Jason Isbell Tops Americana Awards Nominations

The Americana Music Association has revealed the nominees for its Americana Honors & Awards, and artist Jason Isbell leads the pack with four nominations, including three with his band, the 400 Unit. Gillian Welch is close behind with three nominations, including artist of the year, a category in which Isbell is also represented. Steve Earle earned two nominations and his son, Justin Townes Earle, scored one.

 

Actor John C. Reilly (pictured) announced the nominations at Thursday’s press conference, hosted by Jim Lauderdale at The Grammy Museum’s Clive Davis Theatre in Los Angeles.

The awards show will be held Sept. 12 at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. Lauderdale will host the show again this year, while Buddy Miller will again lead an all-star band. Here are the nominees: 

 

ALBUM OF THE YEAR

“Here We Rest” - Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit

“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 and the 400 Unit

Punch Brothers