The Guitar Pickin' Prodigy: The Story of Billy Strings
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- čas přidán 15. 06. 2024
- The Epic Story of Billy Strings. From playing around campfires to being a Grammy winning artist, Billy has an epic story to be heard. Uncover the path he went on and enjoy the progression of his musical journey! I want to give props to all the amazing musicians he's played with along the way too, including his current band. They’re freakin amazing!
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OFFICIAL WESTERN SIDE PLAYLIST: open.spotify.com/playlist/3LH...
FEATURED ARTISTS AT THE END OF THE VIDEO: Lincoln Mash and Heather Alley
Facebook Page: LincolnandHe...
CZcams video played: • Tina At The Teardrop I...
Lincoln's Instagram: lincolnmash...
Heather's Instagram: heatheralle...
Check out these great channels mentioned!
Lower Standards: youtube.com/@LowerStandards33...
Second Story Garage: youtube.com/@Secondstorygarag...
Music City Roots: youtube.com/@MusicCityRootsMC...
FAVORITE PODCASTS:
Honkey Tonk Heroes: open.spotify.com/show/6A6yppK...
Hippies and Cowboys: open.spotify.com/show/1zigz5Z...
TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 - Intro
1:11 - Childhood
4:14 - Moves to Traverse City
5:26 - Meets Don Julin
6:33 - Dust in a Baggie
7:45 - Modern Discography
12:33 - Me and Dad Album
15:26 - Featured Artist - Zábava
![Billy Strings Rig Rundown Guitar Gear Tour [2023]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/JWp9Ha0gWfY/mqdefault.jpg)
I wanted to give his current band their flowers because I definitely should’ve touched upon that more. All AMAZING musicians that should be credited 🙏
Jarrod Walker: Mandolin
Billy Failing: Banjo
Royal Masat: Bass
Alex Hargreaves: Fiddle
Don't show to much enthusiasm. Far west.
Absolutely each of them amazing at their craft. But I think the way that Billy Strings and Billy Failing compliment each other's picking is nothing short of a match made in Heaven. And the story of his step dad Terry's influence on his life and the sacrifices both endured for the love of that old Martin guitar and each other and for music also, really snatched a huge knot in my old Heart Strings ❤
My brother and had the pleasure of meeting and jamming with Billy at a contest in Buckley Michigan, a few short miles from Traverse City Michigan. I was outside and i heard him pickin! Went up, introduced myself, listened a bit, and let him have his space! Looked like he needed the practice!!! Lol! Anyway, went back in and said to my brother, " We might as well pack up and go on home" there's a kid practicing out in a car thats gonna win this thing,,,without even breakin a sweat! He won, we stayed and came in second, but at the end,,,the 3 of us got up on stage and played " Rockytop"! What a fantastic musician Billy Strings is!! Soundin good out there!!!
That’s so dang awesome!! Thanks for sharing that!!
Is there a video of this???? Thank you
That's a great story! I'm a fellow musician in Leelanau. I'v actually been wanting to start a Jamgrass group up here, maybe we could play sometime!:)🎶
Great Story ! Love when people share Moments like that - Thanks! & Good Thing you stayed as it seems you Won a fantastic Prize -good Reminder that "Winning" isn't always about "coming in First".
@dharmaofdog7676 fantastic comment
I’ve been watching Billy strings since John Hartford fest, before he had a band all by himself, when there was 20 people sitting on straw bales to watch him
I am french and I must admit bluegrass has something universal into it. I have no appalachian cultural background or no idea of what appalachian way of life is but I am just in love with that music. It speaks to me as a human being even if I can't get all of the lyrics. And the way Billy Strings starts from there to explore some new pshychedelic musical horizon is just awsome. Last week, I decided to write a page about him on the french Wikipedia because there was none. And your video that i just watched confirm everything I wrote down. Which is a good thing because I had to read a lot of online articles in english and I was afraid to be mistaken. Thank you. I hope Billy will soon give many more shows in France and Europe because we do love him much too across the pond.
Bluegrass might originate from there but bluegrass is alive and well throughout the states. Come to greyfox bluegrass festival in the Catskills of Upstate New York. Great people, great music, great times
@@JB-hp6up Francois is right-this music touches the heart of all who are open, regardless of location.The Catskills are part of the Appalachian Mountain Range that continues from upstate New York well into Alabama. I agree about Grey Fox, btw.
I mean really it probably comes from the Alps 5000 years ago
I’m from the Appalachian mountains of Southwest Virginia. Any questions you may have I can answer. Have you ever heard of Ralph Stanley and his brother Carter Stanley? They are bluegrass royalty and from my area of Virginia. Give them a listen.
I’m a Bluegrass flatpicker and singer - have been for a very long time. So the first time I heard Billy, it hit me like a ton of bricks. This guy embodies the passion and the raw acoustic energy that I love about Bluegrass and try to capture in my own music. We lost Tony Rice, and lo and behold here comes Billy to fill the gap. Pick on, brother! Thanks for an excellent video, loved it!
That’s awesome and thanks so much for taking the time to watch! 🙏
Great video! I'm from Germany and was lucky to see Billy and the band play in Luxembourg. I discovered him a couple of years ago and dragged a few of my friends with me. We had a blast. Billy's story is inspiring and he is such a great guy.
His set last night at the Ryman was amazing
Billy Strings brought me back to my guitar after 20 years. I'm 72 now and was a huge fan of Doc Watson. I'll probably never get to see Billy Strings in concert but I make do with streaming. His entire band is outstanding. My new favorite song is My Alice. Nice video--thanks.
I havent played in 10 and want to pick it back up after discovering him as well
I really hope you get to go to one of his concerts. ❤️
@@tylertucker389my husband said the same thing. He does not read music but plays 6 different guitars by ear. He bought me one recently, and says if I learn to play it he will buy me a Mandolin. Billy Stings is an inspiration to all who listen and watch him play. Old and young alike. We are 66.
@@tylertucker389please pick it back up ❤️
Listened to this guy you feel humbled I was in an accident and broke my neck.i was nearly paralyzed and had trouble with dexterity. Although a drummer all my life I knew I would have trouble with the handling the the sticks not giving up though and in the meantime messing with a guitar after watching a Billy Stings video I will play again just take a bit of time.
I'm from England and Billy got me into Bluegrass!! Been into House music for years and now love Blue
grass!! Away from the Mire is a particular favourite. It's got a Pink Floyd resembling rift that really gets me in the feels!
Bluegrass is the song of my people. I grew up in the heart of Appalachia and haven’t been home in well over a decade. When I hear a Banjo or a Guitar lick in the form of bluegrass I get goosebumps to this very day! It truly does take me home. ❤
Carolina Chocolate Drops 1 czcams.com/video/aWXw9nKu4DE/video.htmlsi=1KQE9S5OX3s9XTbw
Carolina Chocolate Drops 2 czcams.com/video/EmPf1CJaF5s/video.htmlsi=dZEm13-SPVTxjC6z
Carolina Chocolate Drops 3 czcams.com/video/L9m0kccFK6k/video.htmlsi=-l_eYHAk8p1OObXW
Love that! Thanks for sharing!
@@dsvet Thanks for sharing! Incredible group of musicians!
Has the same effect on me. There is something magical about the bluegrass music. It feels like home. Greetings from Finland 🇫🇮
The story of Billy getting his dad's Martin back is a good one. The seller, and other folks on the forum, didn't believe Billy at first, but Billy was persistent. Billy didn't have the money and had to send the guy money every month for quite a long time. When he made his last payment the guy sent the guitar. There aren't many young folks who would have been so thoughtful or determined.
Yeah when I first heard that story it was so heartwarming, I had to include it in there! I couldn’t imagine seeing his dads face when he saw it for the first time!
I love all his music,,,,nothing like him
He's one of those younger players who restored my faith in the music scene. I pray that young musicians like him and Marcus King and many others stay away from the bottle and the drugs and we can enjoy them for a long time.
Really enjoyed Billy's story! MICHIGAN PROUD!! Diverse influences create QUITE THE ARTIST❣️🔥🎸🔥 KEEP ROCKIN, BRO❣️
I love Billy Strings, I've been following him probably since the dust in a baggie video became so popular and he has not dissapointed, he's been at the top for a while now.
Also congratulations on your channel, I found it by chance, and I have not seen many channels like yours doing stories on the artists that are revitilizing traditional american music while keeping it true to it's roots.
He’s a special one! Thanks so much! 🤘🏼🙌🏼
Billy is a great singer, the way he can pull those deep rolls off I have always wondered how that's done. You hear that from older country music singers, and it still sounds cool to this day imo. I am relearning the guitar after not playing since 2007. I used to play all sorts of country music, classic rock and that sort of thing but laid it down after I broke my guitar after a heavy night of drinking. I now have my dad's acoustic guitar, he passed Oct 2022, and I haven't been able to hardly look at it. Last night I made the decision to pick it up and the first cord I played was the first one dad taught me, G cord lol. It was a sweet moment, and my wife was listening in the other room while I strummed along. If I can get back to where I was, and beyond I will be tickled. I would love to get to the point I can play with other bluegrass musicians since I always had a soft spot for that genre. Dad used to take me to bluegrass festivals and I was always amazed at how good those guys are at their instruments. Famous people have nothing on some country bumpkin that picks bluegrass tunes.
Great mini documentary!! Billy has been my favorite musician since discovering him in 2020 ❤ enough to leave is my favorite song and meet me at the creek
This was a beautiful story told beautifully by you. This is my first introduction to Billy Strings but I am blown away by his similarity in energy, presence, natural talent and spirt, to great artists from the 70's and 80;s Thanks so much for putting this together and posting it for us to see and enjoy. 😎😎😎😎😎😎❤❤❤❤❤❤
As a musician frim Traverse City I've had a few run ins with Billy. I can say, he carried an Ora with him where you just knew this guy was going to blow. He used to ride a 10 speed around town picking a banjo while riding shirtless. I remember talking to him after a small show in our down town. He's a cool kid and deserves everything he's built.
That’s so freakin awesome! Love it up there in Traverse City
"Ora" lol. Aura. Spell much😂
Many a cool night at Union St but the best was catching him out in front of Horizon Books just playing everything
I rode my Harley across the Mackinac bridge after a break in traverse city Michigan! Awesome!
@rudycarrizales885 yeah brother I've ridden across it several times it's a trip on that green grated shit you can see down thru ain't it????
I was on King Street and saw that performance of Don and Billy on the porch of The Jones House. Been a fan every since. I actual said here's someone to step into the place of the iconic Tony Rice as the big dog of bluegrass guitar... not sure he's there just yet but he's definitely on the right path.
And before anyone starts with the Billy ain't bluegrass b/s.... they said the same thing about JD Crowe, Sam Bush, Bela Fleck, Tony himself and anyone who is on the cutting edge. Bluegrass has been evolving every since the 1946 and will continue!!
That’s awesome! Appreciate your comments and thanks for watching 🤘🏼😁
I discovered Billy a few years ago with that Dust in a baggie video and was instantly hooked. As a guitar player myself I know a legend when I see one. No doubt decades from now they'll still be talking about Billy Strings in the way they talk about the legends of today. Great job documenting his life history and I just subbed to your channel for more great content like this.
That’s awesome! Thanks for subbing it means a lot to me!! 😄
I grew up listening to Bluegrass with my mom and uncle who were born in Kentucky. Found billy recently and his music fills my soul like no other. It feels like home when i hear him play
That’s great! Similar instance for me but it was with my grandma
@thewesternside I love that man. There's just something about it🩶
I live far away - in Eastern Europe-Bulgaria-Sofia. Bluegrass is not popular music by habit here... But I have been playing acoustic guitar since I was little (and I still play) and I admire the good bluegrass artists from America. I subscribed to your channel because I really liked what you said about Billy Strings. I will be happy to review the other videos here. I wish you good luck. God bless you!
That’s so great! Thank you for commenting and taking the time to watch 🙂
I played Bulgaria Sofia with Sully Erna and the audience was amazing. 😁
One of the nicest and most humble musicians I've ever met.
I'm glad he's getting some recognition now. I saw him on theos podcast he seems like a really good dude.
Yeah I saw that too! I was like perfect timing! Thanks for watching 🙂
He is being celebrated now because he is gay. It is just bluegrasses turn to be demoralised by the woke mentality.
Great job man. I first heard Billy a few years ago when I saw him do a cover of the Grateful Dead's Bird Song. From there I checked out Dust in a Baggie from the Opry and couldn't believe what I was seeing. Showed my wife a few hours later and we've been hooked ever since. I really can't express what his music has done for me. I feel like I can relate to him in so many ways. He makes me feel alive and inspired
That’s so cool man! Thanks for watching! 🙏🤘🏼
Thanks for this video. I first saw Billy Strings and band in a small club where I live. Sold me instantly. We were lucky to see him again in a local brewery on his 26th birthday. After that it was festivals, and now...stadiums! I liked "While I'm Waiting Here" because they'd make a long jam out of that song - and I loved his singing voice.
"I'd rather see a cold stone above you" has to be one of the deepest insults.
Yeah that’s a heck of a line
@@thewesternside Watch your profanity.
National treasure. 🇺🇸🦅🙌
🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼
I love this video on Billy Strings, this grandma loves some great flat top picking, he’s so awesome! I just got tickets for Outlaw Festival this summer, yay, I get to see Billy Strings live, with Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan & John Mellencamp!!❤😊
My kinda Grandma!
I’ve seen Billy close to ten times now over the last 3-4 years, and he’s the only performer I can say that he gets noticeably better every single time. I’d recommend to everyone to see him live if given the chance. His albums are just a small sample of how good he is live. One of the only people I’ve seen that’s better live than on the record.
I loved every minute of it, the story with his dads guitar hit home. Ive lived a few of those songs and the one thing that came out on the other side with me is my dads old acoustic.
Thanks so much for watching 🙏🤘🏼
I first saw Billy on Bluegrass Underground and followed him for a couple years on YT. I posted a vid on FB and then a friend of mine from my years in Lansing asked me, "don't you know who's kid that is?". I went to school with his mom and aunt. I was like Whaaaa?
Hahaha that’s awesome! Thanks for sharing that! Appreciate you watching!
Thank you, I also have been so impressed by this young man and wondered what his story was. Looking forward to watching him and enjoying his music a whole bunch more .
The most fast picking individual I've ever seen. So much talent. Thank you for sharing your gift
Thanks for making this great short documentary. I've been listening to billy for a while, and this helps me put things together.
Happy you enjoyed it 🤘🏼
I love Billy and this was such a great watch. I appreciate your hard work.
Thank you so much!! 🙏
Been listening to that dude for a WHILE!!! Glad he starting to get the recognition he deserves
It is hard to pick a favorite Billy song, but Meet Me at the Creek has a special place in my heart. I rolled my jeep going 65 into a turn. Sun got in my eyes and I went off the road and over corrected. This sent me into a violent fishtail which ended in a triple rollover. I was jamming Meet Me at the Creek when this happened. I walked away that day with a few scratches and very little body aches.
what a great video!! the riffs you pointed out are ones i’ve always enjoyed! that story of the guitar is one of my favorites that always brings tears of joy. thanks for making this. liked and subbed
MANY THANKS for this Heartfelt Video - an important Musician and the way Billy is presented here in this Video, beyond the "Who" he is, showing his background and influences gains us further insights into "What we Hear" and moreover, the "Why" we Hear. I hope that more people come to know of this extraordinary and innovative Musician!
Second time watching this. Some of his soulful songs remind of another great Michigan singer/ sing writer
I’ve always been a metal listener, but when I discovered Billy strings’ dust in a baggie video, it opened my world up to music I never thought I’d be into. Since then, I’ve discovered so much bluegrass and adjacent genres of music, and I’m totally obsessed.
great video man, I remember stumbling upon that dust in a baggie video in 2019. Pretty wild to see how far billy has come. Cheers !
Thank you so much!!
I really love this player.
Wow. Great story. I haven't even heard him play yet, other than this video. I just saw that he was on Theo's podcast and wondered what he was all about when I saw your video recap of his story. Well done telling it. I'm stoked to get into his music. Thank you for this.
I just saw him in Lexington, Ky for the first time Friday and second time in Saturday! Such a mesmerizing experience.
Billy is the man
Definitely 💯
I remember seeing that video and sending it out to at least half a dozen friends. I must’ve saw that early.
You are doing a great job dude! Keep it going! This was the first video I have seen, so I won't comment on future people to cover. But you are certainly on the right path brother!!
Thank you so much for supporting!!
I discovered Billy through his collars with I’m With Her - they are amazing together - thanks for the video!
Thank you!!
Im from N.M and close to Traverse Cityi and have played at a few of the aame festivals as him. We have a great folk scene up here
That’s awesome
Great Video. Thanks!
Nice work telling this great story.
Seen him a bunch, its worth the hype
I look forward to seeing him. 67 and just discovered Billy. Wow!
Nice Video. Love Billy's music.
Thank you!!
This kid is so good! I loved his music from the 1st time I heard him. It makes me happy to see this young guy make a success story out of his life and to find his passion pays and he can follow his dream!!
He literally had so many other easier choices and paths he could have followed that would have been much easier!
At the same time those paths would have taken him to all the wrong places in life that would have ended with the hardest and most cruel outcome possible because those "easy paths" would be drugs and addiction, booze, crime and none of those are easy in the end.
Its fantastic the life he has made for himself! I'm glad things worked out so well for Billy Strings!!!
Thank you for such an emotional story such a wonderful artist and soul and what he’s gone through. I saw him on Austin city limits last night and I fell in love with this band and thought wow this is Music from back in my day and my parents days and he is so tight and so good. Everyone of these musicians are just incredible And I just wanna tell you thank you so much for the story. My girlfriend told me to come over here and watch this and I’m so so glad I did. Thank you so much. you are a very blessed man.
The collaboration with Willie California Sober is lit ❤🔥
I know right!?
Excellent job! Appreciate your research. I first met Billy in 2010. Was fortunate to book him and Don Julin to play our wedding in Empire, Mi in August of 2014. Weeks later he was on his way. All of us who were there at that time are thrilled to witness the trajectory. It is well-deserved.
Also, thank you for giving Don Julin his due. It appeared to me (as a fan, a person hiring them, and a radio announcer who hosted them a few times), that Don was an experienced and mature musical pro, who guided young Billy with everything from what to wear to a gig, to how to set a price, how not to stay out til 6 in the morning the night before a gig, and on an on and on. He was absolutely instrumental in this story. Pun intended.
Great job!
Phenomenal job, man. Keep up the good work. I've only recently gotten into country/bluegrass. It's awesome having a dedicated music youtuber to those genre's!
Thank you so much man! I appreciate the kind words!
Great story!
Thank you!!
I love Billy's talkin' blues song - in the tradition Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, Johnny Cash, and Bob Dylan - "Catch and Release". I enjoyed hearing him perform it last Friday night at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville !
thanks a lot for this interesting and touched video.the story of Billy's father guitar moved me so much...I live in Italy and hope one day Billy string will come touring here....
Great video - I have only just got onto Billy so this bio was really cool to watch. What a story. What a guy.
Thank you! 🙏
I think I got into Doc first and it wasn't long a few years back now that I heard Billy and I was hooked. As a guitar player trying to convert to Bluegrass, His music is amazing. Such a brilliant guitar player. And a good guy. Good job covering his story Brother! You covered a lot in a short time.
Not an ounce of pretense in this young man. I get a good feeling watching him play and just be himself - no-one else. Thanks!
I 100% love it
Beautifully written script. Well done. Enjoyed it.
Thanks for the video mate! I love bluegrass, and of course billy strings. Keep em coming, ilk keep watching.
Fantastic job man!
Thanks so much! 🤘🏼
Great video bro. Love that Billy Strings
Amazing.
I’ve been waiting for this one
Hahaha thanks for stopping by!!
Their music has helped save my life. Cant really explain it, but it has. Go see these guys.✌️🇺🇲
That’s amazing! Thanks for sharing!!
Just discovered your channel. Thoroughly enjoy the biography style videos on various artists. Would love to see one on Marcus King down the road... 🎼🎶🎵🎵🎶🤙
Appreciate it!! I'll definitely have to do that soon!
I was fishing behind Horizon Books in Traverse City and Billy came out to smoke and we started talking as he loves to fish as well. I watched him play that day and it was the first of the many times ive seen him. Sure miss his sets at Hoxeyville as his career outgrew that fest but i would bet we see him there again someday!!!
I discovered Billy (and then his incredible band) 2 nights ago and have only just started to delve into the rabbit hole but I just can't stop listening to Away From The Mire.
Bare in mind, I'm from northern UK, have no previous experience with Bluegrass music, plus I'm a drummer and there's no drums in his music that I've heard so far. They're all just that good.
“Must Be Seven” is my favorite Billy Strings song. I’m wondering if anyone has come across the story behind that song in any of his interviews?
Separately for upcoming projects, I’m looking forward to the live albums(s) (mentioned in Billy’s recent Spotify Wrapped video). The38 minute “single” that was released last December is absolutely amazing.
That has to be be one of my favorites as well, and now that you mentioned it, you got me wondering about the meaning too. Maybe someone in Billy’s past telling him to keep pushing forward and to “not look back” Or I’m not sure if he’s writing the song from a different point of view. I’ll keep digging! Thanks for watching 🙏
OMG! Dude your docs are THE BEST
If you play an acoustic like that, you can set an electric on fire, love to hear him blast out some electric solos...I just heard of him the other day and was like "Billy Strings" name like that you gotta be good man lol, glad he is finding success, CZcams is a god send for these guys Forsure ..
Very well done. Kinda easy subject matter.... He is a gift to all those with the the good sense to just shut up and listen...
Billy Strings is one of a kind that’s for sure I been a fan for a while now I live in Michigan
I’m so jacked, we got tickets to see Billy Strings at the Gorge in George, for the Outlaw Festival in August 2024, with Willy Nelson and Bob Dylan!! So excited, I freaking love Billy Strings!!
Great amazing documentary on a fine young guitar man, getting the D-92 back to the old man was the best, tears and the go to song after the initial sighting of the old guitar friend wowza moment , guitars are a extension of the player with the scars, notches and ware marks, we might messed around with a few guitars but there’s always your go too true love fave guitar, thanks eh👍
Billy is a beast on the guitar!🤘
Totally!! 🤘🏼
Great job on the story! Bonus points from an old Wyoming Cowboy for the Wyoming license plate!
@@markanderson7970haha thanks so much! Had to include it in the background!!
Billy’s not the best picker and he would tell you that. Having said that he’s probably top 5.
Awesome vid man
Awesome!!!!!!
Thanks!
Barefoot Ben is probably still giving side quests at parties. Legend
Lol
🤣🤣🤣
What I find fascinating is all the comments from allover the world "feeling" the cultural impact of this music. I'm from Scotland and I've read comments from Finland, eastern Europe and all over the place and all have a western style folk music history.
Music transcends everything when it's pure - this is why we can't help but tap our feet and get the goose bump hairs raising on our arms and neck whenever we hear music like this...imo 🙏
That's Grand Haven based Full Chord with him at 5:00. And, 'Me and Dad' is my favorite of his albums. Lastly, when it comes to bluegrass, his work with Don Julin is absolutely worth listening to again. And again.
Looking forward to seeing Billy in July!
Subbed! You're up to 13.5 K now - may it continue!
He is simply musical and amazing
I remember seeing that dust in a baggie video with the npc in the back YEARS ago and it blew me away. It’s not my taste in music at all, but the sheer talent is giving me chills thinking about it right now.
Well done
Incredible bluegrass voice
Incredible bluegrass guitar
Incredible talent....
nicely done sir