Guest Book

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We invite you use this Guest Book to add your tribute or a note of congratulations to Mike.

To post your tribute or note, scroll to the comment box at the end of this page. To read the tributes posted by others, use the links below to go to a specific post, or use the “newer comments>>” and “older comments>>” links at the beginning and end of the comments section to to navigate to the various pages of this guest book.

Tributes featured on this page:
Rob Ickes – Andy Hall – Phil Leadbetter – Stacy Phillips – Cindy Cashdollar
Laurie Lewis – Jimmy Heffernan – Peter Cooper – Sally Van Meter
Lloyd Green – Archie Warnock – Bill Foster – Michael Hall
Terry & Cindy Baucum – Tim Stafford – Colin Henry – Jon Weisberger
Richard Hawkins – Larry Stephenson – Becky Johnson
Gary Mortensen – Howard & Sheryl Parker – Shawn Lane – Wayne Taylor
Bill Emerson – David Bromberg – Russ Hooper – Gary Ferguson
Chuck Hatfield – Thomas Ickes – Dave Williams – T Michael Coleman
Alan Minietta – Pam McLeod (Giegerich) – Gerry Fitzpatrick – Bob Blair
Tut Taylor – Mark Eaton – Jim NunallyRob Armstrong – Steve Gambrell
Mike Marceau – Blues Journal – Robert Geers – Keith Samuels
Steve O’Neill – Willie Payne – Daryl DavisRichie Chiasson – Don, El Dobro
Jennie L. Scott – David Van Allen

Tributes featured on the 2nd page:
Lisa Kay Howard – Lee Hiers – Dave Thier – Liam Rogers – Linda Stewart
Eric Schwartz – Frank Poindexter – Chet Hogue – Bob Dickinson
John Bamberger – Mark van Allen – Troy Brenningmeyer – Jason Stone
Darrell Weaver – Don Fraser – Wally Hughes – Bruce Shaw – Mike List
Claire Lynch – Carl Goldstein – Dave Ross – Tom Stratton – Dale Busby
Pablo Conrad – Bob Dorfman – Sharon Jackson – George Wormington
Mary Chapin Carpenter – Bill Bluestone – Nancy Curry – Aubrey Nelson
Calvin Baber – Tom Gray – Andy Ellis – Tony Dingus – Jon Lohman
Annie Shields – Donald Doggett – Brian Christiano – Hank & Betty Richards
Bob Green – Rhonda Olney – Darrell Roth – Billy Gilbert – Joe Cullison
Greg Greenstein – Ben Surratt – Jayne Alenier – Janet Newsom – Tom Thorpe

Tributes featured on the 3rd page:
Harry Robinson – Dave Devlin – Bill Payne – David Tanner – Mike Nemick
Fred Travers – Curt Baker – Patti Henderson – Larry Shell – Mike Stein
Bill VornDick – David Keith Schoppa – Daniel & Patricia Goins – Pete Wernick
Joe Breeden – Mark Schatz – Dave Dillman – Steve Johnson – Wayne Rice
Alison Brown – Jeani Warish – George Evans Sr – Max George – Roger Erickson
Tim Wint – Paul Beard – Mary Lou Barian – Frank Maxfield – Danny Shaw
Corry Garamszegi – Robert Camacho – Mark Newton – Hugh Mason
Joanie Madden – Kim Ulinger – Tory Viso – Anton Groeneveld
Matthew McCarthy – Charlie Campbell – Niall Toner – Frank Watt
Trapper Wyatt – Marty Muse – RKDeering – Andy Katz
Lee Jones – John Jennings – Loyer ThierryCory Welch – Dale Desmuke

Tributes featured on the 4th page:
Orville Johnson – Mike King – Carl Jackson – Jos van der Lelie – Pieter Groenveld
Kristian Äng – Angelika R. Torrie – Lilly Pavlak – Gary Rue – Dave Alexander
Jeroen Schmohl – Boris Weintraub – Theo Hurter – Joan Bullard – Ben Wooten
Jerry Pitt – Martin Froud – Sandy O’Seay – Jason Burleson – George Bogosian
Mike Saar – Kevin Nell – Rob Harris – Claire Armbruster – Caroline Wright
Hilary West – Tim Finch – Damon Wack – Sharon Driscoll – John French
Rob Anderlik – Gary Pierce – Phil Randall – George E. Clark – Alan Rausch
Debbie Durant – Penny Parsons – Lee Gillespie – Ira Gitlin
Mike Rayburn – Judy Adams – Dudley Connell – Charlie McCoy
Adam Frehm – Jim Brown – Mark Clifton – Jim McClain –Chuck Lettes
Dan Burke – Mark Lackey

Tributes featured on the 5th page:
Lennie Harvey – Bruce Kaplan – Emory Gordy Jr. & Patty Loveless
Kathy Keenan – John C. Cole – Danny Stevenson – David Bias
Patricia Farrar – Lou Wamp – Tom Licari – Katy Daley – Hal Bloom
Tom Thorpe – Janet Peters – J.P. Johnson – Luca Fortugno
Michael Barton – Tut Taylor – Leah Ross – Steve Toth – Missy Raines
Ben Winship – Ted Engle – Billy Cardine – David “Dawg” Grisman
Rory Feek (JOEY+RORY) – Alan W. Tompkins – Paul T. Stanley
George “Keoki” Lake – Bill Nork – Dana ThorinGeoff Stelling
Joe Tho – Chuck Hall – Dan Simpson – Dennis Reamy
Bogue Sandberg – Brad Hansen – Fred Schiffner – Erik Thomas
Tom Schmidt – Y. Hawkins – Alana L. (Habercom) Miller
Jeffrey Anzevino – Brad Bechtel – Artemis BonaDea
Mark Delaney – Eric Fisher – Jim Hurst – Jimmy Ross

Tributes featured on the 6th page:
Dennis Wilson  Bill Richardson – Deloy Oberlin – Kitsy Kuykendall
Dave Ziebarth – Mickey Stinnett – Emily Hogeback – JD Myers
Tim Saylor – Michael Kelley – Tom Adams – Dan Mazer
Roy Thomson – Tom Foote – Carroll & Anita Benoit
Mark Potler – Jeff Agnew – Bud & Anita Graham – Paul Lyttle
Jeff Retherford – B.G. & Mike Munford – Jeanie Ramos – Bob McEvoy
Bill Cobos – Earla Harding – Bob Lay – Mike Patton – Dick DeNeve
Elvis Keene – Bill Holden – Paul Koptak – Fred Bartenstein
Randy Cole – Wayne Weikel – Dave Fox – Jan & Bob Hansen
Valerie Smith – Kim Gardner – Pete Remenyi – Mike Witcher
Peter Radvanyi – Chris Hart – Ivan Rosenberg – Vic White
Joan Bullard – Travis Perry – Celia Millington-Wyckoff – Tim O’Brien
Jana & James Lockaby – Matt Levine

Tributes featured on the 7th page:
Kathy Pantaleo – Dan Tyack – Ben Eldridge – Chuck Crawford
Jimmy Gaudreau – Steven Darnell – Kevin Prater – Roger Ryan
John Pyles – Mike Saunders – Ronna Dansky – Larry Klein
Henrich Novak – Chris Miles – Jim Norman – Greg Cahill
Owen Huckabay – David ColemanJohn Starling
Karen Robinson – Lane Gray – Dan Napolitano
Tom Middleton – Sherwin Kidd – Christy Reid – Dean Eaton
Lou Reid – Yvon Jackson – Buddy Wright – Perrie Allen
Ray Gross – David Moultrup – Art Rogers – Freddie Skeens
Ruth Iseli – The Rounder Folks-Marian, Bill & Ken
Dan Brooks – Eddie Adcock – Dick Beckley – John Senior
Danley Rold – Leigh Hill – Richard Atherton – Robert Crowder
Edward Meisse – Wayne Ashmore – Jerry Douglas
Tim Edes – Eric – Tim Harkleroad

Tributes featured on the 8th page:
Ruthie Young – Jonathan Borah – Jim Palenscar
Sharon Wiggins – Dave Currie – Ed Cirimele – Jack Lawrence
Moondi Klein – Barry Sparks – Andrea Bradstreet – Zan McLeod
Kinney Rorrer – Gene Johnson – Kathy Chiavola – Mike Marshall
Dennis McBride – Richard Hurst – Roland White – Paul Barron


We are sad to note that Mike Auldridge passed away on December 29, 2012, one day before his 74th birthday. To read the tributes posted on December 29 and later, go here (and click the “newer comments” arrrow at the bottom of each page to see additional comments).

468 thoughts on “Guest Book

  1. Congrats sir, it’s only right that possibly the most influential resonator player of all time should be recognized in such a big way. Your sound is one of the first things I recognized when my ears turned to bluegrass as a youngster, identifying the Seldom Scene in just a few notes of Dobro intro. On top of that, you are also one classy, funny dude who I’m mighty proud to know. Take care and all the best,
    Lisa Kay Howard

  2. Lee Hiers says:

    A well-deserved honor to a national treasure. The dobro would not be where it is today without Mike Auldridge. Mike was the first dobro player I ever saw, at the old Dahlonega bluegrass festival with the Scene back in the late 70s or early 80s – no doubt that had a great deal to do with the dobro choosing me. Imagine my feelings when 20 years later I was lucky enough to be sitting with Mike in his basement for a lesson – it doesn’t get any better than that. As much of an icon as Mike is, he’s just as much a regular guy. Congratulations Mike!

  3. Dave Thier says:

    Congratulations Mike! I lived the first 40 years of my life in the Balto/DC area and had the pleasure of seeing the Seldom Scene often. You were my major influence in learning to play the dobro, something that has brought me a great deal of pleasure. I can think of no one more deserving of this award.

  4. Mike Auldridge. A name that to me will always epitomise class – in musicianship, and as a human being.
    I picked up a dobro for the first time when I was 16 years old – seven years ago – an early discovery for someone in the darkest corners of Wales. Without the dobro, I don’t know where I would be today. Playing music has helped me through difficult times.
    My first exposure to the dobro was hearing Jerry Douglas, and later Rob. But it wasn’t until I heard Mike Auldridge that I understood what every dobro player today strives towards. No matter how fancy or how simple their style, every dobroist seeks to emulate the taste, class, and impeccable tone of Mike Auldridge. Last year I took a lesson with Mike Witcher, who told he could hear a Mike Auldridge influence in my playing. To this day, that is the greatest compliment I could ever hope to receive about my playing.

    I’ll sign off now, as I lack the eloquence to express what I wish to here.

    I’ve you never met you Mike, but in a way you’re a friend to all dobro players.
    Thank you, and congratulations.

  5. Linda Stewart says:

    I love Bluegrass. It’s always good news when great bluegrass musicians get their due recognition. Congratulations and keep up the good work!!

  6. Eric Schwartz says:

    Congratulations Mike. You are being awarded a much deserved honor. Your contributions to American music are unsurpassed. Your passion for the dobro, your love of playing, your willingness to teach others, and your love of sharing your music are truly inspiring. You inspired me to really listen to dobro players. That is a gift I will cherish forever.

    Best,

    Eric Schwartz

  7. Congratulations Mike in receiving this most prestigious award that I feel you have certainly earned and I know that you must be honored to receive! You are my hero! Your love and passion for this unique instrument that we love has lead you down a super good path alongside so many of my hero’s that you have shared the stage and studio with over the years and glad that you are being presented with this award! Many many cheers!!!!
    Frank Poindexter

  8. Chet Hogue says:

    HI Mike…. my heartiest congratulations to you on a well deserved award… you really broke new ground and still the most innovative player on da PLANET !!! …Man, your da BEST…. take care

  9. Bob Dickinson says:

    Mike — Congratulations on the award. I didn’t know what a dobro was until I heard you play 40 years ago (sad but true for both of us — yes, 40 years). I have loved it ever since. Having finally decided to try and play the darn thing, it was the realization of a dream to visit you for a lesson last spring. Thanks for all the music.

  10. John Bamberger says:

    Mike
    Congratulations! What a deserved honor.
    I, like many others heard your distinct tone and creative style and immediately took up the dobro back in the 70’s.
    Your tastefull backup playong enhanced every singer you worked with and your driving instrumentals blew us all away.
    Getting the opportunity to take a lesson from you at the ResoSummit and playing house of the rising sun with you is something I will always remember.
    The dobro would not be the same without Mike Auldrudge!

  11. Hey, Mike, I honestly don’t know which I’m more proud of- that you’re a friend of mine, or that you’re getting this so-well-deserved accolade. I guess I’ll err on the side of selfishness and say it’s a lot of both! So proud of and happy for you. Better press your best jeans… Much, much love.

  12. Mike, thank you so much for all the great music you have made through the years! You are an inspiration to us all. Not only musically, but with your kind and generous spirit. You’re the man!!! Thanks and congratulations!!

  13. Jason Stone says:

    In 1972 I was a disc jockey on a small country station in Duluth, Minnesota and we received Mike’s first album… I was immediately smitten. At that time I wrote a letter to Mike and shortly thereafter I received a very nice reply in which he included the tunings that he used on the songs… you gotta love a guy that shares his licks. Congratulations on a well deserved honor.

  14. Darrell Weaver says:

    Mike, thanks for all of the great music you have given us over the years. The honor is well deserved.

    Darrell

  15. Don Fraser says:

    Congratulations Mike! When i first was learning to play i spent many hours wearing out the grooves on “Dobro” learning Pickaway, Dobro Island and many of the other great tunes on that album. Many of those licks are still the basis of my style today. Don’t know if I’ll ever be able to match your impeccable tone, even though I’m now playing a Beard MA6!

  16. Wally Hughes says:

    Mike,
    You’re the best! You’ve been my hero and hero to every reso player I know. Your style and tone is unsurpassed and recognized within the first few notes of hearing it. You’ve inspired so many of us to try and play like you. Generations of players and listeners will give thanks for your gifts to this music. At least two generations of my family, for sure (insert smiley)! Congratulations for this award! You deserve this and so much more. Reading through these guest book entries makes me smile and I know you must be too. We’re so lucky you’ve touched all of our lives. We’ve all “had treasure untold” just knowing you.
    Love you, man.
    Wally Hughes

  17. Bruce Shaw says:

    Mike You are an inspiration to many of us who aspire to play the Dobro. I want to play just like you – or my style of your playing when I grow up. I believe that you are more than deserving of your recent award.

  18. mike list says:

    1 was 19 got a dobro. next thing i got was a brown album by a guy i’d never heard of before. i made it my business to listen and learn. well, i got the listen part, the learn is a work in progress. mike played a bit more simply back then, but simply elegant and haunting. 1’m 59, never be mike auldridge, but every bit of the dobro player that i am is due to listening to that album.i owe you big time, mike.

  19. Claire Lynch says:

    Hello Mike! Wow, congratulations on the NEA Fellowship! Fantastic and so well deserved.

    I consider myself such a lucky girl to have made your acquaintance all those years ago when the Seldom Scene was hot, hot, hot (!) and your name was synonymous with “cool dobro player”. In my mind, you were the epitome of new, fresh, innovative instrumental evolution! You led the way for those of us who looked up to you and learned from you. THANK YOU ALWAYS for your kindness to me.

    It was a enormous distinction for the Claire Lynch Band to share the stage with you at ResoSummit a couple of years ago and back you up on so many of your tunes. That is one evening we’ll never forget and will always hold in high esteem.

    Have a wonderful day in D.C. Cheers! And lots of love sent your way,
    Claire Lynch

  20. Carl Goldstein says:

    On behalf of the Brandywine Friends of Old Time Music and the Delaware Bluegrass Festival I’d like to take a moment to thank you for the great musical gifts you have given us all in your appearances at our events over the years – always done with taste and style. Congratulations on this well deserved award!

  21. Dave Ross says:

    Mike: Congratulations on the well-deserved honor! I have enjoyed the privilege of hearing and learning from you at workshops, IBMA and ResoSummit. Three events stand out for me: 1) The Father’s Day reso workshop where you & Jimmy played Maiden’s Prayer for my dad over the phone; 2) Picking at IBMA where you heard my lick on Danny Boy and said “I never thought of that” (and then played the hell out of it); 3) A funny thing you said that I’ll remind you about offline… 😉 Thank you for your sharing and love for the music!

  22. Tom Stratton says:

    Mike,
    Thanks for many years of listening pleasure. You are a gentleman and a great talent.Your music inspired many and brought forth a lot of new talent. That is a big deal in any man’s book.
    Tom Stratton

  23. Dale Busby says:

    Mike and Heff played and video taped a song that I liked so well that I learned it from that video without knowing the title. After a year of asking friends without success, in desperation I emailed Mike and asked him. The next day came an email; “You Took Her Off My Hands”. What a guy!

  24. P. Conrad says:

    I’m so grateful to this man whose music I first encountered in the 1970s through the Cellar Door live set and who has continued to make one amazing performance after another through so many years. I think “Carolina Palms” and the whole “Treasures Untold” collection are among my absolute favorite pieces of recorded music.

    Thank you Mike Auldridge, your music is a gift to this nation and to the world.

    — Pablo Conrad

  25. Bob Dorfman says:

    Congratulations from one of your many fans who followed you and your music from the Red Fox Inn to the Birchmere and beyond. Thank you for filling my life with great music.

  26. Sharon Jackson says:

    Congratulations Mr. Auldridge. This award is well deserved. You were my inspiration to learn, as not much was available when I started, so your tapes were my main learning tool. Visiting with you during a Hotel fire alarm in Nashville at 3:00 o’clock in the morning was an unforgettable experience.

  27. Never saw you in person but I listen to your music with awe, Congralations

  28. Like Peter Cooper, I spent many a night listening to the Seldom Scene at the Birchmere. Gary and Pudge would sneak me in and let me stand at the back of the sound booth, and I was transported, lifted up, educated, enlightened and made whole by the music that I heard. Mike played his instrument in a way that thrilled me as well as made me hold my breath with the emotion he stirred up inside of me. The Seldom Scene was my “gateway” band to bluegrass. They led me to other artists, songwriters and performers that, to this day, I clutch tightly to my heart and revere in my soul. Congratulations Mike, you make me so proud to be a “DC” artist. If only I could get the creases in my jeans as perfect as you do. With love and respect, Mary Chapin Carpenter

  29. Bill Bluestone says:

    I’m not a musician, but I AM an audience, and I second what Dave Van Allen said, since I can’t say it better. Long life and happy days to you!
    Bill Bluestone

  30. Nancy Curry says:

    Congratulations Mike!!!!! It was my brother, Eric, who introduced me to The Seldom Scene, and it was then that I was absolutely smitten with the Dobro. Thank you for all that you have given to us through your hours of practice and hours of sharing your amazing musicianship. You will never know the multitudes that you have touched and influenced. How thankful I am for the Birchmere and for how that venue gave us such an intimate opportunity to experience you. You are the best and most deserving of this great honor.

    Nancy Curry

  31. Aubrey Nelson says:

    Mike, congratulations on this prestigious award. I’ll never forget those times back in the early 70’s when you were generous enough with your time in between festival sets to spend awhile showing me dobro licks at the motel room when I first got smitten with the instrument. You had more influence on my musical direction than you can imagine. Best of luck down the road.

    Aubrey Nelson

  32. Calvin Baber says:

    Hey Mike, just wanting to congradulate you on this award and feel very lucky to have lived in Northern Va.and spend so many nights in your presence with the Seldom Scene.I’m also proud to call you a friend and the man who made me fall in love with the reso.The Tennessee Stud,Killing me softly and sooooo many more.Best wishes Cal

  33. Tom Gray says:

    There is no one who can make the Dobro sound as good as Mike Auldridge. He brought new audiences and fans to his instrument, and our bands. I’ve been privileged to be a bandmate of Mike’s and see him at work, on and off the stage. He is truly a gentle man. I remember jamming with Mike and his brother Dave in 1958; Mike played banjo then. The Dobro had just appeared (played by Josh Graves) on Flatt & Scruggs new record. Mike was all excited about it and wanted to get a Dobro for himself. The rest is history.

  34. Andy Ellis says:

    Mr. Auldridge:

    Congratulations on your National Endowment for the Arts award and a heartfelt thanks for all musical inspiration you’ve given us.

    I used to see you with the Seldom Scene in the early ’70s at the Red Fox Inn. As a rock guitarist, I’d never seen a Dobro played live. In fact, I didn’t really know what it was. After seeing you perform for the first time, I bought a Takamine reso and began to hack my way into open-G Dobro tuning. I’ll never claim to be a resonator ace, but when I need fresh guitar ideas, I pick up my bar and lay it across the strings of my vintage Dobro. And that’s all thanks to you.

    These days, I know a number of professional Dobro players and they all—without exception—point to you as the father of modern reso technique. They speak reverently of your tone and phrasing, as well as your adventurous musical spirit. You’ve made a positive impact on so many lives—what a wonderful legacy!

    Andy Ellis

  35. Tony Dingus says:

    Congratulations Mike for a well deserved award. You’re the reason I play dobro and thanks for taking time to jam with me back in the early 80’s at Slagles Pasture Festival in NE Tn. Thanks again, you’re my hero.

    Tony Dingus, Kingsport, Tn

  36. Jon Lohman says:

    It was an honor and a pleasure to have nominated Mike for the NEA’s National Heritage Fellowship, the highest honor that the United States government bestows upon a traditional artist. It is fitting that Mike’s name be forever associated with some of the deeply influential and remarkably talented bluegrass and country musicians who have received the award in the past, including such luminaries as Earl Scruggs, Doc Watson, Jim and Jesse McReynolds, Ralph Stanley and Doyle Lawson.

    Having had the opportunity to serve on the Heritage Fellowship award panel in the past, I can attest that the competition for this honor is fierce — at any time there are close to 400 nominations for the panels to consider, in every type of American art form you could think of — from Navaho weaving to duck decoy carving… from Piedmont guitar to Indian tabla drumming. Many deserving nominees, no matter how deserving, often take years to be recognized, and most fall short. When Rob Ickes approached me about nominating Mike, I cautioned him about the good possibility that we might not be successful despite the fact that he was certainly deserving of such an honor, and that he should know that simply being among those nominated was a tremendous honor in its own right. Incredibly, Mike received this honor in his first year. It is a testament, as are the remarkable testimonials in this wonderful online tribute, to Mike’s impact on the music and those who have been touched and inspired by his kindness, generosity and brilliant artistry.

    Mike, clearly the world has been a vastly greater place with you in it, and we all thank you for the wonderful gifts you have given us. Congratulations.

    Jon Lohman
    Virginia State Folklorist

  37. Annie Shields says:

    You were my introduction to Bluegrass way back during Red Fox days. Thanks. I still love bluegrass.
    Annie Shields

  38. Donald Doggett says:

    Mike, congratulations on this well deserved award. Although I have never met you personally, I have deeply admired your music and have been inspired to work all that much harder in my own personal role as a new player. Thank you for sharing your encouragement in some emails we have traded and for setting the high mark in musical excellence which I will simply refer to as the Holy Grail. God Bless

    Don Doggett
    The Villages, FL

  39. Brian Christiano says:

    Mike:
    If ever there was someone who deserved recognition for his contribution to the music world, it has to be you. I have always been drawn to the Dobro and pedal steel guitar. My first intro to bluegrass music was the Seldom Scene 20th anniversary album. I was in awe of the mastery you contributed to that great performance. I have been a fan since. I am sorry that you were not able to make it to my first Resosummit in 2011. I really wanted to meet you.

    Brian Christiano
    Columbia, SC

  40. Hank and Betty Richards says:

    Dear Mike,
    Thanks for all the entertainment over the years! You are the best and with one of our all-time favorite bands “The Seldom Scene” May God keep on blessing you!

  41. Bob Green says:

    Mike,
    Just like “Uncle Josh” was an inspiration for you, you too have been an inspiration for me and countless others.

    Thanks for staying the course and providing the many years of dedication to an instrument that may have easily faded into obscurity.

    Best Regards,
    Bob Green
    King George, VA

  42. Rhonda Oney says:

    Congratulations and best wishes from the Bluegrass State….

  43. Darrell Roth says:

    Hello Mike,
    Thank you for playing the Dobro the way you do. Thank you for inspiring me to take up the Dobro. You are very deserving of the National Heritage Award. I haven’t met you yet but maybe someday I will. I was in Portland Organ and caught your show years back and snaped a picture of you on stage but I couldn’t make it back stage to say hi and howdy. Maybe one day you will come up here to the Stoney Plain Bluegrass Festival in Alberta.
    The Beard Dobro Guitar that you play is the reason I bought a Beard Dobro. They are the best guitar.

    Regards
    Darrell Roth

  44. Billy Gilbert says:

    Congrats Mike, you really deserve it.

  45. Joe Cullison says:

    Mike,
    Congratulations!
    Thanks for the great music and inspiration.

  46. Greg Greenstein says:

    The one and only, and a heck of a nice guy to boot!

  47. bensurratt says:

    Mike, I can’t tell you how much your contributions to our world of music have meant to me. I just can’t count that high. From the time of Larry The Legend, to my most recent encounter with you at The Station Inn, I am amazed at your talent, professionalism and grace. You make it look so easy, and I know it rarely is easy. My world has been enriched because you care- care about people, care about music, care about your craft. We are all so lucky to have you.

    No one deserves this honor more than you, I am so happy you are a recipient!

    Ben Surratt

  48. jayne alenier says:

    I am a big fan. I first heard you play at a small club in Alexandria VA back in the 70’s with the Seldom Scene. It was the first time I ever heard the dobro. I attended U. of MD and took a course called History of Country Music. What a treat when you came and gave a lecture! You deserve all the accolades. Congratulations!

  49. Janet Newsom says:

    Mike,
    Congratulations! No one is more deserving than you.
    Thanks for the music! You sir, are awesome.
    Janet Newsom

  50. Tom Thorpe says:

    Dear Mike,
    The first time I heard you in the Seldom Scene I was transfixed. What was that mystical instrument and who was the wizard playing it? Your music has changed our lives and enriched them for many years now. I now play resonatar guitar in a bluegrass band because of you. You have been a role model, teacher and mentor to so many of us. Congratulations on your prestigious award.
    Tom Thorpe
    The Dyer Switch Band

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webcast of the fellowships concert

The National Heritage Fellowships Concert, including a performance by Mike Auldridge, was webcast from Lisner Auditorium in Washington, D.C. on Oct. 4. An archive video of the performance is available at www.arts.gov.
Click the Photos link above to see recently added photographs from the NEA National Heritage celebration events.

Mike Auldridge has been named one of nine 2012 recipients of the National Endowment for the Arts' National Heritage Fellowships – the nation's highest honor in the folk and traditional arts.

The Washington Post called Auldridge "one of maybe a handful of truly innovative Dobro players in the history of country and bluegrass music." Indeed, it is no exaggeration to say that Mike Auldridge forever changed the sound of the dobro. There is the dobro before Mike, and there is the dobro after Mike, and the dividing line is unmistakeable. His influence is evident in the playing of every dobro player who has followed him, and his role as the key inspiration for the generation of dobro masters who followed him is an important element of his musical legacy.

This website celebrates Mike's enduring achievements, and the award of this prestigious fellowship to him.

read the NEA bio of Mike Auldridge here

contact

To contact this site's administrator, send an email to resosummit@gmail.com.