The most awarded fiddler in IBMA history, with 12 Fiddle Player of the Year titles. Blind since infancy, he leads his band Flamekeeper with a fierce, driving style rooted in Kenny Baker and Benny Martin. National Fiddler Hall of Fame inductee.
Why this player is listed
Michael Cleveland appears in the Play Bluegrass guide to notable fiddle players, which collects contest champions, bluegrass fiddlers, Canadian fiddlers, judges, and departed legends tied to the tradition.
More fiddle context
For the larger list, start with the big list of fiddle players. For the style itself, read the guide to bluegrass fiddle.