Americana Music Nominations Revealed

Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit

Jason Isbell and Gillian Welch lead the nominations for the Americana Music Honors and Awards, revealed today (5/31) at a ceremony in Los Angeles. Isbell earned four nods, and Welch followed closely with three nominations.

Music aficionado John C. Reilly announced the nominations at the event hosted by Jim Lauderdale at The Grammy Museum’s Clive Davis Theatre. The celebration featured performances by Lucinda Williams, Shelby Lynne and Robert Ellis alongside the Americana All-Star band led by Buddy Miller with Lauderdale, Greg Leisz, Don Heffington and Don Was. Late artists Levon Helm, Earl Scruggs and Doc Watson were honored with a rendition of “Will the Circle Be Unbroken.”

Gillian Welch

The Americana Music Honors & Awards Show returns to the Ryman Auditorium on Sept. 12, 2012, as part of the Americana Music Festival running Sept. 12-15. Lauderdale will once again host while Miller will lead the All-Star Band.

Americana Music Honors & Awards 2012 Nominees

Album of the Year
Here We Rest – Jason Isbell
I’ll Never Get Out of This World Alive – Steve Earle
The Harrow & The Harvest – Gillian Welch
This One’s For Him: A Tribute to Guy Clark – Various Artists

Artist of the Year
Gillian Welch
Hayes Carll
Jason Isbell
Justin Townes Earle

Emerging Artist of the Year
Alabama Shakes
Dawes
Deep Dark Woods
Robert Ellis

Song of the Year
“Alabama Pines” – Written by Jason Isbell and performed by Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit
“Come Around” – Written and Performed by Sarah Jarosz
“I Love” – Written by Tom T. Hall and performed by Patty Griffin
“Waiting on the Sky to Fall” – Written and performed by Steve Earle

Instrumentalist of the Year
Buddy Miller
Chris Thile
Darrell Scott
Dave Rawlings

Duo/Group of the Year
Carolina Chocolate Drops
Civil Wars
Gillian Welch and David Rawlings
Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit
Punch Brothers