Critically Acclaimed Singer-Songwriter Rod Abernethy has won top honors in the 17th Annual IAMA (International Acoustic Music Awards). He also won Best Folk/Americana/Roots Award as well.
From Raleigh, NC, Rod Abernethy is a unique blend of an authentic southern folk troubadour, master acoustic guitarist and award-winning composer for film, TV and video games. Grand Prize Winner of American Songwriter's Bob Dylan Song Contest, his last album The Man I'm Supposed To Be includes both songs and instrumentals that revolve around family, friends and places across the Deep South. Rod's new album Normal Isn't Normal Anymore produced by Grammy nominated producer Neilson Hubbard (Mary Gauthier, Ben Glover, Kim Richey) was recorded at Skinny Elephant Recording in Nashville TN and released February 5, 2021.
"I was blown away today to find out I won these top awards from the IAMA. Being recognized among some of the world's most talented music artists is such an honor. The competition this year in all categories was incredible and I still can't believe I won the Overall Grand Prize and the Best of Folk/Roots. It's a day that I'll never forget - thank you IAMA!", said Rod Abernethy, this year’s top winner.
NOTABLE WINNERS AND FINALISTS
Other notable winners include Grammy award-winning songwriter and artist, Frank J. Myers, who won Best Country/Bluegrass. Virtuoso Guitarist Al Di Meola, Alex Sino & Leonid Agutin received finalist placement in the Best Group category. Hit Artist Bertie Higgins also received a finalist placement in the Best Folk category.
Here is the list of winners of the 17th Annual IAMA:
Overall Grand Prize Winner
Rod Abernethy “My Father Was a Quiet Man” by Rod Abernethy
INSTRUMENTAL
FIRST PRIZE: “Fourteen Days” by John McMillan
RUNNER-UP: “A Thousand Days Like This” by David Clarke
OPEN
FIRST PRIZE: “Full Moon” by Diane Patterson
RUNNER-UP: “Glass Ceilings” by Joanie Leeds
AAA/ALTERNATIVE
FIRST PRIZE: “Bed of Waves” by Marco Perfetti
RUNNER-UP: “Lighthouse” by Simon Söfelde
FOLK/AMERICANA/ROOTS
FIRST PRIZE: “My Father Was a Quiet Man” by Rod Abernethy
RUNNER-UP: “Say Can You See” by Scott Cook
BEST GROUP/DUO
FIRST PRIZE: “Thar sem enginn fer” by Árstíðir
RUNNER-UP: “Jesus Had The Blues” by Danny Brooks & Lil Miss Debi
BEST MALE ARTIST
FIRST PRIZE: “The Last Cowboy in Hutchinson County” by James Baker
RUNNER-UP: “Lose Your Soul” by Dave Berg
BEST FEMALE ARTIST
FIRST PRIZE: “Not The Only One In This Town” by Brooke Hatala
RUNNER-UP: “Petticoat Whalers” by Éilís Kennedy
COUNTRY/BLUEGRASS
FIRST PRIZE: “God’s Got This” by Frank Myers
RUNNER-UP: “Cold November Rain” by Downhill Bluegrass Band
ABOUT IAMA (International Acoustic Music Awards)
IAMA (International Acoustic Music Awards) promotes the art and artistry of acoustic music performance and artistry. In its 18th year, IAMA has a proven track record of winners going on to get signed and hit the Billboard Charts. Notable winners include Ellis Paul, Jonatha Brooke, David Francey, AJ Croce and more. Meghan Trainor was discovered by IAMA nine years ago and is now a global phenomenon with #1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 Charts with "All About That Bass" (#1 for 8 weeks) and #1 on The Billboard 200 Charts with her debut album Title, won for a Grammy award for Best New Artist. 2nd Annual IAMA winner Zane Williams’s winning song was recorded by country music star Jason Michael Carroll, that song hit #14 on Billboard Country Charts and #99 on Billboard Hot 100 Charts. Jeff Gutt, finalist at the 9th Annual IAMA was a runner-up on X-Factor USA. Charlie Dore (known for her hit “Pilot of the Airwaves”) was the top winner in 2008.
For more information on winners and finalists, go to: inacoustic.com/
