It ain’t no secret that everything Sturgill Simpson touches turns to gold.
If there’s one thing we know about the Kentucky native, is that he’s not in it for the fame and the glory, and has strictly done it all for the pure love of music.
Yes, his style may be unconventional, but at the end of the day, he fights the good fight when it comes to country music.
The man has quietly had a huge past couple of years, dropping surprise bluegrass albums Cuttin’ Grass- Vol. 1 and Vol. 2, while also capping off his solo career with his fifth original and final album, The Ballad of Dood & Juanita.
And once again, the fruits of his labor are starting to be on full display.
Simpson won Album of the Year with Cuttin’ Grass– Vol. 1, at the Americana Honors and Awards ceremony last night at the Ryman.
This win marks his fourth Americana Award, and first since 2014 when he racked up Emerging Artist of the Year, Artist of the Year, and Song of the Year.
Of course, in good ol’ Sturgill fashion, he announced the win on his Instagram account (His first post after wiping his IG clean), but went on a whole rant about having to cancel shows in Charlotte, Atlanta, Maryland, and Farm Aid due to a hoarse voice.
Then, at the very end, he sealed off the message with:
“But bluegrass album is reaching people. Won a Best of Americana Award! No promotion, just music fans. Sorry if I let you down. Hate letting people down. Grateful to you for letting me play the music in my heart.
Am Happy.”
Well deserved sir, well deserved.
Another notable win at the Americana Awards includes Brandi Carlile winning Artist of the Year.
Here’s the full list:
2021 Americana Honors & Awards Winners and Honorees:
Album of the Year: Cuttin’ Grass – Vol. 1 (The Butcher Shoppe Sessions), Sturgill Simpson, Produced by David Ferguson and Sturgill Simpson
Artist of the Year: Brandi Carlile
Song of the Year: “I Remember Everything” John Prine, written by Pat McLaughlin and John Prine
Duo/Group of the Year: Black Pumas
Emerging Act of the Year: Charley Crockett
Instrumentalist of the Year: Kristin Weber
Legacy of Americana Award, presented in partnership with the National Museum of African American Music: Fisk Jubilee Singers
Trailblazer Award: The Mavericks
Lifetime Achievement Award for Performance: Keb’ Mo’
Lifetime Achievement Award for Producer/Engineer: Trina Shoemaker
Inspiration Award: Carla Thomas
