It had generally been considered Levon Helm's best solo work until the release of Dirt Farmer in 2007.

Helm played the part of Loretta Lynn's father in the 1980 film Coal Miner's Daughter and was asked to record a version of Bill Monroe's "Blue Moon of Kentucky" for the film's soundtrack.

Using a band of veteran Nashville session players, Carter and Helm recorded 20 tracks over two weeks, half of which ended up on American Son.

[3] Billboard's reviewers noted that the album was more rock-like than country-like and pleasant to listen to.

The authors also suggested that due to the success of the film, which starred Levon Helm, sales of the disc would be high.