Mike Compton

Mike Compton (born February 29, 1956) is an American mandolinist who has worked in bluegrass music, old-time music, folk music, and country blues. Compton is recognized for his interpretation of Bill Monroe’s mandolin style, performing as both a solo artist and with ensembles. Over a career spanning nearly five decades, he has collaborated with artists including John Hartford, Doc Watson, Elvis Costello, and Sting.

Compton is a founding member of the Nashville Bluegrass Band which helped renew interest in bluegrass and roots music. His discography includes over 120 recordings, and he serves as an instructor, hosting the annual Monroe Mandolin Camp. Compton has received multiple International Bluegrass Music Association award nominations and a commendation from the Mississippi State Senate.

Biography Mentored by Bill Monroe, known as the "Father of Bluegrass Music," Mike Compton is recognized for his interpretation of Monroe's mandolin style. Compton runs an annual Monroe Mandolin Camp in Nashville, Tennessee, where he, along with other instructors, teaches bluegrass mandolin techniques, including foundational skills and advanced aspects of Monroe's playing style.

Mike Compton has toured and recorded over several decades with musicians across various genres, including Sting, Gregg Allman, Elvis Costello, John Hartford, Doc Watson, Peter Rowan, Ralph Stanley, and David Grisman. His collaborations and performances have contributed to his reputation as an accomplished mandolin player and an interpreter of roots and Americana musical styles.

Compton is known for his skills as a mandolin player, as well as his abilities as a singer, arranger, composer, and accompanist. He has performed as a soloist and with various groups at festivals, clubs, concert halls, recording sessions, and music workshops, and he also offers private instruction. With a discography of over 120 recordings, including collaborations with Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, and Patty Loveless, Compton continues to perform and record in a range of musical styles.

A native of Meridian, Mississippi, In the mid-1980s, Compton co-founded the Nashville Bluegrass Band. Following a bus accident that left bandmate Mark Hembree injured, Compton took a break from the music industry and moved to the Catskills, where he worked as a cottage caretaker. He continued recording music with various artists and, in 1995, recorded with Bill Monroe's Bluegrass Boys. In the mid-1990s, Compton joined John Hartford on tour and recorded several albums with him. In recognition of his achievements, he received a commendation from the Mississippi State Senate.

Discography