Dear Reader,
Welcome to the first day of spring! Springtime makes me think of birds. Birds make me think specifically of sparrows with their chirpy music and their sassy songs. Those sparrows make me think Becky Buller, the chirpy, sassy subject of my interview today. Becky is very much like the singing sparrow in Roger Hutchison’s book Sparrow’s Prayer. Read on to find out more about Becky’s story and how to win an autographed copy of her Jubilee CD or a copy of Hutchison’s book.
I met Becky Buller Haley years ago when a banjo-playing church friend suggested I take violin lessons from her. A world-famous fiddle-playing, guitar-playing, banjo-playing, all-round singer, songwriter, and musician, Becky is an inspiration to me and all who know her.
While Becky Buller originally hails from the state of Minnesota, she now lives in the foothills of Tennessee. Her bluegrass music echoes throughout those hills and in many other areas throughout the world.
After Becky’s release of Jubilee in 2024, I had a chance to ask her about her music journey.
Q: What brought you from Minnesota to Tennessee?
A: I moved to Johnson City, Tennessee, in 1997 to study bluegrass music at East Tennessee State University. That is where I fell completely in love with the people and the music of Appalachia. After graduating in 2001 with a degree in public relations, a performance opportunity brought me to Middle Tennessee, and introduced me to my husband. For almost 16 years now we’ve lived in his hometown, Manchester, Tennessee.
Q: Most people graduate from college and struggle to find a comfortable and rewarding niche in life. How did you break into the music business and achieve recognition at an early age?
A: Making a living in music was never a conscious decision for me. I loved writing and singing songs; I loved playing my fiddle. I went where the wind took me. Although friends strongly encouraged me to start my own band, I stayed a side person for a long time. Exactly 10 years ago, I couldn’t avoid stepping out on my own any longer. It really has been a great ride. I’m so grateful for the wonderfully warm reception we’ve received and the fantastic folks I’ve gotten to work with. I am truly blessed.
Q: Ah! “I went where the wind took me.” I think there’s a song somewhere in that line! What are some of the highlights of your career, and what are some of your favorite places to perform?
A: Debuting on the Grand Ole Opry on September 3, 2021, and performing with the First Ladies of Bluegrass as Steve Martin’s backing band during a run of comedy shows with Martin Short in early 2020. My daughter Romy and I also got to sing “9 to 5” on stage with Dolly Parton and a host of other notable female artists at the 2019 Newport Folk Festival. I love performing at the Old School House in Leesburg, Virginia. Several wonderful, iconic bluegrass albums have been recorded there over the years. It’s always wonderful to perform for both my hometown and adopted hometown crowds in St. James, Minnesota, and Manchester, Tennessee.
Q: I understand your album Jubilee is a uniquely transparent look at your personal struggles in recent years. According to your website, the songs reflect “a wistful longing for physical, emotional and spiritual rest.” What inspired you to write these songs, and what do you hope your listeners will take away from this album?
A: The pandemic was a crucible for us all. Some were refined by the fire; others were consumed. For me it revealed the cracks in my world and very nearly crushed me to dust. I now know what King David meant when he said in Psalm 23 that he was walking in the valley of the shadow of death. But praise God! I’m still here and doing everything I can to not take another day for granted. The Jubilee album is my way of sharing a message of hope and healing to others. If you’re struggling to maintain good mental health, please reach out for help. Call or text #988 immediately. And know you are not alone; I’m praying for you! I hope this music brings you peace, comfort, and encouragement.
Q: Have you been writing any new songs, and can we look forward to a new album any time soon?
A: Dark Shadow Recording is releasing my very first all-covers album on September 5th! We’re putting a release tour together right now; please keep your eyes on my full tour calendar at BeckyBuller.com. I hope you’ll make plans to celebrate with us. In the meantime, we’re releasing singles, the latest of which is “Reach,” which features Alison Brown (banjo), Missy Raines (bass), Sierra Hull (mandolin and vocal), and Molly Tuttle (guitar and vocal). All of us are the first women to win in our respective instrumental categories at the International Bluegrass Music Association awards. We all learned this one from the New Grass Revival, but it was written and originally recorded by Orleans. Click the photo for a link to all the streaming platforms. And keep your ears on for a brand new single in early April.
Q: How can readers and listeners learn more about you and follow you on social media?
A: To catch me and the band both online and on the road, people can go to BeckyBuller.com. While there, they can sign up for my e-newsletter and connect to my social pages, including my new Facebook group fan page, The Hive. They can also follow me on Bands In Town to get email alerts just as soon as we announce that we’re headed their way.
Thank you, Becky! You are my inspiration!
If you’d like a moment of jubilee and inspiration, check out Becky’s 2021 Grand Ole Opry Debut, which was filmed for Circle All Access TV.
In my favorite song from the Jubilee album, Becky compares her life to Jonah’s when he finds himself in the belly of a whale. In spite of struggles and a seemingly impossible predicament, Becky’s words encourage us all not to give up:
“My flesh had given up
But The Spirit said “Never!”
With a bold and reckless laugh
Interceded in wordless
Groans on my behalf
’Til my mind cleared just a little
And a little was enough.
I surrendered my attention
To that all-consuming Love.”
Becky’s journey, like the songbird’s journey in Sparrow’s Prayer, reassures us that we have songs in our hearts even when we feel discouraged.
On a day when Sparrow feels he has lost his ability to pray, “He feels restless. Anxious. Maybe it’s the gray skies.” Maybe it’s a pandemic or cracks in the world around us.
However, when Sparrow uses his talents to brighten the world around him, he learns to whistle again and do what God has created him to do.
That’s exactly what Becky Buller does. She uses her God-given talents to brighten the world around her. I believe that’s what God wants all of us to do.
“Fireflies sparkle and dance against the inky blue of the night sky. Each creature does what God created them to do. Each life is a prayer of thanksgiving, with or without words!”—Roger Hutchison
To be eligible to win a signed copy of Becky’s Jubilee album or a copy of Roger Hutchison’s book Sparrow’s Prayer, comment on this post with your preference by midnight, March 22, 2025, and become a newsletter subscriber. Sign up at https://joycemccullough.com/newsletter/. Winners will be announced on March 23.
Thank you for your support of songwriters, authors, and all of us struggling to share our words and our talents.
Blessings,
The Literary Lyonesse
