Nominees for the Americana Music Association’s 2012 Americana Honors & Awards were announced on May 31 during a celebratory event at The Grammy Museum’s Clive Davis Theatre in Los Angeles, California. Through a rendition of “Will The Circle Be Unbroken,” the event also paid tribute to three Americana icons whom we lost recently – Levon Helm, Earl Scruggs and Doc Watson.

Jason Isbell performs during the Americana Music Festival in 2009

With nods for Album of the Year, Artist of the Year, Song of the Year and Duo/Group of the Year,Jason Isbell snagged the most nominations, along with his group, the 400 Unit. “I’m honored to be in such great company and surprised that so many folks appreciated our work this past year,” said Isbell, a former member of Drive-By Truckers, who hails from northern Alabama. He noted that he’s “looking forward to seeing some of my traveling friends at the show.”

Gillian Welch received nominations for Album of the Year and Artist of the Year, as well as a nod for Duo/Group of the Year with Dave Rawlings (who also was nominated for Instrumentalist of the Year). Veteran performing singer-songwriter Steve Earle secured nominations for Album of the Year and Song of the Year, while his son, Justin Townes Earle, is among other Artist of the Year nominees –along with Isbell, Welch and Hayes Carll.

Here’s a complete listing of the American 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 Earler
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 Dave Rawlings
Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit
Punch Brothers

Jim Lauderdale, who hosted the Los Angeles nomination event, returns to host the Americana Honors & Awards Show at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN, on Sept. 12, 2012. Several Lifetime Achievement Awards also will be presented at that time. Buddy Miller will lead the Americana All-Star Band for the festivities that are the highlight of the annual Americana Music Festival and Conference, a four-day and night event featuring lots of learning, networking and musical entertainment at various venues throughout the Music City, Sept. 12-15.

Established in 1999, the Americana Music Association is a professional trade association dedicated to building and promoting the Americana genre and the individuals who participate in the industry. For more information, visit www.americanamusic.org.