The Americana Music Association announced today that singer-songwriter John Hiatt will be honored with the 2008 Lifetime Achievement Award for songwriting. The award will be presented during the 7th Annual Americana Music Association Honors & Awards on Sept. 18.

Hiatt’s career began as a teenager, playing local clubs in Indiana.  He tasted early success when his song “Sure As I’m Sitting Here” was covered by the popular Three Dog Night in 1974. His songs have been covered by a myriad of artists since, including Country stars Emmylou Harris, Roseanne Cash, and Willie Nelson, as well as Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, B.B. King, Bonnie Raitt, Buddy Guy, Iggy Pop, The Neville Brothers, Steve Earle, and The Jeff Healey Band.

After a 30-year career and dozens of albums, Hiatt will release the new Same Old Man at the end of May.

The Americana Music Association Honors & Awards show, hosted by Jim Lauderdale, will take place Sept. 18. at 7:00 p.m. CST at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. The two-hour event will be broadcast live on XM Satellite Radio, as well as future broadcasts on Sirius Satellite Radio and on BBC Radio 2. For ticket information contact Americana Music Association at (615) 386-6936.