Yoakam, Alvin, Lynne win AMA Lifetime Achievement awards

Monday, June 24, 2024 – Dwight Yoakam, Dave Alvin and Shelby Lynne will be among the artists honored by the Americana Music Association at its award show in September with Lifetime Achievement awards.

The Blind Boys of Alabama, the late Rev. Gary Davis and Don Was also will receive honors at the 2024 Americana Honors & Awards on Sept. 18 in Nashville as part of AmericanaFest.

"This year's Lifetime Achievement honorees represent multiple facets of American roots music. It is a privilege to recognize and celebrate the incredible careers of these artists. We look forward to another exceptional night at the Ryman Auditorium," said Jed Hilly, Executive Director of the Americana Music Association and Foundation.

Alvin was a member of The Blasters with his brother Phil, while also forging his own solo career. The Downey, Cal. native won a Grammy for his 2000 traditional folk album, "Public Domain: Songs From the Wild Land."

The Blind Boys of Alabama revolutionized Black gospel music in the 1940s and 1950s with their performance style, audience engagement, and a break from the a cappella tradition - a grooving rhythm section. Established in Talladega, Ala. in 1939, the group adapted to their times while never crossing over into pop. Several generations of singers and leaders inspired and preserved their approach, chiefly Clarence Fountain, George Scott, Sam Butler, and Jimmy Carter. They were signed by Peter Gabriel and produced by Booker T. Jones. They toured with Tom Petty and recorded with Lou Reed. They've won five Grammy Awards and performed at the White House three times.

Davis was a pioneer of the Piedmont blues tradition, singing both sacred and secular songs with a ragtime feeling and intricate guitar counterpoint. He left his South Carolina home to entertain working people in the tobacco markets of Durham, N.C. Later in New York, his career blossomed again as a fixture in the folk revival of the 1960s. His songs and interpretations influenced the Grateful Dead, Bob Dylan, John Sebastian and Jorma Kaukonen. Davis, who died in 1972, is the recipient of the Legacy Award presented in partnership with the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM).

Lynne, who has a country soul bent, was working with producer Billy Sherrill and recording for Epic Records by age 21. Her breakout album, "I Am Shelby Lynne", helped secure a Best New Artist Grammy in 2001. She also has recorded with her younger sister, Allison Moorer.

Was has been the longstanding bass player in the Americana Honors and Awards house band. He grew up in Detroit on blues, rock and jazz and established the pop/rock band Was (Not Was) in the 1980s. As a producer, he worked with Bonnie Raitt, Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones and Brian Wilson. Since 2012 he's been president of the historic jazz label Blue Note Records. He's earned five Grammy Awards, including Producer of the Year.

Yoakam, rooted in Eastern Kentucky bluegrass and old-time music, Yoakam moved to Los Angeles in the early 1970s. His recordings revitalized and expanded the Bakersfield and honky tonk country traditions, earning him multiple GRAMMY Awards.