CARLILE, PRINE TOP AMERICANA HONORS

Celebrating John Prine's final recording (l-r): Amanda Shires, Maren Morris, Yola, Brandi Carlile, Jason Isbell, Natalie Hemby

Brandi Carlile, the late John Prine and Sturgill Simpson scored the big prizes Wednesday at the 20th Annual Americana Honors & Awards at the Ryman Auditorium.

For a second time, Carlile was honored as Artist of the Year. Prine’s “I Remember Everything,” meanwhile, was named Song of the Year, and Simpson’s bluegrass project Cuttin’ Grass—Vol. 1 (The Butcher Shoppe Sessions) was recognized as Album of the Year.

Black Pumas, 2020’s Americana Emerging Act of the Year, won Duo/Group of the Year.

Carlile, Margo Price and Amanda Shires performed “I Remember Everything,” Carla Thomas did “B-A-B-Y” and Carlile sang her latest single, “Right on Time.”

2021 AMERICANA HONORS & AWARDS WINNERS AND HONOREES

• Album of the Year: Cuttin' Grass—Vol. 1 (The Butcher Shoppe Sessions), Sturgill Simpson; produced by David Ferguson and Sturgill Simpson
• Artist of the Year: Brandi Carlile
• Song of the Year: “I Remember Everything,” John Prine; written by Pat McLaughlin and John Prine
• Duo/Group of the Year: Black Pumas
• Emerging Act of the Year: Charley Crockett
• Instrumentalist of the Year: Kristin Weber
• Legacy of Americana Award, presented in partnership with the National Museum of African American Music: Fisk Jubilee Singers
• Trailblazer Award: The Mavericks
• Lifetime Achievement Award for Performance: Keb’ Mo’
• Lifetime Achievement Award for Producer/Engineer: Trina Shoemaker
• Inspiration Award: Carla Thomas
  
  Photo credit: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Americana Music Association