Sturgill Simpson, John Prine Big Winners at The 2017 Americana Music Honors & Awards

Sturgill Simpson and John Prine were among the big winners at the 2017 Americana Music Honors & Awards; taking home album and artist of the year respectively. The  ceremony was held  Wednesday, September 13th at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville.

The awards were presented in the following categories:

Album of the Year: A Sailor’s Guide to Earth, Sturgill Simpson (Simpson, producer)

Artist of the Year: John Prine

Group/Duo of the Year: Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives

Song of the Year: “It Ain’t Over Yet” Rodney Crowell feat. Rosanne Cash and John Paul White (Crowell, songwriter)

Emerging Artist of the Year: Amanda Shires

Instrumentalist of the Year: Charlie Sexton

Spirit of Americana/Free Speech in Music Award: Graham Nash

Lifetime Achievement Award, Trailblazer: Iris Dement

Lifetime Achievement Award, Songwriting: Van Morrison

Lifetime Achievement Award, Performance: Robert Cray

Lifetime Achievement Award, Instrumentalist: Hi Rhythm Section

Lifetime Achievement Award, Executive: Larry Sloven and Bruce Bromberg