- From Candler, North Carolina. Lives in Nashville.
- Began playing guitar at age 8. Heavily influenced by Doc Watson and Tony Rice.
- 1992, first professional job: playing guitar with Karen Peck, a southern gospel artist.
- 1993, moved to Nashville and joined a gospel group called Mid South.
- 1995, joined Ricky Skaggs’ band Kentucky Thunder and appeared on Ricky’s “Bluegrass Rules” album.
- 1998, left Kentucky Thunder to devote more time to his family and his work as a session musician in Nashville.
- 1999, recorded and toured with Dolly Parton.
- 2000, released Ready To Go
album (Sugar Hill).
- 2001, worked with the Dixie Chicks on their “Home” album and tour.
- 2003, began performing with Hot Rize, taking the place of the late Charles Sawtelle.
- 2003, released Bluegrass Guitar
album (Sugar Hill).
- 2004, toured with Earl Scruggs.
- 2006, released Not Too Far From The Tree
album (Sugar Hill).
- 2007, won a Grammy for Best Country Instrumental Performance for his duet recording with Doc Watson.
- 2009, released Almost Live
album (Sugar Hill).
- 2014, released Into My Own
album (Sugar Hill).
- 2015, won his 8th IBMA award for Guitar Player of the Year (he also won in 2000, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2011 and 2013).
- 2016, released The More I Learn album (Sugar Hill).
- 2016, began touring with his own band which included Casey Campbell (mandolin), Sam Grisman (bass) and Mike Bartlett (fiddle).
Sutton, Bryan
