Phil Leadbetter

Phil Leadbetter, long known for his supporting roles in various traditional bluegrass bands, began playing professionally when he was only 14. Leadbetter landed some impressive gigs that first year, earning a job at what is now Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, as well as performing at the White House for President Gerald Ford. Later Leadbetter appeared in several successful groups, including the Vern Gosdin Band, the Grandpa Jones Band, and New Dawn, the official band of the 1982 World's Fair in Knoxville. He appeared on several albums with J.D. Crowe and the New South be...