Mike Compton and Joe Newberry, “I Know Whose Tears”
Peghead Nation mandolin instructor and his duo partner play an original song during their recent West Coast tour.
Among Peghead Nation mandolin instructor Mike Compton‘s many projects is a duo with songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Joe Newberry. The two released a live album in 2012 that highlights their stripped-down approach to old-time tunes, traditional and gospel songs, and originals, all evoking the brother duet music of the 1930s and ’40s.
In the past few weeks, Compton and Newberry were on the West Coast, recording a project at the Old-Time Tiki Parlour in Los Angeles and playing a series of concerts. This video is from their performance at the Masonic Lodge in Mountain View, California, organized by the Redwood Bluegrass Associates and attended by a few hundred appreciative fans.
“I Know Whose Tears” is a an original song written by Joe and sent out as a tribute to his late mother. It serves as a fine example of why Joe is well-known for his heartfelt songs, several of which have been recorded by folk and bluegrass notables. And it is a reminder that a deep song delivered simply and honestly is among the most powerful musical moments you’ll experience.
Learn to play Monroe-Style Mandolin with Mike Compton on Peghead Nation.
Learn more about Mike Compton and Joe Newberry on their websites:
Related Live Onstage Posts
![]() |
Mike Compton and Joe Newberry, “Please Baby”Peghead Nation mandolin instructor and his duo partner play “Please Baby” during a late-night set. Read More |
![]() |
Compton and Newberry: “Death and Blues”Mike Compton plays a powerful original song with his long-time duo partner Joe Newberry. Read More |
![]() |
Mike Compton and Joe Newberry: “Death and Blues”Peghead Nation mandolin instructor plays an original song with his duo partner, at the Great Lakes Music Camp concert. Read More |
![]() |
The Joes and Friends, “Missouri Borderland”Peghead Nation mandolin instructor Joe Walsh plays with Joe Newberry, Joe Craven, Rob Ickes, Trey Hensley, and others during a late-night session at the 2015 IBMA Conference. Read More |
![]() |
California Bluegrass Reunion: “Coyote Trail”Peghead Nation instructors play one of John Reischman's original tunes at the 2026 Father's Day Festival in Grass Valley, California. Read More |
![]() |
John Hartford Fiddle Tune Project: “Tennessee Politics”Sharon Gilchrist, Rachel Baiman, and Ella Korth play a John Hartford fiddle tune during their workshop at the Grey Fox Festival. Read More |
![]() |
Never Come Down: “9 to 5”Peghead Nation vocal instructors play a great version of the hit Dolly Parton song. Read More |
![]() |
Darol Anger and Joe K. Walsh’s BLUR-GRASS: “Laughing River”An all-star band, including two Peghead instructors, plays a great Greg Brown song at the Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival. Read More |
![]() |
John Hartford Fiddle Tune Project: “The Julia Belle Swain”Sharon Gilchrist, Rachel Baiman, and Ella Korth play a John Hartford classic live at the 2026 Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival. Read More |
![]() |
California Bluegrass Reunion: “Little Pine Siskin”Peghead Nation instructors play a John Reischman original the Freight in Berkeley, California. Read More |















