The winners of the UK Americana Awards 2024, powered by Sweet Home Alabama, were unveiled in a dazzling ceremony held at Hackney Church, London, on Thursday, January 25. This remarkable night acknowledged excellence in UK and International Americana and Roots music, honoring acclaimed singer-songwriters Allison Russell and Michele Stodart, who each secured two awards.
Allison Russell claimed the titles of International Artist of the Year and International Album of the Year (“The Returner”), while Michele Stodart triumphed as UK Artist of the Year and UK Album of the Year (“Invitation”).
Outstanding US singer-songwriter Margo Price received the International Song of the Year Award for ‘Radio’ featuring Sharon van Etten, and rising stars Lauren Housley & The Northern Cowboys won the UK Song of the Year for ‘High Time.’
Holly Carter, a finger-style guitarist and one of the UK’s few female professional pedal steel players, clinched the award for UK Instrumentalist of the Year for the second consecutive year. Additionally, English roots singer-songwriter and pianist Elles Bailey secured victory 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 collaboration with the Official Charts Company, was presented to Billy Bragg for ‘The Roaring Forty.’
Expressing his gratitude, Bragg remarked, “Thrilled to discover that my 40th-anniversary album is the best-selling UK Americana album of 2023. After such a 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.”
The prestigious Special Awards, conferred by the AMA-UK Board, included the International Trailblazer Award presented to renowned US singer-songwriter Jason Isbell by best-selling author Nick Hornby. Jason Isbell expressed his honor, stating, “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, with congratulatory video messages from Elvis Costello and Mike Scott of the Waterboys. A medley of Penn’s hits was performed by various artists.
Former CEO of the AMA-UK, Stevie Smith, received the Grass Roots Award from Billy Bragg, recognizing her decade-long efforts in developing the UK Americana landscape.
Bob Harris OBE presented the 2024 Emerging Artist Award to Jonny Morgan, spotlighting exciting new talent. Past recipients of this award include The Wandering Hearts and Robert Vincent, who have achieved international success.
Now in its 11th year, the UK Americana Music Week and Awards, powered by Sweet Home Alabama, continues to grow, showcasing and supporting Americana and Roots music. The impact of the event extends to raising the profile of the genre, providing platforms for both new and established talent, and establishing the Official UK Americana Chart in collaboration with The Official Charts Company.
Acting CEO Charlie Pierce emphasized, “Tonight’s Award ceremony was the culmination of a festival celebrating the best of Americana & Roots Music, underlining the genre’s growing popularity across the UK and recognizing the labels, managers, publishers, and wider industry infrastructure that supports the talent we all enjoy.”
Sweet Home Alabama confirmed its return in 2025 as the headline sponsor.
The UK Americana Music Awards show, powered by Sweet Home Alabama, was hosted by broadcaster Baylen Leonard, with special guest award presenters including 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, 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 featured 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.
The house band, led by Michele Stodart, showcased previous AMA-UK Instrumentalist of the Year award winners, delivering a spectacular musical experience.
The Awards ceremony marked the conclusion of the UK Americana Music Week, powered by Sweet Home Alabama, which took place from January 22 to January 25 in Hackney, London. Themed “Growing Our Roots in Americana,” the Week featured a 2-day industry conference, film premieres, artist discussions, and exclusive showcases from 59 artists across 5 stages.
