The Americana Music Association has announced that singer, songwriter and musical trailblazer Robert Plant will receive the Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award during the 25th Annual Americana Honours & Awards, taking place on 16th September 2026, at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium.
Throughout his career, Plant has shown an abiding love of roots music, both vintage and modern, of blues, folk, gospel, country and points 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.
Plant’s collaborations with Alison Krauss and producer T Bone Burnett on the Grammy Award-winning Raising Sand (2007) not only introduced millions of listeners to the depth and artistry of americana music but also helped elevate the genre. Plant continued his exploration of American roots music with his collaborators Patty Griffin, Buddy Miller and others for Band of Joy (2010) and again on a second duet album with Krauss, Raise the Roof (2021).
More recently, on 2025’s Saving Grace and 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 critical acclaim including an 8/10 from AUK.
“Robert Plant’s relationship with Americana music extends far beyond influence—it is one of genuine passion, stewardship and artistic curiosity,” said 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 honour the music’s past while helping shape its future. We are thrilled to recognise his extraordinary contributions with the Americana Music Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award.”
And as it’s about the music, here is a video of Plant and the Band of Joy playing Please Read The Letter.
