Béla Fleck’s Stunning Solo GRAMMYs Performance of “Rhapsody in Blue”

Every year, the GRAMMY Awards bring us bigger, brighter, and more jaw-dropping stage performances. (Think Chappell Roan atop a gigantic pink pony this year, or Billie Eilish performing amidst an indoor recreation of the Southern California hills.) But the GRAMMYs stage also hosts dozens of more intimate performances during its annual awards show and premiere ceremony, like “Rhapsody in Blue” by prolific banjoist and composer Béla Fleck. (Watch an official clip from the premiere ceremony broadcast here.) With nothing but his banjo to accompany him, Fleck brings a stunning liveliness to this over-100-year-old tune originally composed in 1924 by George Gershwin.

It’s not often that we get to see such straightforward and understated performances at major awards shows like the GRAMMYs. Fleck isn’t accompanied by anyone else on stage at the premiere ceremony. It’s just him and his banjo atop a stool, with a single instrument mic for sound. Even so, the whole arena is silent and enraptured for his performance. As he plays, Fleck seems completely present with the music, following its many twists and turns combining jazz, classical, and ragtime elements.

You’ll probably recognize “Rhapsody in Blue” (it would be hard not to), as it’s been featured in everything from The Simpsons to Baz Luhrman’s 2013 film adaptation of The Great Gatsby (F. Scott Fitzgerald was famously a fan of the song). Fleck’s performance is anything but tired, redundant, or stale. Instead, the tune feels entirely alive and refreshing, a welcome acoustic interlude amidst the day’s fanfare. We can’t help but think Gerswhin would approve. As Fleck finishes, the GRAMMY winner gives a grateful nod and a humble smile, as he holds his banjo up on his knee.

Fleck is one of the most-nominated artists in GRAMMY history, with 47 total nominations to date and 18 wins – including his most recent win this year for Best Jazz Instrumental Album for his 2024 release with Chick Corea, Remembrance. After checking out the behind-the-scenes video of “Rhapsody in Blue” (above) shot by renowned bassist Leland Sklar from his position waiting behind Fleck on stage with the house band, we highly recommend heading over to the GRAMMYs page to watch the official video of Béla Fleck’s performance.

See the entire list of this year’s Country & American Roots Music GRAMMY winners here.