The Americana Music Association has announced that it is giving a lifetime achievement award to Bob Harris, who has been directly responsible for introducing many people in the UK to Americana.
 
Harris, 65, is to receive the Trailblazer Award. The association said it is honouring him for working “as a tireless advocate for exceptional artistry. For generations he’s played a pivotal role in exposing listeners to rising talent and critically acclaimed stalwarts, via shows on the BBC and other outlets.”
 
He will receive the honour during the annual Americana awards, on October 13 in Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium.
 
The Trailblazer award has only been given twice before – in 2007 to Lyle Lovett and in 2008 to Nanci Griffith.
 
The association also announced that it was giving a lifetime achievement award for songwriting to Lucinda Williams, for performer to Gregg Allman and for instrumentalist to Jerry Douglas. Rick Hall, whose landmark sessions fostered the Muscle Shoals sound, will be honoured with the Jack Emerson Executive Award.
 
For the previously announced 2011 nominations, click here.