Billy Strings, born William Apostol, has become more than just a guitarist, he’s an outright phenomenon in the bluegrass, jam band, and Americana world at large. Raised in Michigan and based in Nashville, Strings’ trip to the top has been a ride marked not simply by luck, but by hard work, unparalleled skill, and six string innovation. His virtuosic guitar playing has earned him a reputation as one of the most compelling players in music today. He developed an early passion for bluegrass, thanks to his stepfather, Terry Barber, who introduced him to the genre’s deep heritage. This early exposure shapes his unique sound, blending traditional bluegrass with a contemporary flair all his own.

His latest release, Billy Strings Live Vol. 1, is his first official live album. It follows the release of last year’s epic jam, the 38-minute live performance of “Meet Me At The Creek > Pyramid Country > Must Be Seven > Meet Me At The Creek,” recorded at Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Winston-Salem, NC. This electrifying track captures the raw energy and dynamic atmosphere of Strings’ live shows and a taste of his concert magic. And at the time it didn’t seem possible it could be outdone, but that’s exactly what Strings has done with Live Vol. 1.

Even at such a young age, Strings has already done so much, like his acclaimed collaboration with Willie Nelson on the Grammy-nominated “California Sober” and his most recent album, Me/And/Dad, featuring heartwarming duets with his stepfather, which was nominated for Best Bluegrass Album at this year’s Grammy Awards. The album was the realization of a lifelong dream, revisiting fourteen bluegrass and country classics that Strings and Barber have played together since Strings was a child.

Since his debut in 2017, Strings has amassed an impressive array of accolades. He won Best Bluegrass Album at the 63rd Grammy Awards and was named Artist of the Year at the 2022 and 2023 Americana Music Awards. His talent has been recognized with multiple Entertainer of the Year titles at the International Bluegrass Music Awards and honors from the Pollstar Awards, including Best New Headliner and Breakthrough Artist of the Pandemic. And perhaps more staggering is the list of elder statesmen who have invited String to perform on stage and record. That list includes Béla Fleck, the String Cheese Incident, Del McCoury, Dierks Bentley, Widespread Panic, and even Tool.

With Live Vol. 1, Billy Strings cements his status as a guitar virtuoso and stamps his name in the big book of greats of bluegrass. His deep reverence for tradition mixed with his innovative spirit ensures that bluegrass music will continue to evolve and thrive in his capable hands.