Krauss, Plant big winners at Americana awards

[September 20, 2008]  NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Alison Krauss and Robert Plant's album "Raising Sand" was a big winner at the Americana Honors & Awards.

"Raising Sand" won album of the year, and Krauss and Plant were named duo of the year Thursday at the Ryman Auditorium.

Levon Helm, best known for his work with The Band, took home artist of the year honors, while Hayes Carll's "She Left Me for Jesus" won song of the year. Buddy Miller was chosen instrumentalist of the year, and Mike Farris was selected as new emerging artist.

Several others were recognized. Joan Baez won the spirit of Americana award for free speech in music, and John Hiatt won the lifetime achievement award for songwriting.

But much of the excitement surrounded "Raising Sand." The album raised eyebrows for pairing Krauss' bluegrass with Plant's hard rock, but it's been a success both critically and commercially.

The two toured to support the album, including a performance at the Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival last June.

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[Associated Press]

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