Article Contributed by Gratefulweb
Published on 2026-07-10
Springfield, Mo. — Springfield, Missouri's The HillBenders have released Live at the Grand Ole Opry Vol. 1, a three-song live EP recorded during the band's Spring 2026 appearance on the historic Grand Ole Opry stage in Nashville. Available now on all major streaming platforms, the collection captures the band's acclaimed live performance while offering listeners a first public preview of BeatleGrass, the band's newest concert production celebrating the music of The Beatles through bluegrass.
Recorded entirely live without studio overdubs, Live at the Grand Ole Opry Vol. 1 showcases three performances that reflect The HillBenders' musical identity: honoring bluegrass tradition, creating original music rooted in everyday life, and reimagining timeless songs through an acoustic lens.
The EP opens with "I Ain't Gonna Work Tomorrow," a Carter Family classic featuring lead vocalist Jody Bilyeu, paying tribute to one of the most influential songbooks in American roots music.
The second track, "One Fine, Sweet & Sunny Day," is an original written by banjo player Andrew Morris. A hopeful song that anyone can relate to, it reflects the optimism that has long been part of The HillBenders' songwriting. The song also carries added meaning for the band as Morris recently welcomed his first child, marking the first time all five members have found themselves in different seasons of fatherhood.
Closing the collection is "Lady Madonna," giving audiences their first preview of BeatleGrass, The HillBenders' newest live production centered on music outside the band's original catalog. Following acclaimed projects including Tommy: A Bluegrass Opry and WhoGrass, BeatleGrass reimagines the timeless songs of The Beatles through inventive bluegrass arrangements while honoring the melodies, spirit and craftsmanship that have made the music endure for generations.
The HillBenders have built a reputation for blending tradition with innovation. The band has toured extensively throughout the United States and internationally, appeared multiple times on the Grand Ole Opry, been featured in Billboard and Rolling Stone, collaborated with Keller Williams on the PettyGrass and GratefulGrass projects, and earned national recognition for Tommy: A Bluegrass Opry, an acclaimed bluegrass interpretation of The Who's landmark rock opera.
"The Grand Ole Opry has always been one of those stages that means something to every musician who loves American roots music," said mandolinist Jody Bilyeu. "We wanted these performances to stay exactly as they happened: live, unedited and honest. This EP tells the story of who we are today. It honors the music that shaped us and offers a glimpse of where we're headed next with BeatleGrass."
Listen:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/0sC8W3QZO7Oro9qllGDRMA
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-hillbenders-live-at-the-grand-ole-opry-vol-1-single/6786577547
Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/albums/B0H74RMYFV
Available on all major streaming platforms.
Based in the gateway to The Ozarks, Springfield, Missouri, The HillBenders have spent more than two decades building a reputation as one of bluegrass music's most inventive touring bands. Their performances combine accomplished musicianship, tight vocal harmonies and a willingness to explore new creative territory while remaining firmly rooted in the traditions of American roots music. Alongside original material, the band is known for acclaimed productions including Tommy: A Bluegrass Opry, WhoGrass and the new BeatleGrass production.
