Recipients for 2026 included Brandi Carlile, Molly Tuttle, Robert Plant, and more
Gibson is partnering with visual artist Stef Ratliff and AMERICANAFEST to highlight her one-of-a-kind Americana Honors & Awards guitar and headstock trophy art. Ratliff, the artist behind KYARTRAT, has created trophies and original pieces of art crafted from Gibson and Epiphone guitars and headstocks for 14 years. The artworks are presented annually to honor artist achievements in American roots music.
This year’s award winners included some of Americana’s brightest stars including Brandi Carlile, Molly Tuttle, Tyler Childers, Gillian Welch and David Rawlings, alongside lifetime honors for Robert Plant and sadly departed legends Tom Petty and Dolly Parton. Visit Variety for a full rundown of the celebrations.
Hidden within the design are references to Tom Petty’s pursuit of the perfect cup of coffee and the cherished hat he lost in a fire
Accepting his award, Robert Plant commented, “We look at our world with concern and apprehension. How would Lead Belly sing it out in this maelstrom that we live in? I salute the song, the singer, and the craft, instruments and voice. I salute Patty Griffin, John Prine, Steve Earle, Jack White, Buddy Miller, Lucinda Williams, Gillian Welch, Pat McGrath, Mavis Staples, Bonnie Raitt, Nora Brown, Brad Stanley, Charlie Rich, and George Jones. And of course, Sister Rosetta. I offer a debt of thanks and for the shining of a light so special that radiates through all to lift the heart with a smile and joy that is Dolly Parton.”
A life in art
Stef Ratliff describes herself as “born, bred, and buttered in the coalfields of Appalachia” and “inspired by sissycat stories and honky tonk dreams.” She aims to make each award trophy personal to the winners. “Dolly’s award includes so many of her songs and stories I’ve heard over my lifetime,” Stef explains. “The artwork is inspired by the traditional sawtooth star quilt pattern, illustrating the songs, stories, and lasting impact she has had throughout her life and beyond. The art also pays tribute to her beloved book gifting program, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
Dolly Parton’s award includes references to many of her songs
“On the Flying V™, Tom Petty’s journey for the perfect cup of coffee is hidden in the design as well as his cherished gray hat that was lost to a fire. Americana is fundamentally based on roots, growing from where we came from, and paying respects to those before us. I think it's just so important that the awards reflect that same meaningful soul of Americana music, and it’s my job as an artist to visually represent those roots on their awards.”
See more of Stef Ratliff’s handcrafted guitar and headstock trophies on Instagram.
