Episode

Bluegrass virtuoso Billy Strings

Podcast: Fresh Air
Published: Sep 25, 2026
Duration seconds: 2817
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Canonical source: https://www.npr.org/2026/09/25/nx-s1-5981144/bluegrass-virtuoso-billy-strings
Audio: https://prfx.byspotify.com/e/play.podtrac.com/npr-381444908/npr.simplecastaudio.com/49850946-31c1-4953-8129-0d718420c400/episodes/9f41711c-4738-47ad-a7af-3b0213c7e4dd/audio/128/default.mp3?awCollectionId=49850946-31c1-4953-8129-0d718420c400&awEpisodeId=9f41711c-4738-47ad-a7af-3b0213c7e4dd&feed=jBsBZBHh&t=podcast&e=nx-s1-5981144&p=381444908&d=2817&size=45085344
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Summary

The Grammy-winning singer, songwriter and guitarist has one foot in traditional bluegrass and another in improvisational jam music. He has a new album, So Much for Goodbyes , inspired by his late mother. He spoke with producer Sam Briger about healing himself through songwriting, performing the day his mom died, and how being a father has changed him as a musician. "I sing now from a place of freedom and joy in my belly," Strings says. He brought his guitar to the interview. Originally broadcast Sept. 8, 2025. Ccritic at large John Powers reviews the new novel The Disappearers by Marlon James, which has been described as a masterpiece. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy