LEGENDARY REVEAL – RHONDA VINCENT BREATHES NEW LIFE INTO “ONCE A DAY”: A BLUEGRASS HOMAGE TO A TIMELESS COUNTRY CLASSIC
Few artists can take a country classic and make it feel both reverent and brand new, but that is exactly what Rhonda Vincent, the Grammy-winning “Queen of Bluegrass,” has accomplished with her stunning rendition of “Once a Day.” Originally recorded by Connie Smith in 1964, the song holds an honored place in country music history — it was Smith’s debut single, her signature hit, and the first debut single by a female country artist to top the Billboard country charts, where it stayed at No. 1 for an unprecedented eight weeks.
Now, nearly sixty years later, Rhonda Vincent has breathed fresh energy into the beloved standard, recasting it in the high-lonesome sound of bluegrass while retaining all the emotional depth that made it unforgettable. With her band The Rage providing rich instrumentation — crisp banjo runs, soulful fiddle, and the driving mandolin for which Vincent is famous — this new version is both homage and innovation.
Vincent’s crystalline soprano captures the aching loneliness of the lyrics, which describe a love so haunting that the singer thinks of it only “once a day, every day, all day long.” It is a song of heartbreak disguised as a gentle melody, and in Vincent’s hands it becomes a bridge between eras — a reminder of country music’s golden age, delivered through the vibrant, living traditions of bluegrass.
“Connie Smith has always been one of my greatest inspirations,” Vincent explained. “She brought a strength and elegance to country music that changed everything for women in this genre. To be able to sing ‘Once a Day’ in my own style is not only an honor, but also a celebration of her incredible legacy.”
The performance has struck a chord with audiences, both young and old. At live shows, fans have risen to their feet, applauding not just the beauty of Vincent’s voice but the reverence with which she treats the song. Critics have praised the rendition as a highlight of her setlist, calling it “a masterclass in honoring tradition while keeping it alive for new generations.”
For Vincent, this project is more than a cover — it is part of her lifelong mission to preserve and promote the roots of American music. Over the course of her career, she has blended gospel, bluegrass, and country influences, ensuring that the genre’s foundational songs are never forgotten. “Music is a living history,” she said. “By singing these songs, we keep the stories alive and introduce them to audiences who may have never heard them before.”
The choice of “Once a Day” also reflects Vincent’s deep respect for women pioneers in country music. Just as Connie Smith broke barriers in the 1960s, Vincent has carved out her own space as one of the most decorated women in bluegrass, inspiring future generations with her artistry and perseverance.
As she prepares for her upcoming farewell tour, “One Last Ride” with Gene Watson in 2026, and the release of her collaborative album Destinations and Fun Places featuring Dolly Parton, Trisha Yearwood, and Alison Krauss, Vincent’s tribute to Smith feels especially poignant. It is both a nod to the past and a gift to the present — a way of ensuring that the music which shaped her continues to resonate.
For fans, the legendary reveal of Vincent’s rendition of “Once a Day” is a reminder of why she remains a towering figure in bluegrass and beyond. She has not only carried the torch of tradition but has kept it burning brightly, illuminating the timeless beauty of songs that deserve to be remembered.
As one admirer put it after hearing her sing the song: “Rhonda doesn’t just cover a classic — she makes it live again. When she sings ‘Once a Day,’ you feel every word, every note, every memory. It’s pure magic.”