Billy Strings incredible solo vocal "And Am I Born To Die" Grey Fox 2018

[@jackemmerich906]

Billy just encored with this at Red Rocks last week. The natural acoustics carried and reverberated his voice off the rocks, consuming the entire venue as the audience stood there, silent. Many around me were caught off guard by the performance, left with goosebumps, some even tears, after what was such an amazing evening. This guy is something else.

[@r.ivangriffin2190]

What makes Billy great is although he is as futuristic as bluegrass music can be he knows what the roots are and doesn't abandon them.

[@terrygarvin1980]

When we lost Doc Watson I really thought that music was gone forever. I never would have believed a young talent like Billy Strings could come along and keep the spirit alive. And here I believed he was a guitar player...

[@Hank-ds8pc]

I gave my son, Uriah Bailey, his first guitar when he was 7. He was writing his own at 11. He died at 21...the same year Billy did this song. Billy grew up about 90 miles from my back porch

[@margots.597]

❤

[@sabastain4475]

Much love, brother. I’m sure you were the best father. Your son’s flying high, playing with the angels.

[@davidcartner7088]

Thank you so much for singing this beautiful song. We played it at my father's funeral. This was his favorite ever since he heard you sing it. He was 91.

[@gunguy5409]

We all know Doc Watson and many others are proud of him for the music he'll continue on for generations to come. I'm 31 and grew up playing and listening to this from my papaw and my dad. So this is very much appreciated knowing it doesn't stop with them

[@marcelmallory2761]

This young man is one of the greatest talents I have ever seen in my almost 60 years and being an audiophile I have seen and heard many. I look forward to seeing what is in the future...

[@stargazer6753]

Yes indeed , my man. He is extraordinary.

[@stephenyatesacoustic]

This is a song that Doc Watson used to sing, it's at the end of the 1976 documentary, "Three Days with Doc". Billy is yet again showing his respect for Doc and his devotion to Doc's musical legacy in performing this song.

[@nickrobinson7283]

The purple back lighting makes it look Billy's aura.

[@user-sk4bg6hr7p]

Superstar doesn’t do justice to Billy. He’s far greater. What a beautiful song

[@Bluecat33]

Holy shit!

[@inagetawodi4531]

I’m not sure if Billie was wiping sweat, or tears, from his face after singing this, but it brought tears to my eyes and lifted my spirit.

[@tyeclark3677]

This should have 100 million views by now

[@utah133]

I'm old. But this dude amazes me, and is obviously the new generation of bluegrass or whatever you choose to call it.

[@stargazer6753]

I agree. He is the new generation of “Bluegrass.’’ or whatever you want to call it. And he is absolutely great. You just wait and see at 2024. Fantastic.

[@roysass1387]

Until I heard this I knew Billy was a great guitarist who sang. Now I'm thinking he's a great singer who plays. I hear I little Ralph Stanley in his soul.

[@janiesexton3575]

He doesn't need a guitar! He is singing from his heart, and you can feel the words as he sings, without ant instruments!

[@DanPurdy1]

Not only is he a great guitarist; but, he can really sing. This is Idumea, the stunning Hymn from Charles Wesley. We Shape Note sing it often. A powerful Hymn and a powerful voice. Something that I did not know about him.

[@BamaDave71]

Danpurdy1 I grew up singing shape note and still do on occasion. Where do you hail from? I grew up in North Alabama. Thanks, David Townson

[@DanPurdy1]

I live in Waldoboro, Maine.

[@myradalton450]

​@@BamaDave71Hi David!

[@mmhmm1296]

You should out Gwenifer’s Raymond take on this melody from her banjo song titled idumea

[@normamartin8755]

The expression on his face at the end of song is both beautiful and heartbreaking. I am in tears

[@terrinpeterson9899]

Just heard this for the first time today, and that ending I replayed 4 times because his body language was absolutely torn, without question he was in pain but knew to keep composure. Legend.

[@frezemizer8918]

Me2

[@thechapelfireband]

I remember being many rows back for this, and being absolutely gobsmacked.

[@LessThanFaceProductions1]

Me as well...I'll never forget that moment

[@VirginiaH-qp2je]

I watch this video pretty much every single day. Watching the strings and things man at the age he is in this video reminds me so much of the Billy I had in my life so long ago. In saying that. I believe I have somehow had some kind of cosmic connection through Billy Strings to be able to connect with my long ago deceased Billy. Yes that's a pretty crazy thing to say. Just know I am so in my right mind. Lol. One day I hope to be able to share my connected cosmic connection with this very talented young man. It's a very beautiful chaotic true story that has brought me to a sense of calm and gratitude of what my 60 years of my life's journey thus far. Thank you Strings and things kind soul. From the first time I watched your KZbin dust in a baggie video a few years back. I knew then Billy Strings was a rare kind soul. And the future journey he would take me on would be forever beautiful. I am so blessed. I cannot say it enough. Thank you. My human spirit has been restored once again. ✌️

[@csutton161]

all I can say is WOW...So glad I found Billy strings.

[@brucel1185]

thumbing the pick while singing is all you need to understand. Singing about the 'world unknown' and the 'trembling spirit' will engender those feelings. Billy is courageous. It shows in his voice and his music. It is the sign of a true artist. All true art requires great courage, for great art dares to open up the world unknown and shine it's light within

[@cdub9735]

Ending the night relatively sober and smiling...Thanks Billy...

[@christaylor2070]

Doc Watson's recording with Gaither Carlton on fiddle is priceless and so is this. Billy isnt just another superstar guitar picker he's somehow inherited the deep roots of Appalachian music.🙂

[@mandirhodesmusic]

Billy Sings not just Billy Strings!!! 👏👏👏👏👏🙌🙌🙌🙌

[@geraldlowe2652]

I hope Doc Hears this young man. Someone to carry on.

[@pennianthony9419]

Just found this November 2024..listened to it over and over!

[@adamwest404]

It's a telling tale, how we relate to his songs about drug addiction, suicide. And Jesus.

[@rasta7225]

I feel like im at my grandpa church in Kentucky....love it

[@davidhicks7450]

Amen

[@dogman615]

Man this is gospel thank you

[@dereksandoz2300]

Oh wow he dedicated that to someone I think. What an incredible treasure Billy Strings, thank you for keeping the heart of bluegrass alive.

[@johnm8838]

That is as pure as it gets. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[@stargazer6753]

This interpretation by Billy Strings reminds me of John Jacob Niles from Kentucky who went into the hills of Kentucky during the 1930’s and 40’s to record the songs and origins of the 17th through the 18th Century in the mountains and valleys . These songs would have come from or be influenced by the influx of the Scotch Irish and the Irish and later by the English. It has also been said by many that there are traits in their language that go back to the Elizabethan Era and that trait continued because of the isolation caused by the mountains. This phenomenon is the origin of what has evolved and what is now called “Bluegrass.” And that is another story about the term “Bluegrass."

[@normamartin8755]

Billy, you are not born to die. You are born to share your incredible talent and sweet, loving heart with us.😍😍😍😍

[@elmateo624]

Sources state the words are from Charles Wesley and tune acclaimed by Ananias Davidson (Kentucky Harmony, 1815). The original tune be is said to be “Lord Lovel.” From “FOLK SONGS OF NORTH AMERICA” published in 1960. An amazing book. Quote: “This “surge song” has been reprinted in 14 folk-hymn books, and has been sung in this form by millions of Southerners…The four-part arrangement on page 246, came from the pen of the Kentucky Sacred Harper, Ananias Davidson, in 1817, and, with all its unconventional cords, is here published, as the country singing conventions have performed it for more than a century.”

[@elmateo624]

2nd chorus: Waked by the trumpet’s sound, I from the grave shall rise To see the Judge with glory crowned And view the flaming skies.

[@elmateo624]

3rd chorus: How shall I leave the tomb? With triumph or regret? A fearful or a joyful doom? A curse or blessing meet?

[@elmateo624]

4th chorus: I must from God be driv’n, Or with my Savior dwell; Must come at his command to Heav’n, Or else depart-to Hell.

[@JacobS2000]

Oh my. Lost for words

[@elliotportner8020]

Billy has a great voice I never before heard this high quality and true beauty

[@willierepairone5389]

Billy failing, Royal Masat, Jared Walker, William Apostol,, What an awesome bluegrass lineup !

[@martinwall7297]

tks Billy, take care of yourself but keep it going, keep the music alive.

[@froggiechar]

Billy was born to sing - and perform! THE VERY BEST! God bless, Brother Charlie

[@tomas5376]

Hauntingly beautiful!👍✌️😊🙏🏼🎶🎵🎶🎵🎶

[@matthewbasinger11]

OMG!!! I've never heard anything so beautiful!!!

[@jamesharry6479]

Chills!!!

[@jakehirschman1533]

Billy’s the goat for a reason

[@jeffcmo1957]

I keep watching this and being moved. Wow. This hits a hard. So damn good.

[@4theRun]

That was awesome! Thank you Billy Strings for sharing your talent with the rest of us.

[@babswright2664]

Beautiful Billy! This brought a tear to my eye and a lump to my throat. Sheer perfection.

[@relars52]

Impressive voice, for a Guitar Virtuoso! This guy is the complete package. Anyone doesn't believe it - have them listen to this.

[@redddbaron]

That was unbelievable. A real old timey dirge! And impeccably done!

[@rayhicksjr4047]

He showed me with that song that he IS the real thing!

[@chromewarrior7959]

Was just introduced to this young man. WOW!!!!! What talent. How refreshing!

[@brucekuehn4031]

I hope you found examples of him playing guitar!

[@dansemacabre8692]

Billy sings

[@1ginner1]

Well that was unexpected. More please. Irish folk song, "down by the sally garden", might be awesome.

[@kenseymour5152]

The best instrument ever the human voice

[@grebnecher]

The human voice is God’s ‘Sacred Harp.’ This song is titled “Idumea” and appears on page 47 in the Sacred Harp songbook. kzbin.info/www/bejne/g5fTemeOaJKAbJosi=OiuEkxv5OhpQcCks

[@harrymason1053]

Beautiful!

[@bryans9756]

I want this played at my funeral

[@CNatsumi]

É de arrepiar! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@jamesharry6479]

Goosebumps!!!

[@piplingsings1456]

Some serious talent here.

[@boogaleeboutte]

Kids a musical genius.

[@1AvW1]

THAT was truely beautiful !!!

[@lovinlifejosh3888]

If not for this kid, I might not have ever heard this song. Doubt I ever get to hear it from a live stage with those who love me though. My roots didn't tell me about the Earth we come from.

[@lovinlifejosh3888]

And thus why I dug deeper to find them.

[@cannnabiskatz]

What a solful song! ❤😊

[@avimae4225]

Outstanding performance!

[@adamstewart247]

Charles Wesley is singing this from heaven

[@thorkellofnamdalen4382]

Holy sheit, good stuff.

[@mbsnyderc]

Awesome.

[@sergesushko9991]

Bravo!

[@louiscraddock9853]

perfect pitch

[@tomdabomb3457]

i think someone needs to slap the one person that gave this a thumbs down. It absolutely does not and cannot get any better than this. period...end of discussion!!

[@bornagain9192]

Wow ! You go Billy!

[@elliehjemmet]

Watching his videos (astonished of course!) I was wondering where HAVE I heard that vocal quality... and then I heard this! Of course, he's listened to some Tim Eriksen! Absolutely love Billy's massive talents, and approve of his emulating the greatest of great musicians. They are kin! And this is the deepest of Roots Music, the beautiful old shape note hymn, Idumea (And am I born to die...)

[@Dloomis494]

This is who Billy is.

[@14mjlee]

With all due respect, Billy has set the standard on this.

[@analogkid28]

Beautiful

[@odoylerules03]

Eternal happiness, or woe, must then my fortune be

[@cdub9735]

Thank you.

[@BrianMollett]

Awesome

[@williampruitt8420]

sweet Jesus!

[@CrystalTwinStar]

His beautiful rendering inspired this lyrical message Eliminate my age, my body, my less than perfect vision. Eliminate my beliefs, my voice, my quirks. Don't look at me...but rather into me, and let your heart linger there for just a moment, and see what you feel. And feel what you see...and let that be all that you see from that moment on And then we will live our destiny as One 2020 © Crystal Dawn Hill This is a channeled lyrical message

[@pacosuave64]

beautiful lyric!

[@pascalchavanon1930]

Amazing 😎

[@adbc8213]

More Please...🌀

[@oldsoundz]

That was beautiful. Thanks for the upload. Never seen him with a furry lip before.

[@pstewart9012]

G💗D💓SPELL

[@lintxxxxx]

I'd like to hear this man do the national anthem

[@yourturn777]

💚✊🎶 Go wid cha no strings!

[@RJDCR]

sweet Mr Strings Robert J

[@badhop9035]

great

[@jameshill2292]

Son you make the mountain crawl to me reaching high to the great God we love hear me as my heart wales inside the mighty blade I hold so high I fight for the greatest at my side here I live or die. Great piece of work Young man now I can live on till ins pulled inside the great divide I will one day ride the battle cry. Pop.

[@World-as-i-c-it]

Powerful!

[@sarahhhh775]

Not heard anything like that. 💪

[@brycecole7883]

If I was to die right now I would want billy strings to sing this live while i get lowered into the ground

[@tomdabomb3457]

damn right!!! That would be honor to have Billy sing this as Im lowered in the ground. You think like me man.

[@Linnie1021]

OMG.. I was thinking the same.. I will be 72 in a few days, so I may be close. I would love to have this played at my memorial.💜💚💛✌

[@dereksandoz2300]

Yes

[@cdub9735]

I have just now equated watching Billy with reading Tea Leaves

[@Emmetgriffin9]

❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@blzstibi]

And am I born to die To lay this body down And as my trembling spirit fly Unto a world unknown And as my trembling spirit fly Unto a world unknown Soon as from earth I go What will become of me Eternal happiness far away Must then my portion be Eternal happiness far away Must then my portion be A land of deepest shade Unpierced by human thought That weary region of the dead Where all things are forgot That weary region of the dead Where all things are forgot

[@rdmahurin]

I didn't know he could do this.

[@marjoriespeicher.9319]

Halelujah Jesus,reality in lyrics. Thank you Lird for life on earth to tell others of our experiences Re:- real miracles,in giving another breath to life,until you're ready to take us home to our promised Heave

[@paulaspeier3493]

Amen

[@simonroberts1187]

I have been watching your videos and thinking , he's a great guitarist , who can sing a bit , same as mark knopfler, but christ almighty , you can REALLY sing !! I'm impressed , when are you coming to the UK?

[@flybyboy77]

I want this on ITunes please

[@pentastarr666]

angelic....Billy ...wow...just speechless

[@mackpainter7445]

Somewhere Celtic singers have goosebumps