Billy Strings & his father, Terry Barber doing an Impromtu Jam

One Saturday I walked in on an impromptu jam by Billy Strings & his father, Terry Barber in the premier guitar room at Elderly Instruments. It just goes to prove that sometimes the best things in life are free.

[@whatsthebigfndeal]

This dude is unreal good. I wonder how many people (like me) were introduced to him through that "Dust in a baggie" vid with the stoned looking guy standing up swaying around in somebody's living room

[@wozz9173]

Here is one from Holland

[@ysteinMikalsen]

I laughed hard at this... tha guy still haunts me...

[@davidmacdonald2845]

I'm one of them !!! That dude had the mushroom stare for sure lol

[@TheGhettoAstronauts]

Me!! Exactly why i’m here now

[@Christ_is_King1646]

Lol same

[@davewave36]

After Billy told the story about how his Dad had to sell his Martin to pay the bills, then 7 years later Billy found his Dad's guitar on eBay, bought it back and gave it to his pop, now I get to see them play together. Class act, talented beyond belief, and an inspiration.

[@bradsexton2315]

That pretty much solidified me as a fan there. The Love between father and son, and personal sacrifice, Makes the music even better.

[@swampydouglasobannon8804]

That's one old man that's proud of his Son you can see it in his face.

[@arguesalat4434]

Class act beyond indeed. Had the pleasure and honor meeting William at the Capitol two weeks ago. I’m headed to Michigan to see him and his Pop play Family Strings at Iona and again Billy and the boys back at the Cap in April. This 60yo who has seen and sat with many over the years as far as 69 at MSG seeing Johnny Cash then Earl Scruggs, Doc Watson, Jerry Garcia & David Bromberg the list keeps going. Mark my words William Apostle will go down in music history with the same respect as those he so eloquently honors in his playing while staying original and traditional.

[@larrybrechtjr163]

Stawk Rocket Dude!! That video was before this one in my feed!!! Loved that story and him telling it. So endearing. What a good man that Billy Strings is!!!! How can anyone not love the guy after the Martin D-93 Story?? Impossible. Just discovered him today yet can’t get enough of him. I’ve been sleeping on this musical amazement!!

[@larrybrechtjr163]

Argue Salat is William Apostle another cool name for the Guitar Phenom? If so I like it!! Billy Strings brings the heat as well for his stage name!! Love this guy!! Johnny Cash would be rad too. Man I’m getting into Bluegrass!! That’s what this is yeah?? I’m a fool from California who didn’t have the fortune of growing up in a house dripping with musical talent but I LOVE it when I see it! Amazing stuff.

[@taxfreedollars]

The world owes a lot to Terry Barber. "Terry raised me and taught me how to wipe my ass, tie my shoes, and play guitar. That’s my fucking dad." Billy Strings.

[@johanjotun1647]

I recently seen that this kid was doing big things, I used to live in the area, and saw him as a kid once or twice, there were parties every day of week where you would see jams, Terry, D.Cherp, Jasso, Steve, Bruce, BobV, Skitzo, Catatonic, and every hobby guitar player who liked to party, would show up and go till dawn, so many guitars would get pulled out of cars passed around even shit players like me would get free lessons and join in It was constant round those parts. good to see someone got thru.

[@pepperco100]

Terry Barber deserves recognition for his fine playing!

[@Kelley-jn6wd]

This kid grew up in the town that I live in now he's so awesome he's like one of the best musicians that I've ever seen for as young as he is

[@andygladish5817]

What a blessing to have that connection with Dad.

[@MRIscanman]

My dad tells me to stop playing that shit

[@da324]

@@Super241946 Yea, there's no such thing as dysfunctional white homes, right? You're everything wrong with humans.

[@Kingepticon]

Lost my pops years ago. Would give anything to pick with him one more time.

[@bassinbeast859]

grodhagen i mean joe has as you can tell done research and he is spitting some facts about reality you just cant handle facts tho

[@russellturley2291]

Amen brother never connected with my father he never had it in him to teach just ridicule.😔 This is awesome and yet breaks my heart to never have had.

[@HankleburyTV]

Now I understand why the kid's so good....

[@todharper3964]

Hank Tilbury r

[@johnsuggs6536]

outstanding isn't it. Helps to have the music gene from his dad

[@greenturtle577]

Looks like the tree don't grow too far from the apple.

[@Jrhnhemp]

Inherited blessings.

[@KStewart-th4sk]

Actually, Terry Barber is Billy's step-father although, he obviously, has had a lot of influence on Billy. Billy's actual name is William Apostol. Just watching them play together shows how well they regard one another.

[@Alaska_Gal]

Imagine the people just out guitar shopping & then stumbling upon this dynamic duo.

[@michaelscott3966]

I cannot believe that Terry never played professionally... Indicates the pure love for playing, and playing along with his son.

[@bigtimeyankeefan1]

Only three guitarists in my lifetime hit me this hard Jerry, Stevie Ray, and this genius. Bluegrass will never be heard the same again. He is the bar. Period.

[@thomasfoss9963]

Me being an old rocker, but big into bluegrass since the 70s, I'd list em as Rory Gallagher, Pete Townsend, Peter Green, Dickie Betts, and Billy Strings!!!

[@adammartineau2818]

Absolutely correct 👍

[@petehicks295]

Make sure that you get some Roy Buchanan in your life.

[@robertstroud7561]

@@thomasfoss9963 Let's not forget Frank Marino.

[@robertstroud7561]

Howard Duane should make the top 3

[@mr.bhombasticfuckingfantas9645]

dinners and reunions at the Strings house must be one mean boysenberry jam

[@baby-sharkgto4902]

I want to be there!

[@garygrasser]

Smooth as buttermilk pie .

[@jaredalexander6600]

Mmmmmmmm boysenberry!!

[@rvaugh230]

That would be an awesome band name. Boysenberry jam.

[@peezysmith5245]

RACCOOONNNNNN

[@EuclidAndOaks]

I've just discovered Billy Strings, I am blown away by his talent and now I see where he gets it!!! So glad this was caught on camera.🙌

[@jeffalbillar7625]

Same here about this being caught on camera. I've been listening to this kid for about a year now

[@jaywhite6139]

Me too. Literally stumbled upon him. Really, really digging hin.

[@trentnichols5075]

I just found him yesterday on 11/23/2019! What rock was I living under.

[@JETJOOBOY]

Funny how KZbin knows where the money is.. So Happy that KZbin allowed this kid to record his real journey and so GLAD that this music was shoved into our timelines in the last 2-3 days... but it also signals the end of the innocence and Tegriddy of it all... Someone has seen fit to INVEST their KZbin favour coins for a percentage... Still... the world works on the internet just the same as it does on Radio or TV... so why do they want to put special measures in place on the internet??!?!? The World turns for bad or better! Weeheee

[@Eltalstro]

Me too! This is the real deal.

[@SirHamelot550]

So I watched Dust in a baggie about an hour an half ago and I'm stuck in this Billy Strings rabbit hole.aint looking for a way out!

[@DISPATCHER812]

Same

[@edwardphillips8460]

Out? Hell I’m looking to see just how far this hole goes. Stay or leave just be quiet about it I can her strings picking. 🤩

[@rik061154]

Yup. Same. Just popped up on my algorithm and now I can't stop.

[@deanlongiii161]

My current situation. I just finished watching the duet performance from the city opera house of him and his dad. I'm hooked like dust in a baggie!

[@ambergalvin1240]

Never will find that way out. Stop trying! 😂

[@tristanlewin4190]

A father and son communicating without words, a beautiful sight to behold.

[@zackc9864]

They are communicating through them runs for sure!

[@davidstansbury3204]

Listenin to this right hear makes you forget about your problems for a few minutes

[@stache7h308]

Daddy is good.. as a dad myself he is so proud his Son is better. You guys killing it

[@blueytangled9215]

yep if they aren't us, but better, i don't fink we did our job right

[@gavinmarlow3545]

My dad tells me all the time how much he loves that I’ve surpassed him on the guitar. He taught me everything he knew

[@ramrodrymensnyder2648]

Me and my daughter are no where NEAR this level of making music ...but, we do play alot together and the magic that I feel when we get in a little groove is a whole other level of special. Hitting a perfect harmony, or sharing a perfect groove with ones child is as close to heaven as I can imagine. This video illustrates that perfectly, thank you for posting.

[@toddcuster3557]

True to the max

[@ThaGlittersAintGold]

It ain’t about the level brotha, it’s about the looooooove

[@MrPek-fe9fp]

Right on brotha ​@@ThaGlittersAintGold

[@williamapostol9946]

Hah, my guitar still has the price tag on it... I ended up purchasing that guitar after this day. (He first guitar shown in the video in my hands Roy Noble Mahogony D) Now , she's right here with me and I've been using her at shows since october. I love this guitar a little more every time i play it...Turned out to be a mighty fine purchase.

[@michaelscheller6884]

Billy, I was about to comment with a question if that was the same Roy Noble you ended up with. cool.

[@lroper7793]

William Apostol ain't that that so much fun.!

[@deanpitman3325]

I see now you are also playing a Preston Thompson. How do you like it so far?

[@kennethbernard1347]

William Apostol m

[@bidenhasdementia8657]

The version of cruising timber they play starting at 2:23 is the best I've ever heard by far.

[@georgegavin9512]

For anyone wondering what the songs are... 0:12 Little Cabin Home on the Hill 2:20 Crusin' Timber (Larry Sparks) 7:02 Windy and Warm (Doc Watson)

[@jaardpeer4148]

Thank you!!!

[@alan4sure]

Soldiers joy with Billy on mandolin.

[@cmillivol98]

God bless you and all you do in your life for this😂😂 Cruisin Timber might be my favorite song after hearing them play it and I never would’ve known what it was called

[@georgegavin9512]

cmilliVOL I agree, cruisin timber is fantastic

[@HeliosDroneWorks]

Thanks for this info! I posted earlier looking for the second song and was stoked to see it here. Thanks again

[@MetfanMike]

This almost makes me cry, every time I watch it ...I can't imagine how proud they are to be each other's father/son ...their interaction is phenomenal ... priceless!

[@SandraWilkins]

Beautiful music, love seeing them together!

[@alexgramm5170]

His dad's a flat out bad ass ,man

[@johnbelcher7164]

Billy and his Dad the two best Guitarists ever .

[@danflury5688]

Can you just imagine sitting on their porch...

[@stevenhearrell1564]

I can tell one reason Billy is Billy. Very inspirational!

[@betaomega8724]

Some fathers' and sons' barely speak, these two got a language all their own. Successful parenting! Brings tears!

[@williamwinn9160]

I love it when his old man says "He's awesome". Awesome duo.

[@baby-sharkgto4902]

Just by looking at these guys you wouldn't know they could effortlessly out shred you. Props

[@irvinslagter8298]

Pappy's gotta be proud of that boy!!!!

[@skotskiable]

Irvin Slagter i am sure he is.

[@ronaldjordan6953]

If you can't appreciate this then you are beyond repair... LOVE THIS!!!!!!!

[@brianmclaren279]

It was really nice of Billy to teach his dad how to play guitar. ✌️🙃

[@bobbyhemphill5293]

That's a special bond right there. One hell of a conversation their having.

[@TheLusaso]

This guys over here just straight shredding in starter shorts 😂

[@d25615]

I know, its crazy. Love me some Strings. BTW LMFAO at starer shorts.

[@ogs1mpson609]

I think Billy Strings has enough in his bank account now to upgrade to lulu lemon shorts.

[@brettneuberger6466]

and that tan line

[@pomanguideservice2279]

But what you can’t see,is the boots he’s wearing with those shorts lol

[@alexraphael6534]

Comedy gold.

[@freeclimb5487]

To look at his Dad's face while they play is to look at affirmation. What every son hopes to achieve.

[@billymcnabb2190]

I regret now not having a good recording of my Daddy and I will always haunt me from now on!!!

[@diegohidalgo6169]

Imagine being able to drink couple beers with your dad while having fun playing some old tunes, that's the life

[@leftypick4854]

A father and son playing like this. Dopamine for the brain. Thanks for posting.

[@brianmincher716]

Billy Strings makes me realize that whatever it is I’ve been doing with a guitar all these years cannot he called playing it if he is playing one. . . One of us needs another term because we are not remotely doing the same things with this instrument. Huge respect.

[@akagie]

Brian Mincher that’s how I felt too

[@brianmincher716]

Cool Water sadly I think that talent, or lack thereof, is a factor here. . . I’ve owned guitars since I was a freshman in college and I’m 45 now and still can’t play for shit. . .

[@brianmincher716]

Larry Willard yeah, I suspect our minds are more capable of learning when we are younger plus when you are a kid you tend to have more free time to get obsessed about something which is almost certainly what it takes to get to a high level at much of anything.

[@danielleunderwood3042]

I agree! I got stoned one day and heard some shit like this and my best idea was to hurry and buy myself a mandolin.. 🙄😬😎🤣🤣😂

[@tristanbellows4029]

If that's playing guitar, then we do guitar

[@quentincollins4677]

WHAT? They had to quit because the shop owner said he had to go home? If I had this incredible duet in MY shop they could play as long as they wanted!

[@pmscalisi]

I''m sure that there was a crowd forming.....Elderly doesn't have a large brick and mortar building.

[@adriannasanchez468]

Quentin Collins no kiddin, these guys could sell me any guitar in the shop!

[@70snuttodd95]

I would have asked them to play all night, free concert, are you kidding me

[@jysmtl]

Paul Scalisi plenty big

[@augustwo]

NFS! Lock the doors and break out the whiskey!

[@undertowboomer462]

I’ve heard of him but just started listening. Good God. I’m speechless.

[@Greyman77]

What a lucky, very fortunate young man to grow up with a dad that would give him such a gift. The kid is a monster player, and it's got to be largely because of Mr. Barber, whom is a fantastic player in his own right. What a way to grow up, jamming with your dad, his friends, family members, wow.

[@Crotes1990]

Billy's dad is absolutely ripping on that guitar god damn, imagine how proud he is on his kid.

[@Banjodav1]

Billy’s dad is a pretty amazing picker himself. Really enjoyed this video

[@donantoine7508]

What talent

[@ryanchase9746]

Does he bring his Dad out on stage once in a while at gigs these days to sit in on a number?

[@davidpetersen8909]

@@ryanchase9746 check out family string live its over an hour of this epic goodness

[@kalalothar]

Actually Terry Barber is Billy Apostol 's .... stepdad

[@north-country-sounds]

@@kalalothar Not to Billy he isn't.

[@Feralmountain]

Find myself here after losing the my step dad, cherish the time, we get to cherish the music. Instead of sadness I'm smiling again. Thanks gentlemen!

[@blueytangled9215]

i have son who plays a mean acoustic. This makes me think of him and his brothers dad playing together. Be thankful for yr good influences whatever the familial relationship

[@P.Jlive2024]

Billy Strings is someone that comes around every once in a while! Lucky too be seeing this

[@glenncottrell2191]

No words all his success is because his dad’s interaction with him . Not taken anything away from him love it.

[@hotheadedjoelhaha]

With price tags hangin off, pure gold.

[@liamsutherland1156]

Those instruments just went up in value, especially that mandolin.

[@megatrollificus]

Maybe, but Elderly has guitars Terry and Billy would ask nicely to play. I sold my Dad's old Martin through them and what they have available (kind of dynamic inventory) sometimes is incredible.

[@ext93]

No I'm not crying at the beauty of this... that's just eyeball sweat 😅

[@Julian-bq9qv]

I just love seeing the two of them together - a father and son sharing like that warms my heart. It is too rare these days. I wish that young man would make it to Birmingham Alabama some time.

[@iseverynametakenwtf1]

Ain't no ham like Birmingham

[@robertscites5062]

He's coming to Mars Music Hall in Huntsville early next year! That's not a bad drive at all.

[@jnholland006]

@@robertscites5062 I was there lol great show! I seen him the year before at the Saturn Club. He’s so good! I’ve seen him 15 times and plan to see him 5 more times this year at least!

[@JayZec-t8q]

BILLY IS THE NEW AND IMPROVED TERRY BARBER

[@wanderingwolf2024]

When our ancestors went traveling and we stayed behind. From the UK 🇬🇧 with love

[@chrisstockton7153]

So insane how talented Billy Strings is

[@ronkirkpatrick627]

It's so beautiful to see two men that have been harmonizing together their whole lives, do what they do best.

[@memphissommers4171]

JUST found out about Billy and his dad. WOW...that much talent on one family? INCREDIBLE. Just incredible.

[@rickwells5624]

My gosh, this is absolutely awesome. What a great memory to have for both of them. And a great blessing to be able to play together. Ive raised 5 kids and played guitar for 46 years. Couldn't get any of the kids to play. Then, 6 months ago, my oldest son showed up and had been learning in secret so we could play together finally. Pretty much brought tears to my eyes. I'd always wanted that. Now we jam all the time, and he's learning so fast and even pointing some things out to me, lol We can sure see where Billy gets his gift from. Amazing talents.

[@QuantumMech_88]

Having a hell of a cool and decent father is a blessing.

[@2ManyNamesTaken]

I've heard Billy talk about his dad. So this was great to see them jam together! -- What TALENT!

[@Drogers8675]

Pops is living his best life here...

[@darcystafford6939]

I think I watched this 50 times...I think I'll watch 50 more !! This is what you call talent people!

[@blademan6075]

A God given talent.

[@joeygurley5785]

Wow just wow dad and son.My pop could tear a guitar up and a piano too.This was a special moment brought back some great memories.

[@LucVNO]

I'm Jealous, my father & I didnt share passions like this. Sometimes I wish I had loved hockey the way he did.... I just didnt. RIP Dad.

[@flatbrookwildlifesolutions2033]

I could listen to Billie and his dad all day!

[@Cornelius1821]

I have been

[@BladeRunner-td8be]

Very impressive. The two play together like they are father and son.....oh wait, they are ! Truly an exhibition of first-rate and exemplary music.

[@LouieGonzalezGolf]

I’m binge watching billy strings videos, love the jam

[@francismeehan5298]

Me to

[@SunDaTian]

Same

[@dieselman7453]

Unreal the guy that said it’s time to go feels like a Wanker today 😂😂😂😂unbelievable talent and confidence 🎸🎸🎸🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪cheers from Ireland

[@leimaniax]

Billy, Terry. Thank you for being the beautiful souls that you are. Please can you release an album of you both just jamming like this. It’s incredible.

[@ryanwalters6120]

your wish is soon to be granted!!!!!

[@alwalker9551]

Looks like you got your wish 🔥🔥

[@timthomson9376]

The apple don't fall far from the tree. I like his story about finding his Dad's guitar that was sold to pay the bills.

[@oledirtydrew]

Billy Strings is a NATIONAL TREASURE... may GOD keep him on the straight and narrow. Don't fumble the ball Billy!!!!

[@Geenalee1]

LOL>>> What do You Play lol

[@shaunmcinnis1960]

Seeing a father and son play like this brings tears to my eyes.It's something so rare.

[@hanslain9729]

It's really something special.

[@FelixTruvere]

joy joy joy pure joy 🙌 🎶 Legendary stuff in the making

[@casperkasparov302]

I have run out of Superlatives trying to comment on this Young Man and his Stepfather.

[@jeffjagusch9988]

I've watched this video probably 100 times and it never gets old; such wholesome cohesiveness between a Dad and Son is great to see, and you can clearly see how proud his Dad is here. Billy Strings will go far!

[@SQUIDZZZZZZZZZZZZZ]

F*cking Incredible!!!! Same feeling I had the first time I listened to SRV. The mandolin shredding was so amazing. Rock on billy your a musical super-genius, incredible vocals too. Keep it up brother

[@allywolf9182]

Funny but I thought the exact same thing...and I watched SRV a long time before he made it. Was a big fan of his brother. Billy Strings has got that same beautiful once in a lifetime magic!

[@Arkkalious99]

Absolutely amazing. Billy Strings was definitely given a gift from God. His dad is amazing as well.

[@Anticulation]

I'd say it was a gift from his Dad.

[@michaelmcgee335]

Why is it when someone has talent it has to be "God" given or from the " parent". Maybe some people are just good at stuff.

[@itsamarmot]

Boy howdy, that's a fine pair of pickers. I'm sure that was fun to watch in person.

[@mvdeano]

Kid was born with umbilical strings...and a cord or two up his sleeve! Proud dad, happy son, and kudos to mom who has been putting up with this for years!

[@rickbullock4331]

You can see where Billy got his talent, Dad certainly knows his way around the guitar. Great collaboration between Father and Son.👍👍🇨🇦

[@jacobjberger]

What’s crazy is that’s not his bio dad

[@thespiritof76..]

43 degrees in my bed and watching terry and billy play warms my cold.. would give my soul to play rambling man once more with my dad

[@haroldsherrill5883]

My stepdad and I hated each other, almost killed one another a couple times but a time or two when we jammed like this everything was just fine. This brought me to tears for “what might’ve been” and closer to forgiving him after over 50 years. Real music!

[@hellohowareyou0123]

Wow

[@shannonnunn]

God bless you and your daddy.... Don't burn too bright.... Stick around and bring light to this world bubba. Your music is heaven on earth

[@barryhoneycutt3894]

Been watching Billy Strings for years, first time i have seen his dad, and i understand a lot of where Billy gets his talent.. from SE Texas Bear... 9/30/2023 This just popped up in my KZbin ? Glad it did!

[@JayZec-t8q]

I think Billy some how pushed his dad to the next level _ even tnough it all started with his dad

[@storyteller1749]

I just found Billy's music yesterday. And now I can see where he gets his talent from. His dad can cut it up too. Thanks for recording this and sharing it with us.

[@MR.HandyANDY]

How lucky to have a cool father like that! Ride on Billy!

[@johnmanning4339]

To have a musical connection like that with your father is indeed very special and absolutely beautiful !

[@skaybaltimore]

Folks...straight up...this is Heaven on earth.

[@cowpersonwtf]

oh wow i see where billy got it from now. terry is amazing!

[@stoobs67]

I cannot stop listening to that 2nd tune

[@mattberg6785]

Stuff like this makes bonds beyond the norm these days. Awesome to see, and hear! Before electronics a lot of families did this with whatever instrument they had, we were better people for it. Share time and talent with your kids

[@keithwilliams7783]

I just discovered Billy Strings from an ol'school friend of mine, and I am so grateful! I'm turning 40 soon, and just picked up the guitar 9 yrs ago. I put it down for awhile, and now I'm picking it back up, thank 2; Billy!! Keep up the awesome work!!!

[@tattoo5187]

The world needs this kind of music. Thank you Sir for sellin that Guitar. He is the man today because of it

[@bardak416]

I wish i had a father like Terry Barber...

[@MrFishda21]

You could honestly just go on tour with your Dad:) He crushes it and you guys are so on point with each others playing/next move. I guess.."The apple doesn't fall too far from the tree" Thanks for bringing some bluegrass back into my life. Its much appreciated and long overdue

[@paultennis9569]

Wow i just discovered Billy and did not realize his dad can also play. Great job Billy buying the guitar back for dad as he must be so proud of you

[@dfbess]

His dad sounds awesome too, the apple did not fall far from that family tree..

[@Gnarmarmilla]

I love when this young man plays with his dad. It’s really the best stuff he has ever made.

[@nance8654]

Watching Billy is so much fun for me. I adore the fact that he knows the old songs my own Daddy used to sing with my sons. Having only known Billy for a year he has become a real blessing in my life. I wish him all the best that life has to offer.

[@rebaccagamble432music]

I love the interview where Billy is talking about his dad having to sell the Martin.. I have a similar story about my family 150 year old banjo.. It was actually taken by my late mothers boyfriend... The banjo had been in our family since it was new and passed through the generations.. Through a bunch of strange circumstances, I now have the banjo back.. I am a picker.. that banjo means the world to me. As he was talking about his mom, it brought back memories of my mom and I sitting on our front porch picking... Also, I too am "in tune" and was born on halloween 1960..

[@mistyriennett5902]

Holy crap, I would love to have a 1/6th of this talent.

[@bonessmith1276]

I'm back again....I play my bass along to this & have a great time. 😊

[@chuckg1546]

Billy has the most awesome Dad

[@mikejustice1341]

Great hearing the father son jam session. Blessed 🙌