Black Country legend Robert Plant to receive prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award in Nashville

Black Country music icon Robert Plant is set to receive one of the highest honours in American roots music after being named the recipient of the Americana Music Association's Lifetime Achievement Award.

The former Led Zeppelin frontman, who was born in West Bromwich and remains one of the West Midlands’ most celebrated musicians, will be presented with the award during the 25th Annual Americana Honors & Awards at Nashville's historic Ryman Auditorium on September 16.

Although Plant first found worldwide fame as the voice of Led Zeppelin, he has spent much of the past two decades championing blues, folk, country, gospel and Americana, earning widespread acclaim for his exploration of traditional roots music.

His Grammy Award-winning collaboration with Alison Krauss and producer T Bone Burnett on Raising Sand introduced millions of listeners to Americana music and played a significant role in raising the genre's international profile. The project's success also helped pave the way for the Recording Academy to establish the Best Americana Album category.

Plant continued his journey through American roots music with Band of Joy, alongside Patty Griffin and Buddy Miller, before reuniting with Krauss for the acclaimed follow-up album Raise the Roof.

More recently, he has recorded with Saving Grace, featuring vocalist Suzi Dian and a group of musicians from around the Welsh borders, near his home. Together they have reimagined songs by artists including Gillian Welch, Memphis Minnie, Blind Willie Johnson and Low, earning praise from critics on both sides of the Atlantic.

Announcing the honour, Americana Music Association Executive Director Jed Hilly said: "Robert Plant's relationship with Americana music extends far beyond influence - it is one of genuine passion, stewardship and artistic curiosity.

"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. Few artists have done more to honour the music's past while helping shape its future."

The Americana Honors & Awards is the flagship event of AMERICANAFEST, celebrating artists, musicians and industry figures who have made outstanding contributions to the Americana music community.

Further performers and presenters for this year's ceremony are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.