Jason Isbell, Chris Stapleton lead Americana nominations
On Wednesday night nominees for the 15th annual Americana Music Association's Honors and Awards show were announced in Washington, D.C.
Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Jason Isbell leads the nominations with nods in three categories: Album of the Year (for “Something More Than Free,” produced by Dave Cobb), Artist of the Year and Song of the Year (“24 Frames”).
Chris Stapleton and Lucinda Williams also are both nominated in the Album and Artist of the Year categories. Stapleton's Cobb-produced multiplatinum album "Traveller" was one of 2015's most successful releases, and Williams — whose "Down Where the Spirit Meets the Bone" was named Album of the Year at last year's Americana Awards — could take home the trophy once more for her record "The Ghosts of Highway 20."
Nashville’s Margo Price, who performed during the nomination announcements, is one of four New/Emerging Artist contenders alongside singer-songwriter John Moreland, classic R&B singer Leon Bridges, and Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, one of the most popular showcase acts at last year's Americana Music Festival and Conference. Price and Rateliff have recordings up for Song of the Year as well.
The 2016 Americana Honors and Awards will be held at the Ryman Auditorium on Sept. 21; Jim Lauderdale and Buddy Miller are slated to return as host and bandleader, respectively. Tickets to the awards show are available only to conference registrants. Visit americanamusic.org for registration information.
2016 Americana Honors and Awards nominees
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
Chris Stapleton's 'Traveller': The album of a lifetime
Jason Isbell free in life, lighter with 5th studio album
Artist of the Year
Bonnie Raitt
Chris Stapleton
Jason Isbell
Lucinda Williams
Lucinda Williams pays tribute to poet father
Group/Duo of the Year
Alabama Shakes
Emmylou Harris & Rodney Crowell
Lake Street Dive
Milk Carton Kids
Tedeschi Trucks Band
New/Emerging Artist of the Year
John Moreland
Leon Bridges
Margo Price
Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats
Song of the Year
“24 Frames,” Jason Isbell
“Dime Store Cowgirl,” Kacey Musgraves
“Hands of Time,” Margo Price
“S.O.B.,” Nathaniel Rateliff & The Nightsweats
13 is a lucky number for Margo Price
Instrumentalist of the Year
Cindy Cashdollar
Stuart Duncan
Jedd Hughes
Sara Watkins