Béla Fleck Released Tennessee Video With Billy Strings
The track serves as a preview for the upcoming album Live Heart: My Bluegrass Heart At The Ryman.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Classical
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Banjo virtuoso Béla Fleck has shared a live recording and video of the song "Tennessee" featuring guitarist and vocalist Billy Strings. The performance was captured during a 2022 concert at the historic Ryman Auditorium.
Why it matters
The release builds anticipation for Fleck's upcoming live album, which documents a star-studded performance originally staged to celebrate his 2021 studio project. It highlights the collaborative nature of the bluegrass scene as Fleck prepares for further live engagements later this year.
The new release is part of a 20-track collection that includes performances from musicians featured on the 2021 album My Bluegrass Heart. The forthcoming package will be available in configurations of 3 vinyl records or 2 CDs.
The players
Béla Fleck
He is an acclaimed banjo player and composer known for his work in bluegrass and jazz fusion.
Billy Strings
He is a Grammy-winning guitarist and singer who has become a prominent figure in modern bluegrass.
Chris Thile
He is a mandolinist and singer-songwriter famous for his work with the band Nickel Creek and Punch Brothers.
Renée Fleming
She is an internationally renowned opera singer who will join Fleck for a performance at Carnegie Hall.
Aoife O'Donovan
She is a singer-songwriter and musician known for her work as a solo artist and with the band I'm With Her.
The details
Produced for the upcoming live album, the performance features Fleck backed by an ensemble of musicians from his previous studio effort. Although originally scheduled for early January 2022, the Ryman concert was delayed by one day due to severe weather, which also prevented Chris Thile from attending.
Timeline
January 8, 2022: The concert was recorded at the Ryman Auditorium.
October 16, 2026: The album Live Heart: My Bluegrass Heart At The Ryman will be released.
December 3, 2026: Béla Fleck will perform at Carnegie Hall.
Industry Dynamics
This release follows the ongoing trend of artists using live recordings of high-profile concert events to extend the commercial lifecycle of their studio projects. By documenting the touring ensemble of the 2021 My Bluegrass Heart album, Fleck leverages established fan interest in his recent material.
Fans can look forward to the full album release on October 16 via Béla Fleck Productions and Thirty Tigers. Those interested in live performances can catch Fleck at Carnegie Hall on December 3.
The takeaway
The documentation of the Ryman concert captures a unique assembly of bluegrass talent that highlights the genre's collaborative spirit. Listeners can anticipate a comprehensive collection that revisits the material from Fleck's expansive 2021 project.
Further reading
For more on evolving performances in this genre, visit the Classical section.
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