Wha...? Robert Plant is Americana? Now when did that happen? He, the iconic Led Zeppelin vocalist and native of Great Britain? Well, hell yeah! When you think about Led Zeppelin's inclusion of the roots flavors, it really should come as no surprise. He and Alison Krauss collaborated on the Raising Sand CD, and then attended the Americana Conference in Nashville two years ago. Robert was seen everywhere, wanted to go to everything, and by all accounts had a blast! There was a famous quote from him issued back then, "It's great to be considered to be part of the movement that is healthy and has some discrimination."

So, it should come as no surprise that Robert would follow up the 2007 album by continuing, again, to work with guitarist and co-producer Buddy Miller. And the inclusion of Patty Griffin, Marco Giovino, Byron House, and Darrell Scott makes the self titled Band of Joy album an Americana MVP project, which drinks deep from American roots music. The palate is broad, with flourishes from mid 50's Rockabilly, Country, Soul and R&B; covering traditional songs as well as "Harms Swift Way" from Townes Van Zandt and Los Lobos' "Angel Dance," which is the lead track. Check it out here, or dive even deeper (below) with a back-story video on the making of the album, which comes out on September 14th.

Don't forget the Americana Music Association's Festival and Conference is coming up September 8th--11th in Nashville. The 2010 Americana Lifetime Achievement Award honorees were just announced. They are Wanda Jackson - Performance; John Mellencamp - Songwriting; Luke Lewis - Executive; Greg Leisz - Instrumentalist, and Brian Ahern - Producer/Engineer. All will be present to receive their awards at the 9th Annual AMA Honors and Awards Show September 9th, presented by the Gibson Foundation at the historic Ryman Auditorium in downtown Nashville, Tennessee. The show will also feature appearances by Rodney Crowell, Rosanne Cash, Patty Griffin, Sam Bush, The Avett Brothers, Corb Lund, Will Kimbrough, Sarah Jarosz, and more. Jim Lauderdale will again serve as master of ceremonies, while Buddy Miller will lead an all-star house band. The host hotel is the Sheraton Nashville Downtown, which has a special conference room rate. Can't wait!!!

- Jessie Scott