Béla Fleck is a virtuosic banjo player whose career has spanned over four decades, during which he has transformed the image of the banjo through an extraordinary range of musical genres. Born on July 10, 1958, in New York City, Fleck was named after classical composer Béla Bartók and began his journey on the banjo at age 15, inspired by the bluegrass sounds of Flatt and Scruggs. Over time, he has injected his staggering prowess into the realms of jazz, classical, rock, and world music, all the while maintaining a foundation in bluegrass traditions.

Over the course of his illustrious career, Fleck has won 15 Grammy Awards with nominations in more categories than any other artist in the history of the awards, showcasing his versatility and cross-genre appeal. In his most recent projects, Fleck continues to explore the boundaries of the banjo's capabilities. From his subtly intricate "Unidentified Piece for Banjo" to the collaborative fusion found in "My Bluegrass Heart" and the genre-crossing "Wheels Up", his works highlight the instrument's rich textural possibilities. Alongside other boundary-pushing artists like Sierra Hull, Molly Tuttle, Sam Bush, and Chris Thile, Fleck crafts music that manages to be both innovative and steeped in tradition. His album "Echo In The Valley" with Abigail Washburn won the 2019 Grammy for Best Folk Album, underscoring his standing as a central figure in contemporary folk and bluegrass music. Whether journeying through the classical-inspired "Juno Concerto" or engaging in the live interplay of "Two (Live)", Béla Fleck's discography is a testament to the dynamism and boundless potential of the banjo.

Genres

Banjo

Bluegrass

Instrumental Bluegrass

Progressive Bluegrass

Related Artists

Edgar Meyer

Jerry Douglas

Tony Trischka

Chris Thile

Sam Bush

Yo-Yo Ma

David Grisman

Stuart Duncan

Mark O'Connor

Steve Martin

Victor Wooten

Alison Krauss

Latest Release

Let the Creek Rise

Bill Evans•

Béla Fleck•

Jerry Douglas

Single - Released July 5, 2024