The International Folk Music Awards 2025

Celebrate the best and brightest of the folk industry. From legendary figures to forward-thinking community organizers. See all of this year’s winners below and view a replay of the awards ceremony on our YouTube page.

2024 Best-of Winners

Crys Matthews

Artist of the Year

sponsored by Folk Americana Roots Hall of Fame

Halfway to Houston by Susan Werner

Album of the Year

“$20 Bill (for George Floyd)” written by Tom Prasada-Rao,
performed by Dan Navarro & Janiva Magness

Song of the Year

Clearwater Award: River Roads Festival

The Clearwater Award is presented to a festival that prioritizes environmental stewardship and demonstrates public leadership in sustainable event production.

Rising Tide Award: OKAN

sponsored by the Levitt Foundation

The Rising Tide award celebrates emerging artists who inspire others by embodying the values and ideals of the folk community through their work.

People's Voice Award: Gina Chavez

The People’s Voice Award is presented to an individual who embraces social and political commentary in their creative work and public careers.

Lifetime Achievement Awards

The Elaine Weissman Lifetime Achievement Awards are presented each year to honor the cultural impact of legendary folk music figures: one Living, one Legacy, and one Business/Academic.

Living:

Indigo Girls

Legacy:

Lesley Riddle

Business/Academic: Songlines

Spirit of Folk Awards

These awards are presented to honor and celebrate people and organizations actively involved in the promotion and preservation of folk music through their creative work, community building, and demonstrated leadership. Read more about each recipient!

Annie Capps

Innu Nikamu

Tom Powers

Alice Randall

Folk Radio Hall of Fame

These awards are presented to honor and celebrate people and organizations actively involved in the promotion and preservation of folk music through their creative work, community building, and demonstrated leadership. Read more about each recipient!

Taylor Caffrey

Matthew Finch

Archie Fisher

MarySue Twohy

Chuck Wentworth

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