Mike Auldridge (1938-2012) was a pioneering American dobro player known for his influential work in bluegrass and country music. Born in Washington, D.C., Auldridge became infatuated with the dobro at a young age, drawn to its distinctive resonant sound. He is often credited with modernizing the dobro, bringing it from the background into a lead instrument in an ensemble setting. He co-founded the Seldom Scene, a progressive bluegrass group that pushed genre boundaries and gained acclaim for blending traditional bluegrass with elements of pop, folk, and rock music.

Throughout his celebrated career, Auldridge released several solo albums and collaborated with numerous artists, his effortless virtuosity charming audiences and inspiring countless musicians. Notable among his works are his self-titled album "Mike Auldridge," which showcased his mastery of the instrument, and the collaborative effort "Three Bells," which united him with fellow dobro luminaries Jerry Douglas and Rob Ickes—a testament to his enduring legacy in American roots music. Auldridge's unique style and contributions to the genre have earned him a place in the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and the admiration of music lovers around the world.