Compton has received multiple International Bluegrass Music Association award nominations[2] and a commendation from the Mississippi State Senate.
Mike Compton has toured and recorded over several decades with musicians across various genres, including Sting, Gregg Allman, Elvis Costello, John Hartford, Doc Watson, Peter Rowan, Ralph Stanley, and David Grisman.
He has performed as a soloist and with various groups at festivals, clubs, concert halls, recording sessions, and music workshops, and he also offers private instruction.
A native of Mississippi, Compton began playing mandolin in his teens, influenced by the region's blues, old-time country, and bluegrass traditions.
After completing his education at Meridian Junior College, Compton moved to Nashville and joined Hubert Davis and the Season Travelers in 1977.
Following a bus accident that left bandmate Mark Hembree injured, Compton took a break from the music industry and moved to the Catskills, where he worked as a cottage caretaker.
The soundtrack won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year, sold seven million copies, and played a role in reviving interest in old-time and bluegrass music.