom T. Hall “Waitin’ On The Sky” - Steve Earle, written by Steve Earle	[17]
2011	Justin Townes Earle, written by Justin Townes Earle	“Harlem River Blues”	“Down By The Water” - The Decemberists, written by Colin Meloy “El Camino” - Elizabeth Cook, written by Elizabeth Cook “KMAG YOYO” - Hayes Carll, written by Hayes Carll, Scott Davis & John Evans	[18]
2010	Ryan Bingham, written by Ryan Bingham and T-Bone Burnett	"The Weary Kind"	“Drunken Poet's Dream” - Ray Wylie Hubbard, written by Hayes Carll & Ray Wylie Hubbard “Ruby” - Dave Rawlings Machine, written by Dave Rawlings & Gillian Welch “I and Love and You” - Avett Brothers, written by Avett Brothers	[19]
2009	Julie Miller, written by Julie Miller	"Chalk"	“Country Love” - Gourds, written by Kevin Russell “Homeland Refugee” - Flatlanders, written by Joe Ely, Jimmie Dale Gilmore & Butch Hancock “Rattlin’ Bones” - Kasey Chambers & Shane Nicholson, written by Kasey Chambers & Shane Nicholson “Sex & Gasoline” - Rodney Crowell, written by Rodney Crowell	[20]
2008	Hayes Carll, written by Brian Keane and Hayes Carll	"She Left Me for Jesus"	“Broken” - Tift Merritt, written by Tift Merritt “Cheney's Toy” - James McMurtry, written by James McMurtry “Gone Gone Gone” - Alison Krauss & Robert Plant, written by Phil & Don Everly “Poor Old Dirt Farmer” - Levon Helm, written by Tracy Schwarz	[21]
2007	Darrell Scott, written by Darrell Scott	"Hank Williams' Ghost"	“It Takes Balls To Be A Woman” - Elizabeth Cook, written by Elizabeth Cook & Melinda Schneider “Are You Alright?” - Lucinda Williams, written by Lucinda Williams “Heavenly Day” - Patty Griffin, written by Patty Griffin	[22]
2006	James McMurtry, written by James McMurtry	"We Can't Make It Here"	“Black Cadillac” - Rosanne Cash, written by Rosanne Cash “Don't Get Me Started” - Rodney Crowell, written by Rodney Crowell “Not Ready To Make Nice” - Dixie Chicks, written by Martie Maguire, Natalie Maines, Emily Robison & Dan Wilson	[23]
2005	Mark Heard, written by Mark Heard	"Worry Too Much"	“Good Hearted Man” - Tift Merritt, written by Tift Merritt “Mercy Now” - Mary Gauthier, written by Mary Gauthier “The Revolution Starts… Now” - Steve Earle, written by Steve Earle	[24]
2004	Rodney Crowell, written by Rodney Crowell	"Fate's Right Hand"	“Portland, Oregon” - Loretta Lynn, written by Loretta Lynn “Come To Jesus” - Mindy Smith, written by Mindy Smith “Wishbones” - Slaid Cleaves, written by Slaid Cleaves & Ray Wylie Hubbard	[25]
2003	Trent Reznor, written by Trent Reznor	"Hurt"	“Truth #2” - Dixie Chicks, written by Patty Griffin “You Can't Take It With You When You Go” - Rhonda Vincent, written by T.J. Knight & Curtis Wright “Righteously” - Lucinda Williams, written by Lucinda Williams	[26]
2002	Jim Lauderdale, written by Jim Lauderdale	"She's Looking At Me"	“She's Looking At Me” - Jim Lauderdale, Ralph Stanley & The Clinch Mountain Boys “Heather's All Bummed Out” - Lonesome Bob “I Want To Sing That Rock And Roll” - Gillian Welch & Dave Rawlings “My Wildest Dreams” - The Flatlanders	[27]

Artist of the Year

• 
  John Prine has been named artist of the year in 2005, 2017 and 2018
• 
  2013 recipient Dwight Yoakam
• 
  Buddy Miller is the first person to win artist of the year twice
• 
  2007 winner Patty Griffin
• 
  Pioneering country singer Loretta Lynn was named artist of the year in 2004
• 
  Inaugural winner Jim Lauderdale has hosted the awards since its inception

Year	Recipient	Ref.
2022	Billy Strings	[7]
2021	Brandi Carlile	[8]
2020	John Prine	[9]
2019	Brandi Carlile	[10]
2018	John Prine	[11]
2017	John Prine	[12]
2016	Chris Stapleton	[13]
2015	Sturgill Simpson	[14]
2014	Jason Isbell	[15]
2013	Dwight Yoakam	[16]
2012	Gillian Welch	[17]
2011	Buddy Miller	[18]
2010	Ryan Bingham	[19]
2009	Buddy Miller	[20]
2008	Levon Helm	[21]
2007	Patty Griffin	[22]
2006	Neil Young	[23]
2005	John Prine	[24]
2004	Loretta Lynn	[25]
2003	Johnny Cash	[26]
2002	Jim Lauderdale	[27]

Duo/Group of the Year

• 
  2012 winners The Civil Wars
• 
  Bluegrass singer Alison Krauss and rocker Robert Plant won in 2008
• 
  Two-time winners Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell
• 
  The Avett Brothers are the most awarded with three wins
• 
  Inaugural recipients Drive-By Truckers

Year	Duo/Group	Ref.
2022	The War and Treaty	[7]
2021	Black Pumas	[8]
2020	The Highwomen	[9]
2019	I'm with Her	[10]
2018	Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit	[11]
2017	Marty Stuart and his Fabulous Superlatives	[12]
2016	Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell	[13]
2015	The Mavericks	[14]
2014	The Milk Carton Kids	[15]
2013	Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell	[16]
2012	The Civil Wars	[17]
2011	The Avett Brothers	[18]
2010	The Avett Brothers	[19]
2009	Buddy & Julie Miller	[20]
2008	Alison Krauss & Robert Plant	[21]
2007	The Avett Brothers	[22]
2006	Drive-By Truckers (first year)	[23]

Instrumentalist of the Year

• 
  2020 recipient Brittany Haas is the second fiddle player to win
• 
  2016 winner Sara Watkins is the first female instrumentalist of the year
• 
  2012 recipient David Rawlings is famous for his work with Gillian Welch
• 
  Buddy Miller is the most awarded musician with five wins
• 
  Slide guitarist Sonny Landreth received the award in 2005
• 
  Inaugural winner Jerry Douglas

Year	Recipient	Ref.
2022	Larissa Maestro (cello)	[7]
2021	Kristin Weber (fiddle)	[8]
2020	Brittany Haas (fiddle)	[9]
2019	Chris Eldridge (guitar)	[10]
2018	Molly Tuttle (guitar)	[11]
2017	Charlie Sexton (guitar)	[12]
2016	Sara Watkins (fiddle)	[13]
2015	John Leventhal (guitar)	[14]
2014	Buddy Miller (guitar)	[15]
2013	Larry Campbell (guitar)	[16]
2012	Dave Rawlings (multiple instruments)	[17]
2011	Buddy Miller (guitar)	[18]
2010	Buddy Miller (guitar)	[19]
2009	Gurf Morlix (multiple instruments)	[20]
2008	Buddy Miller (guitar)	[21]
2007	Buddy Miller (guitar)	[22]
2006	Kenny Vaughan (guitar)	[23]
2005	Sonny Landreth (slide guitar)	[24]
2004	Will Kimbrough (guitar)	[25]
2003	Jerry Douglas (dobro)	[26]
2002	Jerry Douglas (dobro)	[27]

Emerging Act of the Year

• 
  Amanda Shires had released five albums before her 2017 win
• 
  Shovels & Rope won in 2013
• 
  British band Mumford & Sons are the first non-Americans to win
• 
  Hayes Carll received the award in 2010
• 
  2009 recipient Justin Townes Earle
• 
  Inaugural winner Mindy Smith

Year	Recipient	Ref.
2023	S.G. Goodman	[28]
2022	Sierra Ferrell	[7]
2021	Charley Crockett	[8]
2020	Black Pumas	[9]
2019	The War and Treaty	[10]
2018	Tyler Childers	[11]
2017	Amanda Shires	[12]
2016	Margo Price	[13]
2015	Shakey Graves	[14]
2014	Sturgill Simpson	[15]
2013	Shovels & Rope	[16]
2012	Alabama Shakes	[17]
2011	Mumford & Sons	[18]
2010	Hayes Carll	[19]
2009	Justin Townes Earle	[20]
2008	Mike Farris	[21]
2007	The Avett Brothers	[22]
2006	The Greencards	[23]
2005	Mary Gauthier	[24]
2004	Mindy Smith (first year)	[25]

Lifetime Achievement Awards

Americana Trailblazer Award

• 
  Shawn Colvin received the award in 2016
• 
  Don Henley, founding member of the Eagles, was honoured in 2015
• 
  Old-time music band Old Crow Medicine Show were chosen in 2013
• 
  British radio host Bob Harris is the first non-performer to be honored
• 
  Folk singer Nanci Griffith was honoured in 2008
• 
  Lyle Lovett received the inaugural trailblazer award

Year	Recipient	Ref.
2021	The Mavericks	[8]
2019	Maria Muldaur	[10]
2018	K.d. lang	[11]
2017	Iris DeMent	[12]
2016	Shawn Colvin	[13]
2015	Don Henley	[14]
2013	Old Crow Medicine Show	[16]
2011	Bob Harris	[18]
2008	Nanci Griffith	[21]
2007	Lyle Lovett (first year)	[22]

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

• 
  British folk singer Billy Bragg was the first European recipient
• 
  2015 honoree Buffy Sainte-Marie was the first non-American winner
• 
  Jackson Browne received the award in 2014
• 
  Renowned activist and folk singer Joan Baez won in 2008
• 
  Mavis Staples was honoured in 2007 and collected her award in 2019
• 
  Activist folk singer Judy Collins received the award in 2005
• 
  Inaugural Free Speech winner Johnny Cash

Year	Recipient	Ref.
2022	Indigo Girls	[7]
2021	Carla Thomas	[8]
2019	Mavis Staples	[10]
2018	Rosanne Cash	[11]
2017	Graham Nash	[12]
2016	Billy Bragg	[13]
2015	Buffy Sainte-Marie	[14]
2014	Jackson Browne	[15]
2013	Stephen Stills	[16]
2010	Mary Chapin Carpenter	[19]
2008	Joan Baez	[21]
2007	Mavis Staples	[22]
2006	Charlie Daniels	[23]
2005	Judy Collins	[24]
2004	Steve Earle	[25]
2003	Kris Kristofferson	[26]
2002	Johnny Cash	[27]

Jack Emerson Lifetime Achievement Award for Executive

• 
  Cris Williamson received the award in 2018
• 
  Rick Hall was honoured in 2011
• 
  Renowned producer T-Bone Burnett was the inaugural recipient

Year	Recipient	Ref.
2022	Al Bell	[7]
2018	The Olivia Records Founders: Judy Dlugacz and Cris Williamson	[11]
2017	The HighTone Founders: Larry Sloven and Bruce Bromberg	[12]
2013	Chris Strachwitz	[16]
2012	Dennis Lord	[17]
2011	Rick Hall	[18]
2010	Luke Lewis	[19]
2009	Ken Levitan	[20]
2008	Terry Lickona	[21]
2007	Mary Martin	[22]
2006	Barry Poss	[23]
2005	The Rounder Founders: Ken Irwin, Marian Leighton, Bill Nowlin	[24]
2004	Jack Emerson	[25]
2003	Sam Phillips	[26]
2002	T-Bone Burnett	[27]

Lifetime Achievement Award for Instrumentalist

• 
  Ricky Skaggs received the honor in 2015
• 
  R&B pianist Booker T. Jones was given the award in 2012
• 
  2010 recipient Greg Leisz has played with hundreds of Americana artists
• 
  Larry Campbell plays guitar, mandolin, bass, violin and bouzouki
• 
  Guitarist Ry Cooder was honoured in 2007

Year	Recipient	Ref.
2018	Buddy Guy (guitar)	[11]
2017	Hi Rhythm (band)	[12]
2015	Ricky Skaggs (mandolin)	[14]
2014	Flaco Jimenez (accordion)	[15]
2013	Duane Eddy (guitar)	[16]
2012	Booker T. Jones (piano)	[17]
2011	Jerry Douglas (dobro)	[18]
2010	Greg Leisz (multiple instruments)	[19]
2009	Sam Bush (mandolin)	[20]
2008	Larry Campbell (multiple string instruments)	[21]
2007	Ry Cooder (slide guitar)	[22]
2006	Kenny Vaughan (guitar)	[23]

Lifetime Achievement Award for Performance

• 
  Bob Weir received the Performance Award in 2016
• 
  2014 winner Taj Mahal
• 
  2012 recipient Bonnie Raitt
• 
  Rockabilly queen Wanda Jackson was honoured in 2010
• 
  Western swing band Asleep at the Wheel won in 2009
• 
  2005 honoree Marty Stuart
• 
  Inaugural winner, folk/country singer Emmylou Harris

Year	Recipient	Ref.
2022	Chris Isaak	[7]
2021	Keb' Mo'	[8]
2019	Delbert McClinton	[10]
2018	Irma Thomas	[11]
2017	Robert Cray	[12]
2016	Bob Weir	[13]
2015	Los Lobos	[14]
2014	Taj Mahal	[15]
2013	Dr. John	[16]
2012	Bonnie Raitt	[17]
2011	Gregg Allman	[18]
2010	Wanda Jackson	[19]
2009	Asleep at the Wheel	[20]
2008	Jason & the Scorchers	[21]
2007	Joe Ely	[22]
2006	Alejandro Escovedo	[23]
2005	Marty Stuart	[24]
2004	Chris Hillman	[25]
2003	Levon Helm	[26]
2002	Emmylou Harris	[27]

Lifetime Achievement Award for Producer/Engineer

Year	Recipient	Ref.
2021	Trina Shoemaker	[8]
2010	Brian Ahern	[19]
2009	Jim Rooney	[20]
2008	Tony Brown	[21]
2007	Jim Dickinson	[22]
2006	Allen Toussaint (first year)	[23]

Lifetime Achievement Award for Songwriting

• 
  2015 recipients Gillian Welch and David Rawlings
• 
  2014 honoree Loretta Lynn
• 
  Richard Thompson is the first non-American winner
• 
  Lucinda Williams is the first female recipient
• 
  Prolific country singer Willie Nelson was honoured in 2007
• 
  2006 recipient Rodney Crowell
• 
  Guy Clark received the Award in 2005
• 
  Inaugural winner Billy Joe Shaver

Year	Recipient	Ref.
2019	Elvis Costello	[10]
2017	Van Morrison	[12]
2016	William Bell	[13]
2015	Gillian Welch and David Rawlings	[14]
2014	Loretta Lynn	[15]
2013	Robert Hunter	[16]
2012	Richard Thompson	[17]
2011	Lucinda Williams	[18]
2010	John Mellencamp	[19]
2009	John Fogerty	[20]
2008	John Hiatt	[21]
2007	Willie Nelson	[22]
2006	Rodney Crowell	[23]
2005	Guy Clark	[24]
2004	Cowboy Jack Clement	[25]
2003	John Prine	[26]
2002	Billy Joe Shaver	[27]

National Museum of African American Music/Americana Music Association Legacy of Americana Award

• 
  Rhiannon Giddens is the inaugural living winner

Year	Recipient	Ref.
2022	The Fairfield Four	[7]
2021	Fisk Jubilee Singers	[8]
2019	Rhiannon Giddens	[10]
2019	Frank Johnson	[10]

President's Award

• 
  Folk artist Woody Guthrie was honoured posthumously in 2016
• 
  Blues performer B. B. King received the President's Award in 2015
• 
  Iconic country singer Hank Williams was the 2013 recipient
• 
  Bluegrass musician John Hartford was honoured in 2005
• 
  2004 honorees The Carter Family are often called the "first family" of country
• 
  2003 honoree the late Gram Parsons called the "father of country rock"^[29]
• 
  2002 Inaugural recipient, roots rocker Doug Sahm

Year	Recipient	Ref.
2022	Don Williams	[7]
2019	Felice and Boudleaux Bryant	[10]
2016	Woody Guthrie	[13]
2015	B.B. King	[14]
2014	Jimmie Rodgers	[15]
2013	Hank Williams	[16]
2009	Lowell George	[20]
2008	Jerry Garcia	[21]
2007	Townes Van Zandt	[22]
2006	Mickey Newbury	[23]
2005	John Hartford	[24]
2004	Carter Family	[25]
2003	Gram Parsons	[26]
2002	Doug Sahm	[27]

WagonMaster/Lifetime Achievement Award

• 
  Jim Lauderdale was honoured in 2016
• 
  Country singer Porter Wagoner is the namesake of the award

Year	Recipient	Ref.
2022	Buddy Miller	[7]
2016	Jim Lauderdale	[13]
2007	Porter Wagoner	[22]

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 on 3 February 2016 and was hosted by Bob Harris and Ethan Johns.^[30] The second annual UK Americana awards were held on 2 February 2017 and the third awards were held on 1 February 2018.^[31] The fifth awards were held on 30 January 2020.^[32] The 2021 ceremony was held virtually on 29 January due to the COVID-19 pandemic.^[33] The 2022 ceremony was held at the Hackney Empire and was hosted by Harris and Baylen Leonard on 26 January 2023.^[34]

UK Album of the Year

• 2023 – Superhuman by Ferris & Sylvester
• 2022 – Stand for Myself by Yola (produced by Dan Auerbach)
• 2021 – In This Town You're Owned by Robert Vincent
• 2020 – Walk Through Fire by Yola (produced by Dan Auerbach)
• 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)
• 2016 – What Kind of Love by Danny and the Champions of the World (produced by Chris Clarke and Danny George Wilson)

International Album of the Year

• 2023 – Raise the Roof by Robert Plant and Alison Krauss (produced by T Bone Burnett)
• 2022 – Outside Child by Allison Russell (produced by Dan Knobler)
• 2021 – Old Flowers by Courtney Marie Andrews (produced by Andrew Sarlo)
• 2020 – The Highwomen by The Highwomen (produced by Dave Cobb)
• 2019 – May Your Kindness Remain by Courtney Marie Andrews
• 2018 – The Nashville Sound by Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit (produced by Dave Cobb)
• 2017 – Angeleno by Sam Outlaw (produced by Ry Cooder and Joachim Cooder)
• 2016 – Blackbirds by Gretchen Peters (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
• 2017 – Yola
• 2016 – Danny and the Champions of the World

International Artist of the Year

• 2023 – Allison Russell
• 2022 – Allison Russell
• 2021 – Courtney Marie Andrews
• 2020 – Brandi Carlile
• 2019 – Mary Gauthier
• 2018 – Courtney Marie Andrews
• 2017 – Sturgill Simpson
• 2016 – Jason Isbell

UK Song of the Year

• 2023 - “Car Crash” by Hannah White
• 2022 – "Willing" by Lady Nade
• 2021 – "I Don't Wanna Lie" by Yola, Dan Auerbach and Bobby Wood
• 2020 – "Little Piece of Heaven" by Elles Bailey, Bobby Wood and Dan Auerbach
• 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 (Danny and the Champions of the World)

International Song of the Year

• 2023 – "You Are Not Alone" by Allison Russell featuring Brandi Carlile
• 2022 – "Right on Time" by Brandi Carlile
• 2021 – Hand Over My Heart by The Secret Sisters
• 2020 – "Me and the Ghost of Charlemagne" by Amy Speace
• 2019 – "The Joke" by Brandi Carlile
• 2018 – "Tenderheart" by Sam Outlaw
• 2017 – "Hands of Time" by Margo Price
• 2016 – "Blackbirds" by Gretchen Peters and Ben Glover (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^[35]
• 2016 – Robert Vincent^[36]

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
• 2022 – Beth Orton and The Long Ryders
• 2021 – Christine McVie and Steve Earle
• 2020 – Nick Lowe
• 2018 – Mumford & Sons
• 2017 – Albert Lee
• 2016 – Billy Bragg^[37]

AMA Lifetime Achievement Award

• 2024 - Dan Penn
• 2023 – Mike Scott and Judy Collins
• 2022 – Lucinda Williams
• 2021 – Elvis Costello and Mavis Staples
• 2020 – Joan Armatrading
• 2019 – Graham Nash
• 2018 – Robert Plant
• 2017 – Richard Thompson

Songwriters Legacy Award

• 2023 – Loretta Lynn
• 2021 – John Prine

Best Selling Americana Album

• 2023 – FTHC by Holly Carter
• 2022 – Greenfields by Barry Gibb
• 2021 – Song for Our Daughter by Laura Marling
• 2020 – Jade Bird by Jade Bird
• 2019 – Be More Kind by Frank Turner
• 2018 – Carry Fire by Robert Plant
• 2017 – Roll with the Punches by Van Morrison
• 2016 – Stay Gold by First Aid Kit

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 in early 2018, featured performances from many of Australia's top roots performers alongside Valerie June and Old Crow Medicine Show who acted as "US Americana Ambassadors". The inaugural ceremony also featured the presentation of two honours.^[38] The second event was held on October 11, 2018, and featured Margo Price and Joshua Hedley as Americana Ambassadors.^[39]

Vanguard Award

• 2017: Kasey Chambers
• 2017: Brian Taranto
• 2018: Shane Howard
• 2018: Brian Wise

See also

• Americana (music)
• Americana Music Association
• Americana Music Festival & Conference

References

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32. "Stars honoured at UK Americana Awards". Musicweek.com. Retrieved April 26, 2020.
33. "UK Americana Award 2021 winners revealed in virtual ceremony". January 29, 2021.
34. "Allison Russell and Elles Bailey big winners at UK Americana Music Awards 2023". Music-news.com. Retrieved February 14, 2023.
35. "Wildwood Kin to be honoured at UK Americana Awards". Theamauk.org. January 21, 2017. Archived from the original on June 29, 2018. Retrieved June 28, 2018.
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39. "The Second Annual Australian Americana Music Honours to Take Place in Melbourne - Oct .11". AmericanaMusic.org. August 30, 2018. Retrieved April 26, 2020.

External links

• Americana Music Association website
• Americana Radio Chart