Grammy Changes Reflect Growth of Americana Music
In what Americana Music Association Executive Director Jed Hilly calls a “huge shift in the musical landscape,” The Recording Academy announced today that it has changed the name of the Grammy Awards “Folk Field” to the “American Roots Music Field.” The newly renamed Field will now include the Best Traditional Blues Album, Best Contemporary Blues Album and Best Bluegrass Album categories.
AMA Exec. Director Jed Hilly
NARAS has also divided the Grammy category for Best Contemporary Folk/Americana Album into two categories: Best Contemporary Folk Album and Best Americana Album.
MusicRow spoke with Hilly about the significance of today’s news. “This is recognition of the growing popularity and strength of Americana music,” he said. “It is exactly what we’ve been fighting for and trying to tell the world for 10 years.”
The Americana Music Association will host its 10th annual Festival & Conference Sept. 16-19 at the Nashville Convention Center and premier venues throughout the city. More than 12,000 fans, artists and industry professionals are expected at the event. The Music Festival will feature approximately 75 showcase or performance slots for both established and emerging artists, while the Conference will include numerous educational panels, seminars and more.
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In other Nashville-related NARAS news, award-winning music video director/producer George Flanigen was elected Chair of the Board of Trustees. Music supervisor/composer/film music executive Doug Frank was elected Vice Chair, and engineer/producer Glenn Lorbecki was elected Secretary/Treasurer at its annual spring Trustees meeting. Outgoing Chair of the Board and five-time GRAMMY® winner Jimmy Jam will become Chair Emeritus.
Congrats to Jed in this musical milestone. And thanks to Sarah for the article!
Yes, Americana is a coveted genre throughout all 50 states. It represents our roots and traditions. In the Northwest, we’ve found that many people really cling to roots music over and above other more contemporary genres. Americana roots represent not only who we are, but really how we live in a mostly rural northwestern landscape. We simply need more outlets here so people can enjoy LIVE performances in more locations throughout the western states.
We salute you Jed for all the hard work, and the really wonderful and nice people at AMA.
Janet Hansen
Scout66.com
The Americana Music Association has worked hard to promote the genre/format over the past 10 years and this is a great step forward. Great, job Jed Hilly and all the folks that support this music! If you haven’t joined or become part of the Association, you should. The more voices that sing out in support of Americana Music the faster it will grow.