Leadbetter up for IBMA Dobro honors
Category: IBMA Nominees
By Dan Tackett
September 2, 2008
Phil Leadbetter on stage with Grasstowne during the 2008 SPBGMA Convention performing “Dixie Flyer.”
Phil Leadbetter is back playing with old friends — and in line to reclaim his one-time title (in 2005) of the International Bluegrass Music Association’s Dobro Player of the Year.
Leadbetter’s bluegrass career dates to the mid-1970s, when he began playing with regional bands around Knoxville, Tenn. He did stints early in his career with Grandpa Jones and country artist Vern Gosdin, before joining JD Crowe & the New South in 1990. He peformed as a member of New South for two CDs, including the Grammy-nominated “Flashback.”
Leadbetter became a founding member of the group Wildfire in 2001 and recorded two CDs with that band, which eventually broke up. His second solo CD, “Slide Effects,” won critical acclaim, high chart rankings and an IBMA award for best instrumental album of 2005.
In December 2006, Leadbetter joined forces with his old pals from the Knoxville area — Steve Gulley and Alan Bibey — to form the bluegrass super-group Grasstowne. The group’s 1st CD was released in fall of 2007 and rose to the top of several charts.
Website: http://www.unclephilonline.com/
Phil Leadbetter Discography:
| Year | Title | Label |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | The Road Headin’ Home | Pinecastle Records |
| 2006 | Phil Leadbetter’s Dobro Workshop DVD | Mel Bay |
| 2005 | Slide Effects | Pinecastle Records |
| ???? | Phililbuster | ???? |
Awards & Honors
| Year | Organization | Award | Presented To |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | IBMA | Dobro Player of the Year | Phil Leadbetter |
Other Media:
Phil Leadbetter TV Interview
See other 2008 IBMA Dobro Player of the Year Nominees
Who’s going to win the 2008 IBMA Dobro Player of the Year? Vote for your Favorite below!
