americana

Americana is a broad term used to describe cultural artifacts and artistic forms associated with the United States. In music, Americana designates a contemporary genre that blends country, folk, blues, and roots rock, often centered on storytelling, traditional instrumentation, and a sense of place. The term gained prominence in the late 20th century and is closely connected to the Americana Music Association, founded in 1999 in Nashville, which promotes artists working in this tradition and organizes an annual festival and awards.

Historically, Americana draws on regional American traditions, including Appalachian folk, Southern gospel, Cajun, and Indigenous influences, as well as the broader mid-20th-century folk revival and country music developments. Early figures associated with the broader movement include Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, and Emmylou Harris, while later artists such as Uncle Tupelo, Wilco, Gillian Welch, Jason Isbell, Brandi Carlile, and the Avett Brothers helped define the modern sound.

Beyond music, Americana denotes material culture linked to American life—diners, roadside motels, vintage signage, farm equipment, and other objects that reflect American history and identity. The term is sometimes criticized for being vague or co-opted as a marketing category for nostalgic or regional styles.

See also: country music; roots music; folk music; American folk revival; Americana Music Association.