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Less well-publicized but no less prestigious than the Country Music Awards, the annual Americana Music Awards honor artists whose work blurs the traditional boundaries between country, rock, folk, blues, bluegrass and other quintesssentially American styles of music. The awards' ninth annual edition, held Thursday, Sep. 9 at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium, proved more than ever that while Americana may be difficult to define, its influence on popular music continues to grow by leaps and bounds.
Taking home top honors this year was singer-songwriter Ryan Bingham, best-known for his Oscar-winning song "The Weary Kind" from the film "Crazy Heart." Bingham won both Artist of the Year and Song of the Year, sharing the latter trophy with veteran producer/songwriter T Bone Burnett. Lifetime Achievement Awards went to John Mellencamp, rockabilly legend Wanda Jackson, and lap and pedal steel virtuoso Greg Leisz.
The awards show featured many memorable performances, but saved the best for last: Robert Plant, previewing tracks from his forthcoming roots album "Band of Joy," backed by his group of the same name.
For more photos and coverage of the Americana Awards, visit our Metromix Nashville site.
