MATT LEADBETTER

Artist

Matt Leadbetter — Resophonic Guitar

Born with music in his blood in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, Matt Leadbetter was shaped by the sound of the Appalachian hills long before he ever stepped on a stage. The son of legendary dobro master Phil Leadbetter, Matt was raised in a home where music wasn’t just played—it was lived. From an early age, the melodies of bluegrass, gospel, and mountain tradition became part of who he was.

That natural inclination led him to the road in 2000, and more than 26 years later, Matt continues to travel the highways and backroads of America, carrying with him a sound rooted in tradition and shaped by experience. His journey has included performing with many of bluegrass music’s most respected artists and bands, and since 2017, he has been a trusted member of Dale Ann Bradley’s band—contributing his distinctive dobro voice to award-winning recordings and countless live performances.

Matt’s playing is marked by restraint, emotion, and deep respect for the song. Whether on stage or in the studio, his goal has never been to draw attention to himself, but to serve the music—letting each note carry meaning, memory, and truth. That approach has led to appearances on dozens of recordings across bluegrass and gospel music, each one reflecting the heart of a musician who understands where the music comes from and why it matters.

His work has been recognized by his peers with honors including SPBGMA Dobro Performer of the Year (2025, 2026)and IBMA Resophonic Guitar Player of the Year nominations (2024, 2025), along with participation in multiple IBMA Gospel Recording and Performance of the Year–winning projects. Yet for Matt, awards are never the destination—only mile markers along a much deeper journey.

At the center of that journey is a steadfast faith in Jesus, a deep love for his wife and children, and a reverence for the heritage that shaped him. Those values—faith, family, legacy, and authenticity—are present in every note he plays. Carrying forward a powerful musical lineage while forging a voice entirely his own, Matt Leadbetter continues to honor the past, live fully in the present, and help shape the future of bluegrass music.