My guest this week is the 2026 National Mandolin Champion Anthony Howell.
Anthony was born, and raised, near Kosciusko, MS. He originally found an interest in the guitar by growing up watching his dad play. At age 11, Howell began taking music lessons from Alan Sibley, of Alan Sibley & The Magnolia Ramblers. Alan taught him how to play the mandolin, guitar, and banjo and he later taught himself to play the bass.
His musical influences include Jens Kruger of The Kruger Brothers, Charlie Waller, Jimmy Martin, Jesse McReynolds, Bill Emerson, Tony Rice, Tim Stafford, Larry Wallace, Scott Vestal, Jesse Brock, and many more. Anthony takes influence from many areas. He always wanted to be original and not sound like anyone else. Noticing how many musicians today focus on trying to sound like other musicians, Howell felt a need to try to be unique and innovative. He has spent many hours a day writing original music and coming up with new licks and ideas for the banjo.
Anthony is the 4 time consecutive IBMA Momentum Instrumentalist Of Year Nominee, 2023 Walnut Valley National Banjo Champion, 2025 Alabama State Mandolin Champion, 2021 Alabama State Banjo Champion, 2015 Mississippi State Banjo and Guitar Championship, and he also placed 2nd in mandolin that same year. Howell also secured a 1st place victory in the 2026 National Mandolin Champion and 2nd place in the 2026 National Flat Pick Guitar Championship. He is also an accomplished session musician who has worked on 60+ projects in his short, yet successful career.
He spent his early years playing around home with Tyler Carroll & Pineridge and The Bluegrass Cartel. Throughout his career, he has been seen playing on stage with Alan Sibley & The Magnolia Ramblers, Williamson Branch, Edgar Loudermilk Band, Jim Hurst, Micheal Cleveland & Flamekeeper, and in 2025 he made his first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry stage, playing with Dailey & Vincent. Howell now plays with Seth Mulder & Midnight Run in 2024 playing guitar but he now plays banjo full time in the band and sings.
Anthony’s Links:
Songs featured in this episode:
Anthony doesn’t have any mandolin recordings out there, however, here are a few videos you should check out!
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