Most of you who are IBMA members probably received this via email a day or two ago, but we felt it was worth publishing here.

To the IBMA,

I would like to thank you for the two awards that I received this past Thursday, October 27th at The Ryman Auditorium. It was a dream come true for me to have the honor of being named “Dobro Player Of The Year,” and also have my CD Slide Effects named “Instrumental Album of the Year.” I can’t even begin to tell you all the emotions that one feels when you hear your name called. I always dreamed of one day getting an IBMA award, but like I said, I only dreamed. I never thought in a million years this could happen to me! I am also very proud knowing that I am only the third recipient of the IBMA’s Dobro Player Of The Year Award. I feel so lucky to be in the presence of both Jerry Douglas and Rob Ickes who were the only players to ever win this award. I hope that I can carry it with the same dignity, class, and respect that they both have. I was also very honored to share the ballot with Mike Auldridge and Randy Kohrs, two players that I admire very much, and deserve this just as much as I do.

I also want to personally thank all the members of the IBMA, who voted for me this year on such a tough ballot. I want to thank all the radio personalities and stations, who added me to their play lists. Thanks also to the fans and friends who have supported me during the 32 years I have spend in this business.

Not only winning these two awards, but also getting to accept them on the stage of the world famous Ryman Auditorium made the event even more awesome!

I thank each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart.

Sincerely,

Phil Leadbetter
2005 IBMA “Dobro Player of the Year”
2005 IBMA “Instrumental Recording of the Year”

Visit Phil online: www.unclephilonline.com www.wildfireband.com