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Collaborating with The Rolling Stones: Byron Berline

Byron Berline was a fiddle wizard from Oklahoma whose bow could ignite any stage. From intimate bluegrass halls to massive rock arenas, he left an unforgettable mark, playing alongside legends like Bill Monroe, The Flying Burrito Brothers, and even the Stones. Known for lightning-fast fingers and a distinctive style, Berline brought the fiddle to life, blending country, bluegrass, and rock with effortless flair. His playing was bold, expressive, and impossible to ignore, earning him a reputation as one of the most versatile and influential fiddlers of his generation. Byron Berline’s legacy continues to inspire musicians worldwide.

American fiddle player who guested on Country Honk (from the Let It Bleed album, 1969), and also on Bill Wyman’s first solo album Monkey Grip, released in 1974 (on songs Pussy and What A Blow)

On recording with the Stones, Berline recalled in a 1997 interview with BlueGrass West: “Gram Parsons suggested to them to get me to play on it, and I just barely knew him. This was in October of ’69… We went down to the studio, Elektra Studios, in L.A. I was in the studio for a couple of passes through, and they said, ‘Hey, we want you to come in, we want to talk to you,’ and I thought, oh, they don’t like it, they’re going to dump it. But I went in and they said, ‘We want you to stand outside in the street on the sidewalk and record it . . . . we’ll get a nice ambiance, we think,’ and I kind of giggled and said, ‘Well, whatever you want to do.’ So that’s what we did. That’s where they got the car horn.”

Read more about Byron Berline (from Variety magazine, 2021)
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Byron Berline: Country Roots, Rock Connections

Byron Berline was a legendary American fiddler whose influence on country and bluegrass music is undeniable. Hailing from Oklahoma, Berline’s love for fiddle music began at an early age, and he quickly became known for his virtuosity and distinctive style. Throughout his career, he played with some of the biggest names in country, bluegrass, and rock, including the likes of Bill Monroe, the Flying Burrito Brothers, and even the Rolling Stones.

Berline’s playing was characterized by its incredible speed, precision, and the ability to mix traditional country sounds with a touch of jazz and rock, making him a versatile figure in the music world. He was a founding member of the country group The String Wizards and later formed the Byron Berline Band, where his skills shone through in every performance.

His fiddle playing was often described as energetic yet soulful, delivering melodies that could be both delicate and fiery. Whether performing at a small club or a large festival, Berline’s influence on country music was immense, and he is remembered as one of the greatest fiddlers in the genre’s history. His legacy continues to inspire countless musicians who look up to his unique blend of technical skill and heartfelt expression.

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