Prine wins big Americana honor

"I've been waiting for this award for awhile," Prine joked, referring to the entertainer honor.

Sturgill Simpson won Album of the Year for "A Sailor's Guide to Earth." Simpson was on tour and could not attend the ceremony.

Rodney Crowell won the Song of the Year Award for "It Ain't Over Yet." Crowell was unable to attend the ceremony as well.

Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives won the Group/Duo of the Year honor.

Amanda Shires took home the Emerging Artist of the Year Award. In addition to playing with husband Jason Isbell, she has her own solo career. The two performed together during the awards show.

Guitarist Charlie Sexton won the Instrumentalist of the Year Award. "I'm still in shock to be considered with everyone here," he said. "Honestly, the Buddy Miller Award is the best award you could ever get."

A number of music people received special awards. Larry Sloven and Bruce Bromberg received the Jack Emerson Life Achievement Award for Executive. They were the founders of the late blues and country label, Hightone Records.

Graham Nash won the Spirit of Americana, Free Speech Award. The Hi Rhythm Section took the Lifetime Achievement Award. Robert Cray Band won the Lifetime Achievement Award in Performance. "Thank you very much, but I think there's been a mistake," Cray joked. "A lifetime achievement for a 19 year old? Give me a break."

Van Morrison won the Lifetime Achievement Award for Songwriter.

Iris Dement won the honor Trailblazer award. She also performed with Prine.

Performers included Marty Stuart, Rhiannon Giddens, Sam Outlaw, Lori McKenna, Joe Henry and Billy Bragg, Nash with the Milk Carton Kids, the Drive-By Truckers, Aaron Lee Tasjan, The Lumineers, Hurray for the Riff Raff.

The awards show is part of Americanafest, now underway in Nashville through Saturday. The 18th annual festival is presented by the Americana Music Association.