Emmylou Harris, Alison Krauss Pace Indie 100

feature

Emmylou Harris photo by Rocky Schenck, courtesy of Nonesuch Records.


July 8, 2008 — More than a dozen country-related acts — including such major figures as Emmylou Harris, Alison Krauss and Jimmy Buffett — have been tabbed by Performing Songwriter magazine in a list of the Indie 100 assembled for the publication’s 15th anniversary.

The list, which covers all genres, specifically targets acts who record for independent labels; as a result, its country contingent is flavored heavily by alt-country artists, including such acts as Jim Lauderdale, Buddy Miller and Lucinda Williams.

Kathy Mattea, who paid a nod to an industry that was central to her youth with her latest album Coal, found her way onto the list, as did Marty Stuart, who produced her CD. Former hitmakers Lari White and Steve Earle have spots in the Indie 100, as do banjo player-label owner Alison Brown and cult favorite Robbie Fulks. Also appearing: Ashley Cleveland, a Christian artist who’s sung on hits by Reba McEntire and Martina McBride; and rocker Jack White, who produced Loretta Lynn’s Grammy-winning Van Lear Rose.

In addition to the Indie 100, Performing Songwriter paid homage to a dozen Independent Icons — acts whose self-determination and unique artistry paved the way for the current Indie 100. Country acts single out among the Icons include Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson and Kris Kristofferson.

.