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MUSIC PEOPLE
NEWS
OCTOBER 2025 Volume 56 Number 10 Issue 668
Editor Kelly Gregory
Contributors David Allan, Janet Aspley, Donnie Ayers, Craig Baguley, Jonny Brick, Chris Brown, Tony Byworth, Rosie Carter, Don Cusic, Larry Delaney, Julie Flaskett, Marshall Gardener, Michael Hingston, Stan Hitchcock, Tony Ives, Sianna King, Spencer Leigh, John Lomax III, Bryce Martin, Adrian Peel, Paul Riley, Chris Smith, Tom Travis, Walt Trott, Dan Wallace, Dave Watkins, Jack Watkins
New release consultant Steve Tidbury
Photographers Patricia Presley, Barry Dixon
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Sierra Ferrell
AMERICANA AWARDS
O n September 10, at the historic
Ryman Auditorium, the Americana
Music Association celebrated its 24th Annual Americana Honors & Awards with a star-studded ceremony.
CMP favourite Sierra Ferrell once again proved her dominance by clinching Americana Artist of the Year for the second straight time— the night’ s most coveted prize. Meanwhile, Brandi Carlile took the stage to present Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats with Album of the Year for their South of Here. The harmonising trio behind I’ m With Her— Sarah Jarosz, Aoife O’ Donovan, and Sara Watkins— received Song of the Year for their collaborative effort on Ancient Light, a track penned by all three artists. Additionally, longtime collaborators Gillian Welch and David Rawlings were honoured as Duo / Group of the Year. Rising star MJ Lenderman earned the Emerging Act of the Year title, while Alex Hargreaves, known for his work with Billy Strings on tour, was named Instrumentalist of the Year.
The evening was hosted by John C. Reilly and featured memorable performances, including a moving rendition of May This Be Love by Emmylou Harris and Daniel Lanois. Buddy Miller returned as musical director for the Americana All-Star Band, which included talents such as Don Was, The McCrary Sisters, Fred Eltringham, Jen Gunderman, Jim Hoke, and Larry Campbell. Lifetime Achievement honours were bestowed upon Old 97’ s, Joe Henry, and Darrell Scott, while The McCrary Sisters received the Legacy of Americana award in partnership with the National Museum of African
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