Why is he called Billy Strings? What are Billy Strings fans called?

Billy Strings is an award-winning American guitarist and bluegrass musician whose album Home won the Grammy Award for Best Bluegrass Album in 2021. Strings, born William Lee Apostol, acquired his stage name from his Aunt Mondi.

When Billy was still known by his birth name, everyone called him “Boomer.” However, his Aunt Mondi, who was like a mother to him, played a pivotal role. As she approached the end of her life, she decided to give him a new nickname.

That’s when “Billy Strings” was born, and it stuck ever since. As for Billy Strings’ fans, they go by Billy Goats. Billy Strings is known not only for his instrumental prowess but also as one of acoustic music’s most expressive vocalists. His melodies often carry a breezy quality, but there’s depth within the lyrics, especially evident in songs like “The Fire on My Tongue”.

Rolling Stone named Strings one of the Top Ten New Country Artists to Know in 2017. The International Bluegrass Music Association awarded him with the Momentum Instrumentalist of the Year award in 2016.

Billy Strings has performed at festivals including Frankfort Bluegrass Festival (Frankfort, IL), Hookahville, Blue Ox, Pickathon, Merlefest, DelFest, High Sierra Music Festival, Lollapalooza, Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival, Telluride Bluegrass Festival, John Hartford Memorial Festival, Aiken Bluegrass Festival, Appaloosa Music Festival, Wheatland Music Festival, Red Wing Roots Music Festival, Bristol Rhythm & Roots, Rooster Walk, French Broad River Festival, Makers Trail Festival, Under the Big Sky Festival and the All Good Presents 4848 Festival.