Billy Strings crushes Flatt & Scruggs "Doin My Time" New Haven, CT 8/7/21

[@paulrath7764]

The entire world is blessed when a man's interest, passion and God-given skill all align. That's Billy Strings.

[@billskelton3701]

I've seen Billy before and liked him, but jeez Louise, at 63 years old and a lifelong bluegrass fan from SC, thats the best Flatt and Scruggs cover I have ever heard. Best Bluegrass I've seen in many a year!!!

[@csutton161]

Hey Bill, I'm here in Anderson co SC. My dad LOVED bluegrass, and I followed his love. Billy Strings is such a talent, the whole band, so glad to see him paying homage to the CLASSIC geniuses of bluegrass.

[@jonnnyl9567]

Agreed. They're true to the roots of Bluegrass and at the same time take it to new places that are still true to the Bluegrass. Incredible. Check out Molly Tuttle as well for a similar but different vibe

[@Kenttx100]

This man taking a gravel road not many left but I'll travel it with him

[@timbartzen2826]

Yes sir !!!!!

[@shantig5111]

Im 67. Listened to Doc, Norman, flatt and scruggs all my life, but never in my life heard anything like this. Billy has bridged the gap between traditional, bluegrass, folk, and blues. So grateful to see this in my life! ( and i might add he does some wonderful dead covers too!)

[@castercamber]

Stringbean, Grandpa Jones, Scruggs, Lester, Monroe...they all gotta be smiling down from Heaven hearing this.

[@jefflatham7722]

Don’t you know it wow

[@yvonnegivens2941]

Heck, they are jamming with them!

[@Hear4Metallica]

Dont forget Roy Clark.

[@castercamber]

@@Hear4Metallica : indeed, that dude was talented.

[@ikkenhisatsu7170]

Anyone who isn't familiar is missing out. Strings is the new guitar god.

[@stargazer6753]

Absolutely. He is what JD Crowe did with The New South in the 1970’s.

[@brucel1185]

Billy is truly and "old soul" in a young man's body. He has the rare gift of expressing a modern interpretation of any classic bluegrass ( or rock for that matter) song and yet remaining true to the original artist every time. And his supporting cast is right on point. Lucky to be living in his time!

[@toom8rs15]

Absolutely ❤

[@Philc231]

Giving away 200 guitars to kids where you went to school is a very honorable thing to do . Thanks Billy.

[@swaney5string220]

...Can you Imagine; 200 elementary students singing "dust in a baggie"?

[@Philc231]

Lol....

[@Wristbanddan]

Did he really!? THATS AMAZING! Man, I have GOT to get some strings in my kids hands, hopefully this christmas if the money works out.

[@Halliday7895]

not like they were martins or anything.... my school had a pile of out of tune unplayable guitars haha better than none though i guess,

[@Giverechoc]

@@Halliday7895 Beginners don't need a Martin. Epiphone makes fine beginner guitars that have sufficient resonance and playability to get them started.

[@Kenttx100]

So young but so much honor to the grass

[@reneewoolwinebuckland8163]

Gives me goosebumps

[@FrankScotsman]

I have never understood how ANYONE can play notes that fast and that precisely. It is amazing to me.

[@illegallystalked3119]

Shoot i can play twice that fast. You were talking about the bass player right?

[@auburnsquirrels]

Long white gator tails

[@spacelemur7955]

It's not just the speed and precision, the chord progressions are otherworldly. This kid in on a whole other plane for this genre.

[@susand2008]

Gifts from God.

[@spacelemur7955]

@@susand2008 His dad is very good guitarist, so he was born into home awash in the tradition. I would say good genes, good environment, high motivation and endless hours of practice.

[@ibbylancaster8981]

As a traditional bluegrass fan for the majority of my 50 trips around this rock, Billy and band are giving the utmost respect to the old school guys but with their own spin. Everything evolves. Bill’s Dad was a major influence but he was allowed to explore other music as well and I think this has made him one of the top musicians in the country. Not just bluegrass. To do what he does on an acoustic guitar, it’s skill and talent. Very few have that. Much love to all.

[@K131399]

He played Hartford tunes ONSTAGE wearing a dress and pink hair................lets just leave it at that and pray someone comes along who's not a fucking disgrace to America (cough)

[@Lea99Jones]

@@K131399 Dude, it was Halloween, right? He was dressed as the Scarecrow, actually. The banjo player was Dorothy, which was def unnerving. Thank god it's not 1958 in Nashville anymore, except maybe in your head.

[@Lea99Jones]

@@K131399 I believe you might've thought Hartford was a disgrace in his day as well. He was all ALT.

[@K131399]

@@Lea99Jones I believe men shouldn't wear dresses........not that there's anything wrong with that.........in San Fran lol

[@mikegoetz3184]

@@K131399 so you had the hots for him pre pink ? It's ok it's 2022

[@Bigdavemusic76]

Lester and Earl are smiling in heaven saying dang that boy can play

[@charlesbarber6137]

So great that Billy and the band can do straight-up trad bluegrass without affect or irony, and just nail it -- and then pivot to a Grateful Dead or Zeppelin cover in the blink of an eye. Keeping the flame burning, and keeping it fresh.

[@CrystalFang-cy2cw]

Not really. He took an overly long lead of repeated mix of random licks devoid of any melpdy and the song had a Corny ending

[@terrygarvin1980]

When we lost Doc Watson and Merle I thought that sound was gone forever. This is what evolved. Thank You Billy!

[@kevinmclain6741]

Norman Blake, Dan Grier, Bryan Sutton, Dan Crary anyone?

[@colecalhoun733]

@@kevinmclain6741 all those guys have continued the legacy of traditional bluegrass but I’d be hard pressed to find one of ‘em doing it better than Billy mf Strings!

[@kevinmclain6741]

@@colecalhoun733 Let's be honest you probably don't even really know them.

[@agatardius]

@@kevinmclain6741 I don't know them but I know a pretentious douch when I see one. Look, there's one right here!

[@greenpilltheory6649]

Talent like this comes around maybe 2-3 times a generation. Tremendous.

[@gui-texzan7477]

💯

[@LarsLarsen77]

The first time I heard him I thought it was some unreleased song from the 1930s until I heard "crystal meth" in the lyrics.

[@shawnflury3987]

No a life time. A ORIGINAL.

[@JunipersLife]

Couldn’t agree more with all of the positive comments. The entire band is extremely talented. Banjo player totally killing it. Mando and bass totally killing it with Billy. Im almost 50, grew up going to bluegrass festivals with my parents in the 1970’s to very early 80’s. How lucky was I as a child to sleep in a 72 VW Bay window bus, or lay out under the open sky on a blanket at a bluegrass festival ! These guys are keeping that awesome feeling alive while reminding me that there are plenty more memories to be made! Great music for memory making! It has been missing for a while and now its back!

[@winstonian22]

We've reached the point of Billy's career where he will simply get bored of greatness, start to experiment with his experimentation, and in doing so launch bluegrass to a level of the stratosphere no one ever thought possible.

[@keithsage1593]

This is Real Country boys and girls.

[@nutindoin2]

His facial expressions, the head bobbing, and weaving, are priceless, great showman, and awesome guitarist, !!

[@JillShaw]

Oh my goodness his voice is a thousand years old. It breaks my heart and makes me smile and I love it 💜💙✌️

[@daleleathers6202]

I'd never think in a million years this guy is from Michigan

[@douglashall2141]

Holy cow this just sent chills up my spine. I always love listening to Flatt & Scruggs and the old bluegrass music, and this fella just made it sound as if to ghost we're singing from the Ryman. I love it

[@richardmcclendon5753]

Unreal musicians. I know there have always been "great" ones around but these guys are individually and collectively fantastic. It's a very traditional bluegrass sound with some very new or contemporary variations. Billy's vocals are evolving but masterful for someone so young.

[@robertflagg2461]

Also recorded Rockabilly style by Bill Flagg on MGM label,in 56 or so.

[@TannerHoskins1]

It’s gonna be like wine, and hopefully just bet better with time.

[@StillYHWHs]

This has no different of a style than when we listened to them when we were all young. Only DiFranco. The did it live with out the sound system of the more recent audio sounds. .

[@zbigniewchrysler3019]

I love it when he holds that note for 20 seconds....

[@TheBamaKid1962]

All WORLD CLASS!!! The videos don't do them justice

[@Martdogg3000]

Billy is one of the only people I've heard do that little vocal inflection at the end of some lines, I don't know how to describe it, but I imagine you all know what I'm talking about.

[@lea8473]

About a year ago I stumbled across “ Dust in a baggie”. So happy I did!

[@jonnya3425]

Billy is a once in a lifetime talent.

[@cbcalkins8620]

I agree

[@robertprock3639]

The mandolin player top three in the country had to watch him like 15-20 times he got my attention

[@jamesrichardson771]

Gheeesh💥 unbelievable!!!!

[@billyhillk5726]

Mad respect for all the guys in this group. Yes, Billy is superb ! But so are the others 👍💥💥💥💥🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@davidmckay6393]

Scottish and thats something else 👌🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿heaven sent 🙏

[@mgrinnan01]

Damn this kid is good! Killed the vocals… Killed the guitar and the solo…. and the band killed it behind him!! First time I’ve seen him. I’m looking for more.

[@Vader99ify]

If you are just now finding Billy Strings, you are in for a ride my friend! Let your mind be blown! 🤯

[@kpasa111]

@@Vader99ify Yep. He has a ton of stuff online. Happy listening.

[@Garyj1784]

Welcome to the family. You're in for one heck of a ride now.

[@irocket100xs]

That's where I am now! I'm a hunting.

[@Jrhnhemp]

Free Born Man and Tennessee Stud too!

[@the_g9456]

Billy has one of those unique and soulful voices. His joy of music and life is apparent.

[@petecastle5762]

This kid is amazing, and one of those “ one of a kind “ voices, I’m a new fan, forever. Awesome

[@csutton161]

my friend, who just recently got introduced to bluegrass, heard me playing this and was in total shock to see it was a young man singing. My friend said that billy and his band had old souls, as if the greats are playing through them.

[@edwardphillips8460]

@@csutton161 your friend may be right. Regardless Billy never disappoints!

[@williamcornelison4721]

Got me a sip of RYE Whisky and this soooooooo goooooooood music..... Don't need much else tonight....

[@K-Denton]

First time I heard him was with Del MacCourey - well done! I'm 74 and have listened to Bluegrass and gospel most all my life. Family and friends would sing and play their instruments mostly on weekends. Thanks for this wonderful music!

[@quantuseagle1920]

He's a legend in the making. It'll be hard to match the legacy of Billy Strings

[@sheldoniusSRSlider]

incredible... billy strings is a country purest, a real country man and to play songs like this puts you in the grand ole list of mine. alllright

[@roypreston5792]

One of the best things to happen to country music for a long time

[@LDM662]

I'm 61 and been playing music since I was 14, I couldn't play like this is If I had 4 hands.

[@clinthinzman5798]

I Thank the lord for giving me ears- so I can hear this!

[@sbbudj]

Killer! Just found this kid the other day, I've been jamming billy ever since...

[@richardmindemann6935]

Let's have some love for Billy's bandmates. They too are awesome! I'm hard at work on my guitar chops, and hope to overtake Billy sometime in......well, never. There's no substitute for talent. Not even hard work.

[@apancher]

The four of then play so well off of each other, almost like they're controlled by the same brain. It's simply amazing.

[@kpasa111]

@@apancher We can always expect Billy Strings to hit it out of the ballpark . In this tune Billy Failing on banjo absolutely owns this song. Watch the video again and concentrate on banjo only. Best six minutes of banjo I have ever heard, and I have heard a lot in the past 80 years.

[@hananshells8055]

When he has God given talent and his great father to back him up, nothing better than that!!!

[@hananshells8055]

His and mates are as good too and oh yes Absolutely deserve equal credit. ❤️ It is team work together that makes the band, remember that!!!!

[@dougharrison385]

Yes

[@thomasjoseph4718]

It is so refreshing to see the pure unpretentious musical artistry of Billy Strings and his fellow musicians.

[@michaellunburg8567]

I am a guitar player. Billy is way beyond good. He is incredible!

[@kpasa111]

Wow. Banjo Man came up with some new licks in that one that I have never heard before. Those little clicking, percussive notes in the right place at the right time were orgasmic.

[@Garyj1784]

His name is Billy as well, and he's unbelievably talented. This whole band is top of their respective craft, good.

[@bil6718]

Man you don’t need lights and smoke . Your damn good mood need for the theater

[@user-sk4bg6hr7p]

And the banjo and mandolin.. wicked.

[@chanceburger3169]

God touched billy before he got here,an said go entertain people,this kid is doing just that.what a talent

[@cbcalkins8620]

Well said

[@tomf429]

Billy - Take your place in the line of great ones. You have much to bulld on and lot's of new ground to plow. The world will enjoy watching and listening for decades. Take care of yourself and don't let it go to your head. You are blessed.

[@gerrymcguire7521]

He is just amazing and the band is the whole package! Wow!

[@richardmongello579]

Got to love these guys, just when it looked like Blue Grass music was fading, along comes Billy Strings and band to resurrect the sound in all its glory. Billy Strings is the most talent in one place since the passing of the originals.

[@robertprock3639]

I've been listening to bluegrass since the '60s this is one of the best versions of this song I've ever heard Nice job guys

[@jeanpettry-husk1370]

Billy is extraordinarily talented ❤

[@Pete-z6e]

Most Bluegrass musicians are! You can’t fake it in B Grass.

[@garybragg2385]

I like the old style of bluegrass music but damnd if Billy ain't making this new version look and sound good. Very talented young man

[@colmcasey1794]

Billy is bustin at the seams with talent that he has too express himself in all sorts of ways and that's really great. Don't forget the great Tony Rice wasn't a strictly bluegrass picker or singer either folks. Enough said.

[@roncovegamatic9437]

Tony lived close to some of my family and his ending was sad. Crippling arthritis ended his playing and happiness and the bottle ended his life.

[@Halliday7895]

dude dont mention the master in billys videos hahah

[@dontpanic15]

he's a genius so is the whole band they make billy step up his game

[@thomasfranczkiewicz111]

I was at this show. He drove around the parking lot in a golf cart and a megaphone hyping up the crowd before the concert. Great show! Check out one tin soldier, the song he opens with.

[@Yankeehorseman]

If you haven't seen Billy live, you're missing out. Him and the band are amazing

[@brianfuller2241]

What a great jam tune. As a former banjo player and now a flat picker it remains one of my favorites. It is just built for drive and expression. And yup, Billy and the band crushed it. Huge respect to Billy Failing on the banjo. He is becoming one of the best - his timing, musicality and technical skills are spot on. A Steve Martin banjo award would not be surprising.

[@nunyanunya6398]

Jesus! he's getting better and better! they all are!

[@barend4803]

You seem to be without any fear. Using that wonderfull Name as a curse word.

[@nunyanunya6398]

@@barend4803 kzbin.info/www/bejne/aoauZnmofZajqZo

[@lowellfisher2304]

😮 he's really cutting the grass Thumbs Up Guys

[@hananshells8055]

Oh yes, Billy Strings is a very good singer and guitar player and his other band members are superb too! This is why they make a great band!!!

[@marley8782]

No matter how many times I watch this I’m always picking my face up off the ground afterwards

[@dave434]

What I love about him is he feels it deep with in his soul!

[@rondaszkiewicz4077]

I agree

[@rhondalawsonrescuekendinlawson]

I’ve never ever been so in love with anyone. A GENIUS and the band is EXTRAORDINARY AND PHENOMENAL

[@sarahfarmer1030]

"MY GOD! THANK YOU FOR BLESSING US WITH THIS FELLA!"

[@gregfoster9246]

Again thank you Billy 😊🙏☺

[@kencampbell9297]

Billy is a phenom.

[@sandburgmartin7947]

Strength of the sound and presentation lets us know the bluegrass mold is safe with this new generation......thank goodness, hard to sit still and not remember originals. Listen up young fans and pickers !!!

[@ruddim10]

An immense talent for a classic country song. Has recaptured the spirit and sound.

[@Loathello]

I've always respected bluegrass musicians, but didn't care for bluegrass music. Billy has single-handedly changed that. Just amazing.

[@ruthmusic8122]

Awesome bluegrass! Love it and love Billy's talent.

[@michaelmcdonald3057]

Billy Strings is launching his sidemen into bluegrass fame. What a great band!

[@guitarman1477]

And that’s all they will ever be, sidemen

[@johniedesk1]

banjo and mando players are great musicians in their own right.

[@michaelmcdonald3057]

@@guitarman1477 Not to deny what you commented may be true, but how many"side men" did Miles Davis make eternally famous?

[@guitarman1477]

@@michaelmcdonald3057 I’m just stating a fact, do you think any top stars like billy strings there band get much of a mention? No… never…. Anybody you care to mention, anybody, the story is the same It’s BILLY STRINGS , that’s the brand, not billy the banjo player, or royal, or the mandolin … without billy strings they are just pickers

[@dusfitz]

@@guitarman1477 who's to say? 10 years from now they may head another band. Touring and fame is stressful.

[@warriorsgreatness6182]

Billy Strings band, the best in creativity, naturally gifted talent beyond words to explain. Thanks guys for using your creative abilities, talents, gifts to inspire the world, and make it a better place through your wonderful music. Appreciate your sacrificial labors, practicing, techniques, work very, very much.....Mucho Gracias

[@fuzzybutkus8970]

Those two names bring back some great memories.Flatt & Scruggs. Every cookout,Christmas, we’d be listening to the Grand Old Opry.

[@richardbrimmer429]

I was in southwest Virginia for 5 years and the college put on a bluegrass concert. This kid's got Seldom Scene Clinch Mtn. Boys and that true 'pickin and grinnin sense. Guitar work is impressive. The band's right up there with him... Bravo.

[@robertbeaulieu8721]

I said it before and will say it again this man is headed for fame and fortune don't let it own you. Down home awesome.

[@franklee6301]

He already has fame and fortune and a Grammy.

[@randyelliott9152]

I am flat out of superlatives to describe Billy and his very talented band....Extraordinary doesn't seem to be enough

[@freedapeeple4049]

I call it "Acid Bluegrass"

[@thelakeman5207]

Billy Strings is the real deal.

[@kenarms4364]

Banjo player Billy Failing kills it on this one. I always liked it when Earl Scruggs would play rhythm with the coolest licks in the background. At the 1m 9 s mark Billy F. drops back but still wears it out. Man these guys are talented. I have got to see these boys live.

[@robertprock3639]

I'm watching the bass playing damn dude is killing it

[@StillYHWHs]

Billy sounds exactly like the original. Wow. Just like when Scruggs was young. Must be his offspring. 👋🏼 😁👍🏻 I should also mention. Exelant job!!!!

[@justapedn1]

And he can sing.

[@jcook7148]

Lester Flatt’s smug old self could not deny that Billy nailed this classic.

[@anthonykusiak7961]

I haven’t enjoyed music this much since my last Grateful Dead concert, Jerry Garcia’s last show at Soldier Field. This young man has a God given talent, a pretty kickass band too. I’m 55 years old now and I would love too see these young men jam in person, Great Musicians

[@jimronsivalli1675]

Billy! You're the best man. You're ahead of your time.

[@robertdevereaux7621]

Life is good when you just discover the likes of him. Doc Watson lives. Billy Strings is the real deal.

[@robertprock3639]

I've been going to these bluegrass events my whole life especially in Glenn Rose Texas

[@edwardfuchs3603]

Del is a national treasure. Here folks is another.

[@Gebo1955]

Fac…this guy is awesome 👍👍👍😁

[@halblegen6588]

Every once in awhile there is a prodigy genius in alot of things ,,Billy Strings is one, he is amazing, fantastic chops and musicality ,,and voice too,,,also originals compositions are beautiful ,,Away from The Mire ,,

[@johniedesk1]

Once in a generation musician, so darned good.

[@fuzzybutkus3951]

His vocals are so great now. Catching up with his picking for sure.

[@MMG-q1v]

Tradition lives!!

[@tomhoefling]

Billy exists on a plane all his own.

[@jefflatham7722]

My favorite we’ll done best I ever heard congrats

[@secondsightcinema3957]

goddamn...I’ve been on a Billy Strings bender for a while, but this! this is from some other dimension. Spooky, shaman stuff. The banjo and mandolin solos are incredible. Billy’s vocal is astonishing-he has such command of his singing now that he can take chances and get to someplace way beyond what we expect, and his guitar solo? all that wild chromatic stuff, all those rhythmic shifts, just jaw-dropping.

[@stevebrennan1309]

This young man will do as much as anyone in history to popularize and mainstream Bluegrass. High school kids all over the world will think Bluegrass is cool!!

[@daver.summers3280]

Making the BEST , oh so much BETTER! Doin' Time!

[@erniehughes237]

That was something and I don't care what your something is✌️❤️🇨🇦

[@Dloomis494]

Something else too.

[@jimmadcap]

I’ll admit I have only skimmed the comments here, but I keep reading this is a Flatt and Scruggs cover. It was written by my Father, Jimmie Skinner. It was covered by Johnny Cash among many others. So Billy did a fine cover of my Father’s song.

[@LessThanFaceProductions1]

Jim. Thanks for commenting, and thanks to your father for writing such a great song! I updated the description of the video accordingly.

[@jimmadcap]

@@LessThanFaceProductions1 thank you. It’s much appreciated.

[@haroldarmstrong8285]

fabulous.......Fantastic!!!!!

[@terryreed5594]

I'm digging the Andy Thorn Tshirt also, I got records of my Great Grandfather playing these tunes on his fiddle in the 40s, Billy is the future, lets not let this lad down people!