Bernie Taupin and Brandi Carlile to headline Americanafest 2026 keynote

The Americana Music Association has announced that legendary songwriter Bernie Taupin and Grammy winner Brandi Carlile will participate in the 2026 Americanafest Keynote Conversation. Scheduled for September 16 in Nashville, the session will be a moderator-free discussion focusing on the creative process, songwriting, collaboration, and artistic longevity.

Taupin, widely recognized for his long-term songwriting partnership with Elton John, is preparing for the October 23 release of his new solo album, ‘The Sea Has No Mercy’. This project marks his first solo album written entirely by himself in over 40 years and features a guest appearance by Carlile.

Carlile, a prominent figure in Americana and roots music, will join the conversation following the release of her album ‘Returning To Myself’ and during her ‘The Human Tour’.