Tennessee native Cody Kilby, a member of Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder, is one of five finalists for the International Bluegrass Music Association’s Guitar Player of the Year.

Not bad for a guy who at age 8 started playing banjo and before he was 12 had picked up a Gibson Banjo endorsement. By that time, he had started playing guitar and, when he was 17, Kilby won the National Flatpicking Championship. He also plays mandolin and dobro.

Making music for a living at a young age, he was touring with Sally Jones and the Sidewinders when he got the invitation to join Skaggs’ band. He’s been with Kentucky Thunder since 2001.

Kilby has participated as a guest artist on several CDs and has his own solo project, Many Roads Traveled, which features some of his original tunes. And, he’s earned credits as engineer and producer for other artists in his home studio.

Website: http://www.codykilby.com/

Discography:

Other Media:
Leftwich, House, Kilby – Melee on the Backstretch

Read about all the 2008 IBMA Guitar Player of the Year Nominees

• Cody Kilby
• Tony Rice
• Tim Stafford
• Bryan Sutton
• Josh Williams

Who’s going to win the 2008 IBMA Guitar Player of the Year? Vote for your Favorite below!