The Led Zeppelin frontman has focused on roots music in recent years
The Americana Music Association announces that legendary singer, songwriter and musical trailblazer Robert Plant will receive the Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award during the 25th Annual Americana Honors & Awards, taking place Wednesday, September 16th, at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium.
Throughout his life, Robert Plant has had an abiding love of roots music, both vintage and modern – of blues, folk, gospel, country and those tantalizing sounds that lie in between. Since first achieving worldwide acclaim as the lead singer of Led Zeppelin, his curiosity has continued to lead him across musical genres, including into the heart of American roots music: he is one of its most passionate advocates and celebrated interpreters.
Plant’s groundbreaking collaborations with Alison Krauss and producer T Bone Burnett on the Grammy Award-winning Raising Sand not only introduced millions of listeners to the depth and artistry of Americana music but also helped elevate the genre. This pivotal period led the Recording Academy to establish a Best Americana Album category. Plant continued his exploration of American roots music with his collaborators Patty Griffin, Buddy Miller, and others for Band of Joy and again on a second duet album with Krauss, Raise the Roof. More recently, on his record, Saving Graceand its follow up EP Saving Grace: All That Glitters… he joined with singer Suzi Dian and a band of musical compatriots from near his home on the Welsh borders to record songs by Gillian Welch, Memphis Minnie and Blind Willie Johnson, Bob Moseley (Moby Grape), Martha Scanlan, Mimi Parker and Alan Sparhawk’s Low, Sarah Siskind, and The Low Anthem, among other Americana gems, to much critical acclaim.
“Robert Plant’s relationship with Americana music extends far beyond influence—it is one of genuine passion, stewardship and artistic curiosity,” states Jed Hilly, Executive Director of the Americana Music Association. “His willingness to immerse himself in the traditions of blues, folk, country and gospel, while continuing to push their boundaries, has expanded the audience for Americana around the world. Few artists have done more to honor the music’s past while helping shape its future. We are thrilled to recognize his extraordinary contributions with the Americana Music Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award.”
The Americana Honors & Awards is the hallmark event of AmericanaFest, celebrating the groundbreaking artists, musicians and industry leaders whose work continues to expand and elevate the Americana music community. Presented at the iconic Ryman Auditorium, the annual ceremony has become one of the music industry’s most respected evenings, honoring artistic excellence while bringing together performers from across the spectrum of American roots music.
Dolly Parton will be awarded the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.