# 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.
The Honors & Awards have featured a variety of musical events, including Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash's last live performance together. 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 and later aired on Austin City Limits on PBS 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 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 is 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

| Year | Recipient | Work | Nominees |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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' |
| 2019 | John Prine, Produced by Dave Cobb | The Tree of Forgiveness | Amanda Shires - To the Sunset Lori McKenna - The Tree Yola - Walk Through Fire |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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) |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 2007 | Patty Griffin, Produced by Griffin McCarthy and Mike McCarthy | Children Running Through | Avett Brothers - Emotionalism Bob Dylan - Modern Times Lucinda Williams - West |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 2004 | Loretta Lynn, Produced by Jack White | Van Lear Rose | Mindy Smith - One Moment More Rodney Crowell - Fate's Right Hand Slaid Cleaves - Wishbones |
| 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 |
| 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 |

### Song of the Year

| Year | Recipients | Work | Nominees |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |

### 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 |
| 2022 | Billy Strings |
| 2021 | Brandi Carlile |
| 2020 | John Prine |
| 2019 | Brandi Carlile |
| 2018 | John Prine |
| 2017 | John Prine |
| 2016 | Chris Stapleton |
| 2015 | Sturgill Simpson |
| 2014 | Jason Isbell |
| 2013 | Dwight Yoakam |
| 2012 | Gillian Welch |
| 2011 | Buddy Miller |
| 2010 | Ryan Bingham |
| 2009 | Buddy Miller |
| 2008 | Levon Helm |
| 2007 | Patty Griffin |
| 2006 | Neil Young |
| 2005 | John Prine |
| 2004 | Loretta Lynn |
| 2003 | Johnny Cash |
| 2002 | Jim Lauderdale |

### 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 |
| 2022 | The War and Treaty |
| 2021 | Black Pumas |
| 2020 | The Highwomen |
| 2019 | I'm with Her |
| 2018 | Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit |
| 2017 | Marty Stuart and his Fabulous Superlatives |
| 2016 | Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell |
| 2015 | The Mavericks |
| 2014 | The Milk Carton Kids |
| 2013 | Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell |
| 2012 | The Civil Wars |
| 2011 | The Avett Brothers |
| 2010 | The Avett Brothers |
| 2009 | Buddy & Julie Miller |
| 2008 | Alison Krauss & Robert Plant |
| 2007 | The Avett Brothers |
| 2006 | Drive-By Truckers (first year) |

### 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 |
| 2022 | Larissa Maestro (cello) |
| 2021 | Kristin Weber (fiddle) |
| 2020 | Brittany Haas (fiddle) |
| 2019 | Chris Eldridge (guitar) |
| 2018 | Molly Tuttle (guitar) |
| 2017 | Charlie Sexton (guitar) |
| 2016 | Sara Watkins (fiddle) |
| 2015 | John Leventhal (guitar) |
| 2014 | Buddy Miller (guitar) |
| 2013 | Larry Campbell (guitar) |
| 2012 | Dave Rawlings (multiple instruments) |
| 2011 | Buddy Miller (guitar) |
| 2010 | Buddy Miller (guitar) |
| 2009 | Gurf Morlix (multiple instruments) |
| 2008 | Buddy Miller (guitar) |
| 2007 | Buddy Miller (guitar) |
| 2006 | Kenny Vaughan (guitar) |
| 2005 | Sonny Landreth (slide guitar) |
| 2004 | Will Kimbrough (guitar) |
| 2003 | Jerry Douglas (dobro) |
| 2002 | Jerry Douglas (dobro) |

### 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 |
| 2023 | S.G. Goodman |
| 2022 | Sierra Ferrell |
| 2021 | Charley Crockett |
| 2020 | Black Pumas |
| 2019 | The War and Treaty |
| 2018 | Tyler Childers |
| 2017 | Amanda Shires |
| 2016 | Margo Price |
| 2015 | Shakey Graves |
| 2014 | Sturgill Simpson |
| 2013 | Shovels & Rope |
| 2012 | Alabama Shakes |
| 2011 | Mumford & Sons |
| 2010 | Hayes Carll |
| 2009 | Justin Townes Earle |
| 2008 | Mike Farris |
| 2007 | The Avett Brothers |
| 2006 | The Greencards |
| 2005 | Mary Gauthier |
| 2004 | Mindy Smith (first year) |

## 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 |
| 2021 | The Mavericks |
| 2019 | Maria Muldaur |
| 2018 | K.d. lang |
| 2017 | Iris DeMent |
| 2016 | Shawn Colvin |
| 2015 | Don Henley |
| 2013 | Old Crow Medicine Show |
| 2011 | Bob Harris |
| 2008 | Nanci Griffith |
| 2007 | Lyle Lovett (first year) |

### 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 |
| 2022 | Indigo Girls |
| 2021 | Carla Thomas |
| 2019 | Mavis Staples |
| 2018 | Rosanne Cash |
| 2017 | Graham Nash |
| 2016 | Billy Bragg |
| 2015 | Buffy Sainte-Marie |
| 2014 | Jackson Browne |
| 2013 | Stephen Stills |
| 2010 | Mary Chapin Carpenter |
| 2008 | Joan Baez |
| 2007 | Mavis Staples |
| 2006 | Charlie Daniels |
| 2005 | Judy Collins |
| 2004 | Steve Earle |
| 2003 | Kris Kristofferson |
| 2002 | Johnny Cash |

### 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 |
| 2022 | Al Bell |
| 2018 | The Olivia Records Founders: Judy Dlugacz and Cris Williamson |
| 2017 | The HighTone Founders: Larry Sloven and Bruce Bromberg |
| 2013 | Chris Strachwitz |
| 2012 | Dennis Lord |
| 2011 | Rick Hall |
| 2010 | Luke Lewis |
| 2009 | Ken Levitan |
| 2008 | Terry Lickona |
| 2007 | Mary Martin |
| 2006 | Barry Poss |
| 2005 | The Rounder Founders: Ken Irwin, Marian Leighton, Bill Nowlin |
| 2004 | Jack Emerson |
| 2003 | Sam Phillips |
| 2002 | T-Bone Burnett |

### 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 |
| 2018 | Buddy Guy (guitar) |
| 2017 | Hi Rhythm (band) |
| 2015 | Ricky Skaggs (mandolin) |
| 2014 | Flaco Jimenez (accordion) |
| 2013 | Duane Eddy (guitar) |
| 2012 | Booker T. Jones (piano) |
| 2011 | Jerry Douglas (dobro) |
| 2010 | Greg Leisz (multiple instruments) |
| 2009 | Sam Bush (mandolin) |
| 2008 | Larry Campbell (multiple string instruments) |
| 2007 | Ry Cooder (slide guitar) |
| 2006 | Kenny Vaughan (guitar) |

### 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 |
| 2022 | Chris Isaak |
| 2021 | Keb' Mo' |
| 2019 | Delbert McClinton |
| 2018 | Irma Thomas |
| 2017 | Robert Cray |
| 2016 | Bob Weir |
| 2015 | Los Lobos |
| 2014 | Taj Mahal |
| 2013 | Dr. John |
| 2012 | Bonnie Raitt |
| 2011 | Gregg Allman |
| 2010 | Wanda Jackson |
| 2009 | Asleep at the Wheel |
| 2008 | Jason & the Scorchers |
| 2007 | Joe Ely |
| 2006 | Alejandro Escovedo |
| 2005 | Marty Stuart |
| 2004 | Chris Hillman |
| 2003 | Levon Helm |
| 2002 | Emmylou Harris |

### Lifetime Achievement Award for Producer/Engineer

| Year | Recipient |
| 2021 | Trina Shoemaker |
| 2010 | Brian Ahern |
| 2009 | Jim Rooney |
| 2008 | Tony Brown |
| 2007 | Jim Dickinson |
| 2006 | Allen Toussaint (first year) |

### 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 |
| 2019 | Elvis Costello |
| 2017 | Van Morrison |
| 2016 | William Bell |
| 2015 | Gillian Welch and David Rawlings |
| 2014 | Loretta Lynn |
| 2013 | Robert Hunter |
| 2012 | Richard Thompson |
| 2011 | Lucinda Williams |
| 2010 | John Mellencamp |
| 2009 | John Fogerty |
| 2008 | John Hiatt |
| 2007 | Willie Nelson |
| 2006 | Rodney Crowell |
| 2005 | Guy Clark |
| 2004 | Cowboy Jack Clement |
| 2003 | John Prine |
| 2002 | Billy Joe Shaver |

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

* Rhiannon Giddens is the inaugural living winner
| Year | Recipient |
| 2022 | The Fairfield Four |
| 2021 | Fisk Jubilee Singers |
| 2019 | Rhiannon Giddens |
| 2019 | Frank Johnson |

### 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"
* 2002 Inaugural recipient, roots rocker Doug Sahm
| Year | Recipient |
| 2022 | Don Williams |
| 2019 | Felice and Boudleaux Bryant |
| 2016 | Woody Guthrie |
| 2015 | B.B. King |
| 2014 | Jimmie Rodgers |
| 2013 | Hank Williams |
| 2009 | Lowell George |
| 2008 | Jerry Garcia |
| 2007 | Townes Van Zandt |
| 2006 | Mickey Newbury |
| 2005 | John Hartford |
| 2004 | Carter Family |
| 2003 | Gram Parsons |
| 2002 | Doug Sahm |

### WagonMaster/Lifetime Achievement Award

* Jim Lauderdale was honoured in 2016
* Country singer Porter Wagoner is the namesake of the award
| Year | Recipient |
| 2022 | Buddy Miller |
| 2016 | Jim Lauderdale |
| 2007 | Porter Wagoner |

## 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. 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 2022 ceremony was held at the Hackney Empire 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 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
* 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
* 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

### 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. The second event was held on October 11, 2018, and featured Margo Price and Joshua Hedley as Americana Ambassadors.

### Vanguard Award

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