Duane Betts Set to Open 23rd Annual Americana Honors & Awards, Pay Tribute to His Late Father
What a special moment this is going to be.
The Americana Music Association has just revealed its list of presenters and performers for tomorrow night's (Sept. 18th) big awards ceremony and let's just say the opening number is sure to have the entire audience in their feelings.
Duane Betts is set to kick off the show, performing the classic Allman Brothers song "Blue Sky" in memory of his late father, the great Dickey Betts, a founding member of the Allman Brothers Band.
The elder Betts passed away earlier this year on April 18th at the age of 80, leaving behind an unmatched legacy still impacting audiences all over the world today thanks to his iconic contributions to southern rock and the continued efforts of his son, Duane. The younger Betts has forged his own recording career path, but continues to travel the world extensively as a torchbearer for his dad's great catalogue of songs and elite approach to guitar.
RELATED: Dickey Betts, Legendary Allman Brothers Guitarist, Passes Away at 80
This will no doubt be a magical and hopefully healing night for Duane, who continues to make his late father and family proud with his musical endeavors.
The legendary Americana All-Star Band will also return to support the incredible lineup of artists slated to perform on Americana music's biggest night.
Buddy Miller continues his reign as band leader with Don Was, The McCrary Sisters, Bryan Owings, Jerry Pentecost, Jen Gunderman, Jim Hoke, and Larry Campbell comprising the 2024 house band.
In addition to the All-Star Band joining the stage, our 2024 presenters will include The Milk Carton Kids, Lukas Nelson, The Lone Bellow, Amy Helm, Iron & Wine, Hiss Golden Messenger, Margo Price, Nathaniel Rateliff, Silvana Estrada, Susan Tedeschi, Allison Moorer, Amythyst Kiah, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Gaby Moreno, Shane Smith & Bennett Brown, Warren Zanes, Joe Henry, and T Bone Burnett.
And the show's finale will also be one to remember: Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell will close the evening with Gram Parson's "Return of the Grievous Angel."
We will continue to update with any performance videos that are made available immediately following the show.
