The winners of the UK Americana Awards 2024, powered by Sweet Home Alabama, were revealed on the evening of Thursday 25 January in a glittering ceremony at Hackney Church, London.
During a remarkable night, which celebrated the best in UK and International Americana and Roots music, acclaimed singer-songwriters and musicians Allison Russell and Michele Stodart scooped two awards each: Russell for International Artist of the Year and International Album of the Year (The Returner) and Stodart for UK Artist of the Year and UK Album of the Year (Invitation).
Outstanding US singer-songwriter Margo Price won the International Song of the Year Award for “Radio” feat. Sharon van Etten and UK Song of the Year was won by rising stars Lauren Housley & The Northern Cowboys for “High Time”.
Finger-style guitartist and one of the UK’s only female professional pedal steel players Holly Carter took home the award for UK Instrumentalist of the Year for the second year running, mirrored by English roots singer-songwriter and pianist Elles Bailey who triumphed once again in the UK Live Act of the Year category.
The award for the best-selling Americana album of the year by a UK artist, in association with the Official Charts Company, was presented to Billy Bragg for The Roaring Forty.
Receiving the award, Bragg commented “ Thrilled to discover that my 40th anniversary album is the best selling UK Americana album of 2023. After such long career, I never take my fans for granted, so I want to thank them for their continued support and also the AMAUK for their work in promoting roots music. Without them, there wouldn’t be an Americana chart for me to top”.
Of the prestigious Special Awards, conferred by the AMA-UK Board, best-selling author Nick Hornby presented the International Trailblazer Award to renowned US singer-songwriter Jason Isbell. Upon receiving his award Jason said “I’m honored to receive the Trailblazer award. I’ve always been surprised by the warm welcome my work has received in the UK, and I’m proud to know that the stories I tell might serve as inspiration for younger artists.”
The International Lifetime Achievement Award was given to legendary American singer-songwriter, musician and producer Dan Penn, preceded by touching video messages of congratulation from Elvis Costello and Mike Scott of the Waterboys. A medley of Penn’s hits was performed by Elles Bailey, Margo Cilker, St Catherine’s Child, Lauren Housley, Simeon Hammond Dallas, Hannah White, Johnny Morgan; Demi Marriner alongside the houseband.
Former CEO of the AMA-UK Stevie Smith was presented with the Grass Roots Award by Billy Bragg, in recognition of her hard work developing the UK Americana landscape, over more than a decade.
Shining a spotlight on exciting new talent, Bob Harris OBE chose Jonny Morgan for his 2024 Emerging Artist Award.
Former recipients of the Bob Harris Emerging Artist Award include The Wandering Hearts and Robert Vincent who have gone on to achieve international success.
Now in its 11th year, the UK Americana Music Week and Awards, powered by Sweet Home Alabama, has gone from strength to strength since its inception with huge increases in delegate numbers, artists involved and Americana Music Association UK (AMA-UK) members. Its impact has been widespread, raising the profile of the genre, providing a platform for new and established talent, including opportunities for UK artists at festivals here and abroad, and establishing the Official UK Americana Chart in conjunction with The Official ChartsCompany.
The UK Americana Music Awards show, powered by Sweet Home Alabama, was hosted by broadcaster Baylen Leonard and special guest award presenters on the night included: Nick Hornby, Frank Turner, Billy Bragg, Jason Isbell, Bob Harris OBE, Charlie Starr of Blackberry Smoke, Drew Holcomb, Nina Nesbitt, Helen Thomas (Head of Station for BBC Radio 2), Immy Doman and Risa Tabatznik (The Green Note venue, Camden), Andy Facer, 5F marketing representing Sweet Home Alabama and Martin Talbot from The Official Charts Company.
The Awards played host to a sold out audience of leading artists, industry VIPs and legions of fans who were treated to spellbinding performances from Jason Isbell, Billy Bragg, Margo Cilker, Drew Holcomb, Elles Bailey, St Catherine’s Child, Michele Stodart, Lauren Housley & The Northern Cowboys, Jonny Morgan, and a group finale. Once again, award-winning instrumentalist and musical director, Michele Stodart returned with her all-female Americana house band.
Nominations – winners in bold
UK Album of the Year
Far From Saints – Far From Saints
Michele Stodart – Invitation, presented by Helen Thomas (Head of Station for BBC Radio 2)
Roseanne Reid – Lawside
Ward Thomas – Music In The Madness
International Album of the Year
Allison Russell – The Returner, presented by Nina Nesbitt
Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors – Strangers No More
Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit – Weathervanes
Margo Cilker – Valley of Heart’s Delight
UK Song of the Year
Hannah White – “Chains of Ours”
Kirsten Adamson – “My Father’s Songs”
Lauren Housley & The Northern Cowboys – “High Time”, presented by Drew Holcomb
St Catherine’s Child – “Every Generation”
International Song of the Year
Chris Stapleton – “White Horse”
Maren Morris – “The Tree”
Margo Price feat. Sharon van Etten– “Radio”, presented by Frank Turner
Noah Kahan – “Stick Season”
UK Artist of the Year
Cardinal Black
Elles Bailey
Hannah White
Michele Stodart, presented by Charlie Starr (Blackberry Smoke)
International Artist of the Year
Allison Russell, presented by Simeon Hammond Dallas & Andy Facer
Jason Isbell
Lucinda Williams
War & Treaty
UK Instrumentalist of the Year
Holly Carter, presented by Jason Isbell
Joe Coombs
Joe Harvey White
Keiron Marshall
UK Live Act of the Year
Elles Bailey, presented by Immy Doman and Risa Tabatznik (The Green Note)
Far From Saints
Ferris & Sylvester
Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls
Lauren Housley & The Northern Cowboys
The Hanging Stars
Special Awards:
International Lifetime Achievement Award
Selected by the board members, our highest honour is awarded to an international artist, duo or group in recognition of their outstanding contribution to the Americana genre over the span of their career and life in music. The 2024 recipient will be Dan Penn, introduced by a video of congratulations messages from friends and fellow musicians
International Trailblazer Award
Selected by the board members, this special award celebrates an international artist, duo or group that has taken an exceptional path, inspiring others to follow in their footsteps in developing the Americana genre. The 2024 recipient will be Jason Isbell, presented by Nick Hornby
Bob Harris Emerging Artist Award
Selected by Bob Harris OBE, this special award celebrates the breakthrough artist, duo or group that has particularly impressed the legendary music broadcaster throughout the year. The 2024 recipient will be Jonny Morgan, presented by Bob Harris OBE
Grass Roots Award
Selected by the board members, this special award celebrates the sometimes-unsung heroes of the UK Americana scene. It is presented to individuals working in the industry (in a capacity other than as artists) who have made outstanding efforts to support Americana music from the grass roots up. The 2024 recipient will be Stevie Smith, presented by Billy Bragg
Best-Selling Americana Album by a UK artist, presented in conjunction with The Official Charts Company (OCC)
Winner: Billy Bragg, presented by Martin Talbot (OCC) and Andy Facer (5F marketing representing Sweet Home Alabama)
