Robert Plant will be among the major highlights of AmericanaFest 2026, receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award as Nashville prepares for five days of performances, showcases and special events featuring more than 190 artists.
Running from September 15–19, AmericanaFest brings together artists across traditional country, roots rock, soul, blues, bluegrass and folk throughout Nashville.
The Americana Honors & Awards, taking place at the Ryman Auditorium on September 16, will feature nominees including Tyler Childers, Mumford & Sons, Turnpike Troubadours, Brandi Carlile and Lucinda Williams, while Plant will be recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Another major figure at this year’s festival is Buddy Miller, the longtime leader of the Americana Honors & Awards house band. Miller has shared the stage with artists including Loretta Lynn, Bob Weir, Gregg Allman, John Fogerty, Mavis Staples, Elvis Costello and Buddy Guy.
This year also marks a significant moment in Miller’s own career, as he returns with his self-titled album, Buddy Miller, his first solo release in 15 years.
The 12-track album, released on September 11, blends country and soul with original songs, covers and compositions written by Miller’s wife, singer-songwriter Julie Miller.
Miller recorded the project at his home studio, inviting a rotating group of longtime friends and collaborators to contribute. The album features Emmylou Harris on “The Inner Sanctum of God,” The War and Treaty on “Lay Down the Burden of Your Heart,” Ashley Monroe on “Till the Wheels Come Off,” and Jim Lauderdale on “Strange Desire.”
Miller also reunited with longtime friend and Muscle Shoals recording legend Dan Penn for “Don’t Look Back,” a reimagined version of a song co-written by Smokey Robinson and previously recorded by The Temptations.
Beyond the awards and album release, AmericanaFest will offer performances and events throughout Nashville, with showcases taking place at clubs and concert halls across the city.
Among the 2026 lineup highlights are Wynonna Judd, Brandy Clark, Grace Potter and Amy Grant, who will perform in support of her new folk-pop album The Me That Remains.
Miller will perform his new material at 3rd and Lindsley on September 19, while his new album is also being celebrated through his September 13 appearance at the Ryman Auditorium, where he opened for The War and Treaty.
With Robert Plant’s Lifetime Achievement Award, a packed lineup and Buddy Miller’s long-awaited return to solo recording, AmericanaFest 2026 brings together some of the most recognizable names and diverse sounds connected to Nashville’s Americana and roots music scene.
Source: Compiled from various sources
