History of Billy Strings in Timeline

William Lee Apostol, known professionally as Billy Strings, is a highly acclaimed American guitarist, singer, songwriter, and bluegrass musician. He has released four studio albums, showcasing his virtuosity and innovation within the bluegrass genre. His album 'Home' earned him a Grammy Award for Best Bluegrass Album in 2021, and his live album 'Live Vol. 1' won the same award in 2025, solidifying his place as a leading figure in contemporary bluegrass music. He is known for his energetic live performances and his ability to blend traditional bluegrass with elements of other genres.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

October 3, 1992: William Lee Apostol's Birth

On October 3, 1992, William Lee Apostol, who later became known as Billy Strings, was born. He is an American guitarist, singer, songwriter, and bluegrass musician.

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2012: Partnership with Don Julin

In 2012, Billy Strings began a four-year partnership with Don Julin, a mandolin player and author of "Mandolin for Dummies", after Julin asked Strings to join him on a paying gig.

2014: Beginning of Relationship with Ally Dale

In 2014, Billy Strings began dating yoga instructor Ally Dale after meeting at the Ore Dock Brewing Co. in Marquette, Michigan.

2016: Awards from IBMA and Bluegrass Situation

In 2016, Billy Strings received the Momentum Instrumentalist of the Year award from the International Bluegrass Music Association. Bluegrass Situation also named him a scene tastemaker in 2016.

February 2017: Rising Star of Bluegrass

In February 2017, Billy Strings was recognized as one of the six new rising stars of bluegrass by Acoustic Guitar. He also collaborated with Molly Tuttle on the songs "Sittin' on Top of the World" and "Billy in the Lowground" that year.

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2017: Recognition by Rolling Stone and HuffPost

In 2017, Rolling Stone named Billy Strings one of the Top Ten New Country Artists to Know. Also in 2017, Lisa Snedeker of HuffPost proclaimed Billy String's album, Turmoil & Tinfoil, as one of the best albums of the year.

February 12, 2018: Rolling Stone Article

On February 12, 2018, Rolling Stone published an article titled "Bluegrass Prodigy Billy Strings Plots 2018 Spring Tour," highlighting Billy Strings as an emerging talent in the bluegrass world.

March 2018: Bluegrass Underground Performer

In March 2018, PBS announced that Billy Strings would be the inaugural performer at the new cave for the renowned series Bluegrass Underground in Pelham, Tennessee.

March 2018: Music Video Release and Touring Plans

In March 2018, Rolling Stone released Billy Strings' debut music video for his song "Dealing Despair" from his album Turmoil & Tinfoil. At this time, he also planned to play over 200 shows in 2018.

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January 2019: Rolling Stone Article

In January 2019, Rolling Stone published an article titled "Why Guitarist Billy Strings Is the Bluegrass Star You Don't Want to Miss," further solidifying Billy Strings' rising star status.

June 2019: Signed to Rounder Records

In June 2019, Billy Strings signed with Rounder Records, marking a significant step in his professional music career.

September 26, 2019: IBMA Guitar Player of the Year

On September 26, 2019, Billy Strings was voted the International Bluegrass Music Association Guitar Player of the Year in Raleigh, North Carolina.

September 27, 2019: Release of "Home" Album

On September 27, 2019, Billy Strings released his album "Home" under Rounder Records. It became his most successful release, topping multiple charts.

July 2021: Newport Folk Festival Performance

In July 2021, Billy Strings performed as a solo artist at the Newport Folk Festival.

September 24, 2021: Release of Renewal Album

On September 24, 2021, Billy Strings released his third studio album, "Renewal".

2021: Collaboration with Billy & the Kids

In 2021, Billy Strings joined Bill Kreutzmann's Billy & the Kids for a number of shows, alongside James Casey, a saxophone player.

2021: Grammy Award for Home

In 2021, Billy Strings' album "Home" won the Grammy Award for Best Bluegrass Album, marking a significant achievement in his career.

July 3, 2022: Alex Hargreaves Joins Touring Band

On July 3, 2022, Billy Strings' touring band expanded from a quartet to a five-piece, with Alex Hargreaves becoming a permanent member during a show in Baltimore.

October 3, 2022: Album Announcement: Me/And/Dad

On October 3, 2022, Billy Strings announced the album "Me/And/Dad", a collaborative project with his father Terry Barber.

November 2022: Release of Me/And/Dad Album

In November 2022, Billy Strings and his father Terry Barber released "Me/And/Dad", a collection of traditional country and bluegrass music. The same day the album was announced, "Long Journey Home" / "Life to Go" was released as a two-song single.

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2022: International Bluegrass Music Awards

At the 2022 International Bluegrass Music Awards, Billy Strings won Entertainer of the Year for the second consecutive year. His song "Red Daisy" also won Song of the Year.

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March 4, 2023: Live Recording

On March 4, 2023, Billy Strings recorded a three-song medley of "Meet Me At The Creek" > "Pyramid Country" > "Must Be Seven" > "Meet Me At The Creek" in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, that was later released as a single on December 8, 2023.

September 9, 2023: Marriage to Ally Dale

On September 9, 2023, Billy Strings married his long-time partner, Ally Dale, in a private ceremony at the Hoxeyville Music Festival venue in Wellston, Michigan.

December 8, 2023: Live Recording Release

On December 8, 2023, Billy Strings released his first official live recording, a 38-minute single recorded on March 4, 2023, featuring a medley of songs.

2023: Recordings for Live Vol. 1

Throughout 2023, Billy Strings recorded live tracks that would be included on his album, "Live Vol. 1", which was released on July 12, 2024.

June 22, 2024: Pregnancy Announcement

On June 22, 2024, Billy Strings and his wife, Ally Dale, announced they were expecting their first child together.

July 12, 2024: Live Vol. 1 Album Release

On July 12, 2024, Billy Strings released his first full-length live album, "Live Vol. 1", featuring live recordings from 2023 and 2024.

September 27, 2024: Release of Highway Prayers

On September 27, 2024, Billy Strings released "Highway Prayers", his fourth studio album and his first for Reprise Records.

September 29, 2024: Birth of Son

On September 29, 2024, Billy Strings and his wife, Ally Dale, welcomed their first child, a son.

November 1, 2024: Highway Prayers Performance

On November 1, 2024, Billy Strings performed his album "Highway Prayers" in its entirety during the first set of a concert in Baltimore, Maryland, as part of his fall tour.

January 24, 2025: Winter Tour Launch

On January 24, 2025, Billy Strings launched his Winter Tour with three shows at Denver's Ball Arena, in support of his album "Highway Prayers".

June 20, 2025: Death of Debra Apostol

On June 20, 2025, Billy Strings' mother, Debra, passed away in her sleep. Shortly after learning of her death, Billy Strings dedicated his show in Lexington, Kentucky, to her memory.

August 1, 2025: Performance with Dead & Company

On August 1, 2025, Billy Strings performed an opening set for Dead & Company at San Francisco's Golden Gate Park during the Grateful Dead's 60th-anniversary celebration. He later joined the band to perform "Wharf Rat."

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