Americana Music Association Unveils its 2016 Honors & Awards Nominees

During An Invitation Only Event in Washington, D.C.

The Americana Music Association announced the nominees for its 15th annual Honors & Awards show this evening at an event held at the historic Mansion on O Street in Washington, D.C. The invitation only affair, presented by the musicFIRST Coalition, was attended by members of Congress and musicians and streamed live via Facebook exclusively through NPR Music.

Hosted by The Milk Carton Kids — Kenneth Pattengale and Joey Ryan — and featured performances by Lucinda Williams, Margo Price and Sierra Hull & Ethan Jodziewicz.

A full list of categories and nominees for the Americana Music Association’s 15th Annual Honors & Awards is below:

Album of the Year

Something More Than Free, Jason Isbell, Produced by Dave Cobb

The Ghosts of Highway 20, Lucinda Williams, Produced by Greg Leisz, Tom Overby and Lucinda Williams

The Very Last Day, Parker Millsap, Produced by Parker Millsap and Gary Paczosa

Traveller, Chris Stapleton, Produced by Dave Cobb and Chris Stapleton

Artist of the Year

Jason Isbell

Bonnie Raitt

Chris Stapleton

Lucinda Williams

Duo/Group of the Year

Alabama Shakes

Emmylou Harris & Rodney Crowell

Lake Street Dive

The Milk Carton Kids

Tedeschi Trucks Band

Emerging Artist of the Year

Leon Bridges

John Moreland

Margo Price

Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats

Song of the Year

“24 Frames” Jason Isbell; Written by Jason Isbell

“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

Instrumentalist of the Year  

Cindy Cashdollar

Stuart Duncan

Jedd Hughes

Sara Watkins 

The winners of each category will be announced during the Americana Honors and Awards show on September 21, 2016 at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN. The celebrated program is the capstone event of “AmericanaFest,” the Americana Music Festival and Conference, which runs from September 20-25, 2016.  

Each year, the Americana Music Association honors distinguished members of the music community with six member voted annual awards and with Lifetime Achievement Awards, which will be announced leading up to the event.  

Described by Emmylou Harris as “the shining star of Nashville and music everywhere,” the Americana Honors and Awards show has been broadcast in the past on AXS TV, PBS, and via SiriusXM Radio, BBC2, WSM, Voice of America and npr.org.  The show has featured many amazing moments in musical history including Johnny Cash & June Carter Cash's last live performance together, as well as show-stopping appearances by Don Henley, Bonnie Raitt, Gregg Allman, The Avett Brothers, Solomon Burke, Rosanne Cash, Civil Wars, Dr. John with Dan Auerbach, Patty Griffin, Levon Helm, Robert Plant and many more. Tickets for the Americana Honors & Awards are available for purchase by Conference Registrants of the weeklong event.

For more information about the Americana Honors & Awards and to purchase registrations and tickets please visit www.americanamusic.org.

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About Americana Music Association

The Americana Music Association is a professional non-profit trade organization whose mission is to advocate for the authentic voice of American Roots Music around the world. The Association curates events throughout the year including the annual Americana Music Festival and Conference, the acclaimed Americana Honors & Awards program and its "Americana NYC," curated in partnership with Lincoln Center. 

For more information on the Americana Music Association and to become a member, please visit: 

Official Website: americanamusic.org

Facebook: facebook.com/americanamusicassociation

Twitter: twitter.com/americanafest

Instagram: instagram.com/americanafest

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