Gillian Welch, Steve Earle and Jason Isbell Lead The Americana Music Association Award Nominees

The Americana Music Association took to the City of Los Angeles to announce the 2012 nominees for the Americana Honors & Awards, presented by Nissan. Music aficionado John C. Reilly announced the nominations at Thursday’s event hosted by Americana ambassador Jim Lauderdale at The Grammy Museum’s Clive Davis Theatre.

The celebration also featured performances by special guests Lucinda Williams, Shelby Lynne and Robert Ellis alongside the Americana All-Star band, led by Buddy Miller with Lauderdale, Greg Leisz, Don Heffington and Don Was. The finale song honored Americana icons; Levon Helm, Earl Scruggs and Doc Watson, who were the heartbeat of the genre, with a loving rendition of ”Will the Circle Be Unbroken.”

A genre that honors the roots of American music and its tapestry of influences, nominees for the 2012 ceremony reflect its brightest talents. From lyricists that articulate the human condition to unrivaled instrumentalists, Americana has been described by The New York Times as "the coolest music scene today."

AMERICANA HONORS & AWARDS 2012 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

The Americana Honors & Awards, presented by Nissan, returns to the historically cool Ryman Auditorium on September 12, 2012 (as part of the Americana Music Festival to take place September 12-15, 2012 at various venues throughout Music City). Jim Lauderdale will once again host the Honros & Awards, while Buddy Miller will lead the All-Star Band.