Robert Plant to be honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award for Americana music

Former lead singer for Led Zeppelin, Robert Plant, will be honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2026 Americana Honours and Awards for his contributions to Americana and American roots music.

The event, set to take place Wednesday, July 22, in Nashville, Tennessee, is in its 25^th year. It features member-voted awards across six categories, alongside special lifetime achievement honours.

In 2025, the Lifetime Achievement Honourees included Joe Henry, Old 97’s, Darrell Scott and Jesse Welles. Van Morrison was also honoured in 2017.

“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.”

The award seeks to recognise Plant’s collaboration with Alison Krauss and producer T Bone Burnett on the Grammy Award-winning album Raising Sand, which, according to a press statement, “not only introduced millions of listeners to the depth and artistry of Americana music but also helped elevate the genre.”

It also honours his exploration of American roots music throughout his career – his collaboration with Patty Griffin, Buddy Miller and Suzi Dian, recent record Saving Grace and follow-up EP Saving Grace: All that Glitters.

The Americana Honours and Awards comes as the main event of Americanafest, a ceremony that brings together artists, musicians and industry leaders from the Americana music community.

Tickets are available for purchase here.