William Crighton has won his first ARIA Award from his first nomination: Best Blues & Roots Album for his album Water & Dust.
William was up against a competitive field of excellent artists, including The Bamboos, Charlie Collins, The Testy Brothers (with Orchestra Victoria) and Thornbird.
The ARIAs are the flagship event of the Australian music calendar – a celebration of all that is great and popular in local music.
The Blues & Roots category is judged by specialist Judging Schools which consist of representatives experienced with that genre of music. William’s name is now etched alongside previous recipients including Archie Roach, Jeff Lang, The Teskey Brothers, Russell Morris, C.W. Stoneking, The Audreys, the John Butler Trio, Dan Sultan, Mia Dyson, The Waifs, All Our Exes Live In Texas, and Tash Sultana.
When presented his award by Brooke Boney, Williams said “Thank you very much, well I wasn’t expecting that, I have to say from the bottom of my heart, but thank you very very very much.”
William’s win helped the ABC Music record label amass 5 awards on the night, alongside The Wiggles, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra & Sir Andrew Davis, and The Australian Chamber Orchestra & Richard Tognetti.
Watch his award acceptance:
