In many ways, the Americana Honors & Awards ceremony last week served as Robert Plant’s final induction into the world of American roots music, completing a long journey that began in the West Midlands, assumed the title of rock God, hitched a ride with early blues, and arrived last year at the foot of the Appalachians.

Following a #2 debut on the Billboard Album Chart, and a Grammy for Best Pop Collaboration, the former Led Zepplin frontman and Alison Krauss completed their seemingly effortless marriage of bluegrass and rock by scooping up the Best Album award for Raising Sand at the Nashville ceremony. They were also award Best Duo.

Plant displayed his newfound ease with American roots when he joined Levon Helm on stage at the Ryman Auditorium. Helm left with Artist of the Year honors, capping off a year that saw his triumphant return from cancer of the vocal chords with the Grammy-winning release Dirt Farmer.

The charm of Plant continued as his Raising Sand touring bandmate Buddy Miller earned the Instrumentalist of the Year nod, before performing “Whatcha Gonna Do, Leroy?” a brand new collaboration with Plant that will be featured on Miller’s 2009 album.

Complete List of Winners from the 2008 Americana Honors & Awards:

Album of the Year: Alison Krauss & Robert Plant / Raising Sand
Artist of the Year: Levon Helm
Duo/Group of the Year: Alison Krauss & Robert Plant
Instrumentalist of the Year: Buddy Miller
New Emerging Artist of the Year: Mike Farris
Song of the Year: “She Left Me for Jesus” by Hayes Carll and Brian Keane
“Spirit of Americana” Free Speech in Music – Joan Baez
Lifetime Achievement / Songwriting – John Hiatt
Jack Emerson Lifetime Achievement / Executive – Terry Lickona (Austin City Limits)
Lifetime Achievement / Performance – Jason & The Scorchers
Presidents Award – Jerry Garcia
Lifetime Achievement / Instrumentalist – Larry Campbell
Trailblazer – Nanci Griffith
Lifetime Achievement / Producer / Engineer – Tony Brown

– Julia Clarke