Each year, we present the Alabama Colloquium to honor our newest Alabama Humanities Fellows. In 2024, AHA's 50th anniversary, our Alabama Colloquium series began in Huntsville, where we honored a pair of north Alabama musicians, Brittany Howard and Jason Isbell.
Read the recap!AHA honored four new Alabama Humanities Fellows during our 2024 Alabama Colloquium series. The first event, in Huntsville on August 26, honored Brittany Howard and Jason Isbell.
On August 26 in Huntsville, the Alabama Humanities Alliance (AHA) recognized Brittany Howard and Jason Isbell as Alabama Humanities Fellows.
This special event at the Von Braun Center offered a unique opportunity to hear a conversation between two of the music world’s most gifted songwriters and decorated musicians. Howard and Isbell also performed a couple of songs they selected for the occasion. Another legendary Shoals musician, Patterson Hood, was our special guest presenting each Fellow with their awards.
Howard and Isbell share deep roots in north Alabama – Howard in Athens, Isbell in Green Hill and Muscle Shoals. The two are among the most acclaimed artists of their generation, with a combined 11 Grammy Awards between them. And it’s their tremendous talent as songwriters that makes them Alabama Humanities Fellows. Their powerful storytelling challenges us all to think, to empathize, and to explore what it means to be human.
Our appreciation to presenting sponsors Regions Bank, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, and Huntsville Utilities for their support. All proceeds benefit AHA’s public humanities programming statewide.
Read the recap
Brittany Howard grew up in Athens, Alabama. In 2009, she and her first bandmates formed the Alabama Shakes. Howard began her solo career in 2018. She has five Grammy wins and 16 nominations; her newest album is What Now, released in 2024.
Jason Isbell was born in Green Hill, Alabama, and raised in the Muscle Shoals area. His music career has taken him from FAME Studios to the Drive-By Truckers and on to his longtime band now, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit. He has six Grammy wins.
Howard and Isbell will be presented their awards by Patterson Hood, another legendary north Alabama musician and songwriter. Hailing from Muscle Shoals, Hood co-founded the influential Drive-By Truckers, and has deep connections to these Fellows.
