Who is Billy Strings?

Billy Strings is an American bluegrass music artist and songwriter from Michigan. Born in 1989 with the name William Apostol, Billy Strings has become a prominent figure in the genre of bluegrass music. He has released four albums, two of which were nominated for Grammy awards. He has also collaborated with many established artists such as Jerry Douglas, Billy F Gibbons, Trampled by Turtles, and Keller Williams.

Early Life & Career

Billy Strings grew up in a musical family and was exposed to bluegrass music at a young age. In 2010, he formed his first band, Don Julin & Billy Strings. He released his first album with this band in 2011. Since then, he has released three more albums and has been praised for his unique and modern style of bluegrass music.

Collaborations & Awards

Billy Strings has collaborated with a variety of other musicians including Keller Williams, Trampled by Turtles, Billy F Gibbons, and Jerry Douglas. His most notable collaborations have been with legendary blues guitarist Billy F Gibbons on their album 'The Big Bad Blues', and with Trampled by Turtles on their album 'Life Is Good On The Open Road'. In 2019, his album 'Home' was nominated for a Grammy award for Best Bluegrass Album.

Style & Musical Influences

Billy Strings is known for blending traditional bluegrass music with more modern styles of music such as rock and punk. He uses a variety of instruments in his music including the banjo, guitar, mandolin, fiddle, and Dobro to create a unique sound. His musical influences include Bill Monroe, The Grateful Dead, as well as punk rock bands such as The Ramones and The Clash.

Legacy

Billy Strings is an important figure in modern bluegrass music. His ability to combine traditional bluegrass sounds with more modern styles has helped to bring the genre to a new audience. His Grammy nominations have also helped to bring attention to the genre and showcase its relevance today.