Born in Nashville, Drew Emmitt founder of the jam band Leftover Salmon moved to Boulder, CO, in 1973 and entered Colorado University after graduating from high school. In 1984, he formed a bluegrass group, the Left Hand String Band, named after a local area in Colorado. In 1990, Emmitt formed Leftover Salmon with Vince Herman, becoming a jam band staple and dynamic live act. The performer, known for an incredibly rapid mandolin playing style, has performed with everyone from Peter Rowan and John Cowan to Neil Young. In April 2002, Emmitt released his debut solo effort, Freedom Ride, on Compass Records.

Presently Drew Emmitt continues touring with his own ensemble, with Leftover Salmon, and as an artist-at-large.