
Today we revealed the nominees for 2021 Song, Album, and Artist of the Year, in addition to the recipients of the Clearwater, Spirit of Folk, Rising Tide, People’s Voice, and Lifetime Achievement Awards!
If you missed the livestream announcement, you can view the recording over on our YouTube channel and see the full press release here.
Best of 2021 Nominees
The following are the finalists for the 2021 Album, Song, and Artist of the Year. This shortlist is based on US, Canadian, and international industry year-end lists as well as folk DJ airplay. Winners are determined by the voting membership of FAI and the results are announced during the International Folk Music Awards on May 18 at the Folk Alliance International Conference.
All FAI members in good standing are invited to cast their ballot for the 2021 Song, Album, and Artist of the Year. The winners will be revealed at the International Folk Music Awards on May 18 in Kansas City, during the FAI Conference.

Album of the Year
“They’re Calling Me Home ” -Rhiannon Giddens with Francesco Turrisi
“Wary + Strange” – Amythyst Kiah
“Un Canto por México, Vol. 2” – Natalia Lafourcade
“Outside Child” – Allison Russell
“The Fray” – John Smith

Song of the Year
“On Solid Ground” – Reggie Harris
“Painted Blue” by Sarah Jarosz
“We Believe You” by Diana Jones
“Call Me A Fool” by Valerie June
“Changemakers” by Crys Matthews
Clearwater Award Recipient (sponsored by Levitt Foundation)
Planet Bluegrass

At each of its respective festivals, Planet Bluegrass incentivizes reuse over recycling. This includes a reusable plate program, annually monitoring and reporting on waste diversion of over 60% (twice that of the national average), employing solar power to offset over 10 tons of CO2 emissions annually, providing composting and compostable bottles, offering free filtered water on site, and donating leftover festival food to local community organizations
Lifetime Achievement Award Recipients
Living

Legacy

Business/Academic

The People’s Voice Award Recipient
Jason Mraz

A vegan “short supply-chain” organic farmer, Mraz is an investor in Café Gratitude and a supporter of Why Hunger, founded by the late folk singer Harry Chapin and radio DJ Bill Ayres. To raise awareness about the environment, he has visited Antarctica, endorsed The Nature Conservancy, and participated in Farm Aid. Mraz took part in a non-profit rescue mission in Ghana to liberate children sold into slavery, performed in Myanmar to raise awareness about human trafficking, and was present at Standing Rock.
His own foundation benefits multiple organizations addressing issues he is committed to, and in 2020, Mraz donated all profits from his “Look for the Good” album to Black Lives Matter and other groups working toward equality and justice.
Rising Tide Award Recipient
Mali Obomsawin

Spirit of Folk
Eugene Rodriguez

Lilli Lewis

Gaelynn Lea

Erin Benjamin

Amado Espinoza

Shain Shapiro
