Brandi Carlile Earns Three Early Grammy Honors

Brandi Carlile dominated the American Roots categories during the Grammys Premiere Ceremony on Sunday (Feb. 10).

Carlile, a leading nominee with six total nods going into the Grammy awards, earned her first-ever Grammy award win for Best American Roots Performance (“The Joke”). Carlile was previously nominated for a Grammy in 2015 for Best Americana Album (The Firewatcher’s Daughter).

“It’s our first Grammy!” she said in accepting her honor. “This means so much to me and Dave Cobb who brought the best out of us in this song. I never saw us standing here, but it means so much to be standing here for this song.”

She would pick up two additional honors during the Premiere ceremony.

Best Americana Album went to Carlile’s By The Way I Forgive You, which was recorded at Nashville’s RCA Studio A. The album was produced by Shooter Jennings (who also produced King of the Road: A Tribute To Roger Miller) and by Dave Cobb (who has won multiple Grammy honors for his work with Chris Stapleton and Jason Isbell).

Carlile thanked Cobb and Jennings, whom she called her “spirit animals.”

“I’m just so proud to go into the studio with such a talent and be part of this.” Cobb added.

“The Joke” also earned Best American Roots Song (the track was penned by Carlile, Dave Cobb, Phil Hanseroth and Tim Hanseroth.

Carlile summed her early evening wins by thanking the Americana music community at large.

“Americana music is the island of the misfit toys. I’m such a misfit,” said Carlile. “It is this music that has shaped who I am. I came out of the closet at 15 years old and I can assure you I was never invited to any parties. To be embraced by this endearing and loving community…thank you for being my island.”

Carlile is also nominated for three general field category honors at the 61st annual Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year (“The Joke”), Album of the Year (By The Way I Forgive You), and Song of the Year (“The Joke”).