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Michael Cleveland

Michael Cleveland is an bluegrass fiddler widely regarded as one of the most virtuosic and influential players of his generation, known for his high-speed precision and innovative style despite being born and partially deaf. Born with and a cleft that necessitated over 30 surgeries by age 12, Cleveland also suffers from significant —80% in his left ear and partial in the right—yet began attending concerts as an infant and took up the at age four, quickly emerging as a . His early talent led to performances with legends like at age nine and a debut as a teenager alongside Alison Krauss, while supportive parents, particularly his father John, facilitated key opportunities such as jamming with at age 13. Cleveland's professional career spans over 25 years, marked by collaborations with artists including , , , and , and the release of six solo studio albums, most recently Lovin' of the Game in 2023 on Compass Records, as well as the 2025 collaborative album Carter & Cleveland with Jason Carter. In 2006, he formed the band Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper, which has earned seven International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) awards for Instrumental Group of the Year (2007–2010, 2017, 2019, 2020). His accolades include over 30 IBMA awards as of 2025, making him the most decorated fiddler in the organization's history, with 12 wins as Fiddle Player of the Year (2001, 2002, 2004, 2006–2011, 2015, 2018, 2019), as well as multiple Instrumental Recorded Performance of the Year honors, including three wins in 2025 for Carter & Cleveland (Album of the Year, Song of the Year, and Collaborative Recording of the Year). Cleveland is a Grammy winner, receiving the 2020 award for Best Bluegrass Album for Tall Fiddler, and was inducted as the youngest member into the National Fiddler Hall of Fame in 2018.

Early years

Upbringing and family influences

Michael Cleveland was born on September 18, 1980, in Henryville, a small rural town in . He was born legally blind and with a cleft palate, conditions that required over 30 surgeries by age 12. Additionally, a childhood illness led to the loss of approximately 80% of his hearing in his left ear and partial hearing loss in his right ear, further compounding the physical challenges he faced from birth. Despite these obstacles, Cleveland's early life was marked by a supportive environment that nurtured his resilience and interests. Cleveland grew up in a family deeply immersed in culture, though none of his immediate relatives were musicians themselves. His grandparents were avid fans of the genre, maintaining an extensive collection of records and tapes featuring classic and old-time artists. They actively promoted the music in their community by hosting regular gatherings at the local American Legion hall in Henryville and even helping to establish a association shortly before his birth. From as young as six months old, Cleveland was regularly taken to these events and nearby festivals, where he was exposed to live of traditional tunes that would later shape his passion. The rural setting of Henryville and nearby Charlestown, just across the from , provided an ideal backdrop for this early cultural immersion. The proximity to Kentucky's vibrant scene, including local jams and festivals like Bill Monroe's Bean Blossom event, allowed Cleveland frequent access to authentic traditions from infancy. This environment, combined with his family's enthusiasm, laid the groundwork for his eventual introduction to formal training.

Introduction to fiddle and early training

Michael Cleveland first encountered the at the age of four, drawn to the instrument through his family's rich collection of records and the lively music sessions hosted by his grandparents at the local American Legion hall in . These early exposures to live performances and recorded music ignited his passion, setting the foundation for his lifelong dedication to fiddling. Cleveland's initial training was largely self-directed, as he taught himself by repeatedly listening to albums by pioneering fiddlers such as Benny Martin and , whose innovative styles profoundly shaped his technique. Despite his , he attended the School for the Blind, where formal instruction emphasized classical ; however, Cleveland adapted these lessons to pursue with fervor, often practicing at home to replicate the energetic drive of his influences. "Benny Martin was a huge influence of mine... I listened to some Vassar (Clements)," he later reflected. Recognized as a , Cleveland honed his skills through local performances and youth contests, where he began winning accolades by the age of eight, showcasing a precocious command of complex runs and improvisations. At age nine, he performed with legend at the Bean Blossom Festival, further highlighting his early talent. These experiences, coupled with informal jamming sessions at regional events, accelerated his development, though challenges like in early competitions tested his resolve—he persisted despite initial setbacks, including discouraging feedback from judges. Cleveland's formal early training culminated in his high school graduation from the Kentucky School for the Blind in 1999, a milestone that bridged his foundational years of self-guided learning and adaptive education with the onset of professional pursuits. By this point, his prodigious talent had already distinguished him within circles, built on years of dedicated, auditory-driven practice.

Professional career

Breakthrough with established artists

Following his high school graduation in 1999, Michael Cleveland launched his professional career in by joining Jeff White's band, marking his entry into paid touring as a fiddler. This initial stint provided Cleveland with early exposure to the rigors of the road and collaborative performance in a competitive genre. Cleveland soon transitioned to other prominent ensembles, touring briefly with and Coon Creek in 1999 before joining and the Rage in 2000. His role with Vincent's band elevated his profile significantly, as the group won the International Association (IBMA) Entertainer of the Year award in 2001, which Cleveland shared as a key band member. That same year, he received his first IBMA Fiddle Player of the Year award, signaling his rapid ascent as an emerging virtuoso in the bluegrass scene. Throughout these early collaborations, Cleveland's fiddling stood out for its technical precision, remarkable speed, and warm, expressive tone, particularly in live settings where his solos energized audiences and complemented band arrangements. Born blind and with substantial —approximately 80 percent in his left ear—he adapted adeptly to by relying on an intuitive feel for and , honed through rigorous practice and onstage rather than visual or auditory cues alone. These attributes not only solidified his reputation among established artists but also positioned him as a transformative talent in during the early 2000s.

Formation and evolution of Flamekeeper

Following his tenure with Dale Ann Bradley's band from 2001 to 2006, Michael Cleveland formed Flamekeeper in 2006 as his primary outlet for original and leadership. The initial lineup featured fellow alumni from Bradley's group, including banjoist Pete Kelly and mandolinist Jesse Brock, alongside guitarist and vocalist Audie Blaylock and bassist and vocalist Jamie Dailey, drawing on local talent and Cleveland's established network in the scene. Over the subsequent years, Flamekeeper experienced multiple roster changes to refine its sound and touring stability, with guitarist and vocalist Josh Richards emerging as a core member since the early and contributing songwriting to the band's . Under Cleveland's direction, the ensemble shifted from a strictly traditional foundation—rooted in high-energy fiddle-driven instrumentals—to a more expansive style blending influences and extended improvisational segments, allowing for greater creative expression in live performances. Flamekeeper has solidified Cleveland's role as a bandleader, earning seven International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Instrumental Group of the Year awards (2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2017, 2019, 2020), highlighting its instrumental prowess and innovation within the genre. The band's history and Cleveland's personal challenges, including his blindness and partial deafness, were chronicled in the 2019 documentary Flamekeeper: The Michael Cleveland Story, which premiered at the Country Music Hall of Fame and explores the group's formation alongside his musical journey.

Solo projects and collaborations

Michael Cleveland began his solo recording career with the self-released Sawing on the "C" String in 1998, a collection of tunes that highlighted his technical prowess as a teenager. This debut was followed by Flame Keeper in 2002 on , which expanded on traditional instrumentals while incorporating subtle rhythmic variations. By 2006, his third solo effort, Let 'Er Go, Boys! on Rounder, featured guest appearances from bluegrass luminaries like and , blending high-energy leads with vocal tracks to showcase his growing versatility. In the mid-2010s, Cleveland's solo work evolved toward more collaborative and genre-blending projects. His 2016 release Fiddler's Dream on Records emphasized intricate fiddle arrangements on classics like the title track, with contributions from mandolinist , marking a shift toward ensemble-driven that fused traditional roots with modern precision. This progression continued with Tall Fiddler in 2019, also on , where Cleveland invited an all-star lineup including , , and Tim O'Brien to explore a broader palette of and acoustic influences, resulting in a Grammy-winning (Best Bluegrass Album, 2020) noted for its vitality and cross-generational appeal. His sixth solo studio , Lovin' of the Game (2023, Compass), further embraced fusion by incorporating covers of and 1990s country hits, such as Blackberry Smoke's "One Horse Town" with guest vocalist Charlie Starr, underscoring Cleveland's ability to bridge with wider American music traditions. Beyond his solo albums, Cleveland has pursued notable collaborations that highlight his fiddle in diverse settings. In the early 2000s, he partnered with banjoist Tom Adams for the live recording Live at the Ragged Edge (2004, Rounder), a stripped-down bluegrass set capturing their longstanding musical chemistry through acoustic instrumentals like "Black Mountain Rag." More recently, in 2025, Cleveland teamed up with fiddler Jason Carter for the duo album Carter & Cleveland, reimagining classics like Kenny Baker's "Bluegrass in the Backwoods" and drawing on their decades of shared performances to create a fresh instrumental bluegrass sound, which earned a Grammy nomination for Best Bluegrass Album in 2025. Additionally, Cleveland has made significant guest appearances, including on Béla Fleck's My Bluegrass Heart (2021), where his fiddle complemented Fleck's banjo on tracks like "Round Rock" alongside Jerry Douglas, and live collaborations with Sam Bush at events such as RockyGrass, blending progressive bluegrass elements. Throughout these projects, Cleveland's solo and collaborative output has transitioned from focused showcases in his early work to expansive fusions that integrate guest artists and genre crossovers, reflecting his maturation as a versatile instrumentalist.

Awards and recognition

IBMA accolades

Michael Cleveland has established himself as the most-awarded fiddler in the history of the International Association (IBMA), securing the Fiddle Player of the Year award a record 12 times. These victories span from his early career breakthrough in 2001—when he also shared the Entertainer of the Year honor with and the Rage—to consistent recognition through the 2010s, underscoring his technical mastery and innovative contributions to fiddle. His wins occurred in 2001, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2015, 2018, and 2019, reflecting a sustained influence that has elevated the instrument's role in contemporary . Cleveland's band, Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper, has further amplified his impact by winning the IBMA Instrumental Group of the Year award seven times, highlighting the ensemble's precision and dynamic interplay. Formed in 2006, Flamekeeper earned this honor in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2017, 2019, and 2020, often performing high-energy sets that showcase Cleveland's leadership alongside the band's tight instrumentation. These accolades affirm Flamekeeper's status as a powerhouse in , with wins that parallel Cleveland's individual triumphs and contribute to his reputation as a genre-defining artist. In 2025, Cleveland expanded his IBMA legacy beyond instrumental categories, co-winning for Carter & Cleveland, as well as Song of the Year and Collaborative Recording of the Year for "Outrun the Rain," a with Jason Carter from the album. This track, blending heartfelt vocals with Cleveland's signature work, marked a collaborative pinnacle and demonstrated his versatility in songcraft. These awards, presented at the 36th Annual IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards, reinforced Cleveland's enduring prominence in the association's honors.

Grammy nominations and wins

Michael Cleveland first received a Grammy nomination in 2018 for Best Bluegrass Album for his solo release Fiddler's Dream, marking his entry into national recognition from . The following year, at the in 2020, he won the same category for Tall Fiddler, an album that spotlighted his exceptional technique alongside Flamekeeper. Cleveland earned another nomination in 2024 at the for Best Album with Lovin' of the Game, further affirming his consistent influence in production. Most recently, on November 7, 2025, he secured a nomination for the 68th Annual Grammy Awards in the Best Album category for Carter & Cleveland, a collaborative project with fiddler Jason Carter. These Grammy accolades have significantly boosted the visibility of within mainstream audiences, with Cleveland's wins particularly emphasizing -driven albums that blend traditional roots with innovative arrangements.

Other honors and fellowships

In 2022, Michael Cleveland was awarded the (NEA) National Heritage Fellowship, one of the nation's highest honors in the folk and traditional arts, recognizing his mastery of and his contributions to preserving and innovating within the genre. The fellowship highlighted Cleveland's journey as a blind musician who has elevated playing through technical and emotional depth, drawing from influences like Benny Martin and . Cleveland received the Bluegrass Star Award from the Bluegrass Heritage Foundation in 2024 at the Bloomin' Bluegrass Festival in , an honor bestowed upon artists who have innovatively advanced music over their careers. This accolade underscored his role as a and collaborator, emphasizing his ability to blend traditional with contemporary elements while mentoring emerging talent. Beyond these, Cleveland has earned multiple Artist of the Year recognitions from prominent outlets, including nods in Bluegrass Unlimited and other industry publications for his consistent excellence. In 2023, he was featured in showcases at the Americana Music Association's AmericanaFest, acknowledging his broadening influence in circles. Throughout his acceptances, such as the NEA fellowship , Cleveland has advocated for musicians with disabilities by sharing his personal experiences as a performer, inspiring greater and inclusion in the community. His speeches often emphasize overcoming sensory challenges through music, encouraging support for underrepresented artists in traditional genres.

Performing and touring

Band lineup and style

Flamekeeper, Michael Cleveland's longstanding ensemble, has undergone several lineup changes since its formation in 2006, reflecting the fluid nature of touring bands in the genre. Early iterations featured family influences, with Cleveland's father, John Cleveland, and brother, Lloyd Cleveland, contributing to informal jams and initial performances that shaped the group's sound before formal touring began. Subsequent members included mandolinist Jesse Brock, guitarist Tom Adams, bassist Marshall Wilborn, and banjoist Jesse Baker in the late 2000s and early , providing a solid foundation of traditional expertise drawn from collaborations with artists like and . As of 2025, the core lineup consists of Cleveland on and lead vocals, Josh Richards on guitar and vocals, Nathan Livers on and vocals, Jasiah Shrode on and vocals, and Chris Douglas on and vocals, a configuration that has remained stable since the mid-2010s with minor adjustments for touring demands. This ensemble emphasizes tight harmonies and instrumental interplay, honed through years of shared stages and recordings. The band's style is characterized by high-energy traditional , propelled by Cleveland's fiddle-driven improvisation that showcases blazing speed and melodic invention while maintaining acoustic purity. Drawing from influences like and , Flamekeeper incorporates country and old-time elements, occasionally venturing into and inflections for dynamic live sets, as heard in albums like Tall Fiddler (2019) and Lovin' of the Game (2023). Guest appearances by luminaries such as on and on add layers of innovation, enhancing the group's improvisational flair without straying from roots. A distinctive aspect of Flamekeeper's live sound is Cleveland's adaptive techniques, shaped by his blindness since birth and partial (80% in one from a childhood ). He relies on an encyclopedic memory cultivated through Braille-labeled audio tapes for learning tunes, allowing seamless integration into ensemble play via tactile cues from the and intuitive timing with bandmates. This approach fosters a heightened emphasis on speed and precision, enabling Cleveland to lead high-octane performances that prioritize collective energy over visual reliance.

Major tours and live performances

Michael Cleveland began his professional touring career after graduating from high school, joining and the in 2000 for a series of performances that helped establish his reputation in the scene. During 2001 and 2002, he contributed to Vincent's band on tours across the , including appearances at key events like the Cherokee Bluegrass Festival, where his virtuosic playing drew attention from audiences and peers. These early outings, particularly at International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) gatherings such as the 2001 awards show, allowed Cleveland to build a dedicated fanbase through high-energy sets that showcased his innovative techniques alongside traditional arrangements. Following his time with Vincent and the 2002 release of his solo album Flamekeeper, Cleveland formed the band Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper in 2006 and began headlining annual tours across the starting in 2008, focusing on regional festivals, theaters, and circuits in the Midwest, Southeast, and beyond. These tours emphasized Flamekeeper's tight ensemble sound, with performances at venues like the Grand Ole Opry and multi-day events that highlighted original material and covers, solidifying the band's status as a touring staple in . Post-2010, Cleveland expanded internationally, including European legs of collaborative tours; for instance, in early 2024, he joined Béla Fleck's My Bluegrass Heart Tour for shows across the continent, blending with broader acoustic influences for diverse audiences. In recent years, Cleveland's live schedule has featured prominent festival appearances and special events. At the 2024 Bloomin' Bluegrass Festival in Farmers Branch, Texas, he performed with Flamekeeper and received the Bluegrass Star Award, presented by peers including Rhonda Vincent and Del McCoury, recognizing his lifetime contributions to the genre. In 2025, highlights included the release of the collaborative album Carter & Cleveland with Jason Carter in March and performances such as the July 23 show at Caroga Arts Collective's Sherman's Park in New York, part of their summer series; the album's track "Bluegrass in the Backwoods" won the IBMA Instrumental Recording of the Year. An additional upcoming engagement is the December 4 show in Bloomington, Indiana, at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater. Notable collaborations have enhanced Cleveland's festival presence, such as his 2023 set with Flamekeeper at the Richmond Folk Festival in , where the band delivered a high-octane program on the Stage, drawing crowds with tracks from their Grammy-winning repertoire. Similarly, his November 16, 2024, appearance at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts in Urbana-Champaign, , as part of their 2024-2025 season, spotlighted Flamekeeper's dynamic live style in a prestigious hall setting. Cleveland has also announced additional 2025 dates via , promising surprise stops and travels to various U.S. locations with Flamekeeper, keeping fans engaged with spontaneous announcements of regional gigs.

Discography

Solo albums

Michael Cleveland's earliest solo recording, One for Mac, was independently released in the late , dedicated to fiddler Mac McBane. Michael Cleveland's debut solo recording, Sawing on the "C" String, was self-released in 1998 shortly after he completed high school and turned professional. This instrumental album features 14 -driven tracks, including traditional standards like "Fire on the Mountain," "Billy in the Lowground," "Me and My ," "Lady Be Good," and the title track, highlighting his emerging technical skill and passion for the instrument despite being . As an early effort, it received limited widespread attention but served as a foundational showcase of his raw talent in the fiddle tradition. Cleveland's first major-label release, Flame Keeper, arrived in February 2002 via , marking his debut as a headliner with a 15-track collection of high-energy instrumentals. Standout selections include the upbeat opener "Dance Around Molly," the driving "Lost Indian," and the gospel-infused "Prayer Bells of Heaven," all emphasizing his precise, biting tone amid and guitar interplay. Critics praised the album for its blistering pace and infectious bounce, qualities often absent in contemporary recordings, earning it the International Bluegrass Music Association's (IBMA) Instrumental Album of the Year award. In 2006, Rounder issued Let 'Er Go, Boys!, Cleveland's third solo album and a studio production boasting 17 tracks with contributions from bluegrass luminaries such as on "Give Me Love and Affection," on "Big Sandy," and on "The Fox." The record spotlights his energetic solos across originals and covers like "Grey Eagle" and "Hopelessly in Love," blending traditional drive with vocal harmonies to create a vibrant, guest-filled showcase of his maturing style. Reception highlighted its fiery execution and collaborative spirit, reinforcing Cleveland's status as a through tracks that balance instrumental flair and ensemble dynamics. Shifting to Compass Records, Cleveland released Fiddler's Dream in October 2016, a 13-track solo effort nominated for a Grammy Award in the Best Bluegrass Album category. The album incorporates fusion elements, blending classic bluegrass with progressive touches on pieces like the title track "Fiddler's Dream" (an Arthur Smith composition), the Sam Bush-featuring "Steamboat Whistle Blues," and originals such as "Henryville" and "Blues for Bill," produced by Jeff White with support from Nashville session players including Barry Bales on bass. Reviewers lauded its masterful fiddle work and innovative arrangements, describing it as a compelling evolution that honors tradition while exploring new sonic territory. Cleveland's 2019 Compass release, Tall Fiddler, comprises 12 tracks and earned a Grammy win for Best Bluegrass Album in 2020. Featuring an all-star lineup of guests—including Tommy Emmanuel co-starring on the title track "Tall Fiddler," Béla Fleck on "Tarnation," Jerry Douglas on "Tennessee Plates," and Sam Bush on "Big Sandy"—the album delivers a mix of instrumentals and songs like "High Lonesome Sound" with The Travelin' McCourys and "New Chance Blues" with Vince Gill, emphasizing Cleveland's dexterous leads and collaborative chemistry. Critics celebrated its verve and intensity, noting the title track's standout fusion of bluegrass fiddle and acoustic guitar as a highlight of his high-impact contributions to the genre.

Albums with Flamekeeper

The band's first official full-length , Leavin' Town (2008, ), contained 14 tracks that solidified Flamekeeper's traditional sound, with tight rhythms, fast picking, and hard-driving work from members like Jamie Dailey on guitar and Ron Stewart on , emphasizing the group's cohesive energy on songs like the title track and "Jerusalem Ridge." Produced by Jeff White, the album marked the debut of a more consistent band dynamic, featuring vocal harmonies from guitarist John Mark Rivers and bassist , which helped earn Flamekeeper their first IBMA Instrumental Group of the Year award. This release focused on straightforward covers and instrumentals, reflecting the band's from Cleveland's solo endeavors into a unified ensemble. Flamekeeper escalated the intensity with (2011, ), a 14-track collection that introduced more original material and heightened energy, as seen in opener "Dixie Special" and tracks co-written by Tom Adams, fostering a sense of forward momentum in the band's sound. With a lineup including singer-guitarist Josh Richards and dobroist Greg Reedy, the album captured Flamekeeper's live-wire stage chemistry through vigorous arrangements and vocal contributions that blended seamlessly with Cleveland's virtuoso fiddling, contributing to additional IBMA recognition for the group. This project represented a maturation in group dynamics, shifting toward bolder, more personal compositions while retaining authenticity. Transitioning to Compass Records, On Down the Line (2014) featured 14 tracks with polished production under Jeff White's guidance, incorporating smoother vocal blends and instrumental showcases like "Fiddlin' Joe" that highlighted the evolving stability of Flamekeeper's core members, including Richards on guitar and new additions like Glenn Gibson on . The album's refined sound, blending heartfelt ballads such as "" with upbeat romps, underscored the band's growth into a more versatile unit capable of country-inflected , earning praise for its professional sheen and cohesive performance. This release marked a pivotal evolution, with the label change allowing for broader sonic exploration while maintaining the group's focus. In 2023, Lovin' of the Game (Compass Records) delivered 12 tracks that fused traditional bluegrass with modern country influences, featuring guest appearances from artists like Béla Fleck and Charlie Starr of Blackberry Smoke on covers such as "One Horse Town," and emphasizing Flamekeeper's rhythm section with Josh Richards' vocals on the title track. The album's energetic mix of originals and reinterpretations, produced by White, showcased the band's matured dynamics through layered harmonies and crossover appeal, culminating in a Grammy nomination for Best Bluegrass Album. This work highlighted Flamekeeper's progression toward innovative blends, integrating contemporary elements while honoring their bluegrass heritage.

Collaborative recordings

Michael Cleveland's collaborative recordings emphasize innovative fiddle partnerships, particularly duets that blend traditional bluegrass with fresh interpretations, showcasing his technical prowess alongside fellow instrumentalists. In the early 2000s, Cleveland teamed up with banjoist Tom Adams for the live Live at the Ragged Edge, released in 2004 by . Recorded during an informal performance, the album features intimate fiddle-banjo duets on tracks like "The Fiddle and the Banjo," "Dear Old ," and "Cripple Creek," highlighting spontaneous interplay and acoustic drive without additional band support. Prior to forming his own band, Cleveland contributed fiddle to albums by established bluegrass artists, including Dale Ann Bradley's Send the Angels Down (2005, Mountain Home Records), where his energetic solos enhanced gospel-infused tracks, and Rhonda Vincent's The Storm Still Rages (2001, ), adding dynamic layers to songs like "Cry of the Whippoorwill" during his tenure with The Rage. These pre-2010 features underscored his role in elevating ensemble work within traditional contexts. Cleveland's most prominent joint studio project to date is Carter & Cleveland (2025, Fiddle Man Records), co-billed with fellow IBMA Fiddle Player of the Year Jason Carter. The 11-track album centers on dual-fiddle arrangements, blending high-energy breakdowns with harmonious vocals and guest appearances from artists like Sam Bush and Vince Gill. Standout tracks include the opener "Give It Away," a rollicking Tim O'Brien composition driven by mandolin-fiddle synergy, and "Outrun the Rain," which won the 2025 IBMA Song of the Year award for its innovative bluegrass narrative. The release earned a 2026 Grammy nomination for Best Bluegrass Album and the 2025 IBMA Album of the Year, celebrating its cross-generational fiddle innovation.

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