Billy Strings Interview

Billy talks about his dad's Martin D-93

[@ericjohn8466]

Dude is now a Grammy award winning musician and sporting a Cryptopsy shirt. This guy literally sparked the bluegrass ear back up in me. Earl Scruggs, Clinch Mountain Boys/Ralph Stanley, Roy Clark and on and on. Mad props and much respect.

[@jennifermorris9298]

Me too!Amen to that!!!

[@alancrust]

*@Cryptopsy* should check his music out too !

[@alexdufour-quevillon5225]

None so vile!🤘

[@Whitman1819]

Well said man.

[@Whitman1819]

I'm 53 and just discovered this guy today...wow. His playing is amazing. His story? The fact that he has come out of it a half way decent thinking human is amazing. I'm sure there is a lot of healing that will have to be done in his heart over the years but man...this kid is actually amazing in a lot of ways...impressive human! =) This story really got to me along with a short bio a fan made...I look forward to seeing where he goes with music later in his life if I make it that long hehe...

[@someguy5035]

Hell of a story. Billy has zero ego and agenda, but 100% heart. Something we can all learn from.

[@easytoslip]

beautiful kid, loved this video

[@heyoldman2003]

Amen 👍🏼

[@Bobbing4Fries]

It was my mom. She said It will come back to us, ya know, somehow. She's in tune. - Billy's summary I searched, begged, pleaded, worked, broke laws just to get it back, and I refuse to take more than minor credit. - Billy's story What a good dude.

[@fh3h8fhfasd]

I agree 200%

[@johnduke4120]

Seems sloe to me

[@seadawg93]

❤️❤️❤️ Wow, just yesterday KZbin recommended a video of some random kid on a couch playing a song called “dust in a baggie,” (which I am currently obsessed with). Now hearing this story, so beautiful.

[@justme-ij2qy]

Same here.

[@paxotium7971]

Ditto

[@azz75sl]

I thought it was just me. The algorithm is getting better.

[@dominickramirez1263]

Just happened to me now.

[@ZacLeaser]

Same here. Glad to see the Cryptopsy shirt too!

[@itsjustme0123]

That young man is an old soul.

[@ANCIENTWISE]

Hundred pros

[@Timeshifter32]

Love like that only seems to come from the old souls..

[@babswright2664]

@Infamous Grizzly that is his granddads stock car number

[@Nickecho7979]

Over 20 years ago, my dad thought he had cancer. He gave me and my brother a right each that he had worn for years. I wore it every day. I was working at a bowling alley at the time and lost it. It literally hurt my soul to lose that ring. 2 weeks later, I was fixing the rug at the door where people came in. 100s if not 1000s had walked on that rug. I was fixing it because it was crooked. And there lay that ring under the rug. Amazing feeling. I still have that ring. 30 plus years later. Good story, Billy.

[@raymondjones3509]

If you watch this with a dry eye, your soul may be dead. This kid is the spark that ignited the flame. He taking a new generation to a magical place . God bless you friend.

[@jakethejeweler3092]

May be dead? So my soul still has a chance? Haha. I saw a good joke there and mean no offense. Take it easy

[@Deschain-um7jz]

Can confirm. Right eye is damp as hell right now.

[@Jrnelle]

That cryptopsy shirt though. This is a man for everyone.

[@FrankChase]

So fuckin awssome dude

[@razzaskatesbaker5385]

As soon as I saw the thumbnail I was like holy shit he listens to cryptopsy lol

[@nicholasward8358]

@@razzaskatesbaker5385 Same. Literally the whole reason I clicked this video.

[@timanderson5342]

@@nicholasward8358 is that a metal band?

[@nicholasward8358]

@@timanderson5342 Yes, they're an influential death metal band from the 90's. They're still around and kicking, but what they released in the 90's is considered essential listening. Particularly the album "None so vile", which, coincidentally, the shirt that he's wearing, is of the album art. It's a biblical reference to John the baptist who's head was served on a plate by his mother, Herodias.

[@YonderFanj]

Had me in tears. I'm glad that Martin came home.

[@bigman12583]

Had me too, A guitar is more than wood and strings.

[@sazon860]

Same

[@T25de]

Fucking spoiler 😂

[@dionst.michael1482]

Yup, me too. My guitar has always been my best friend and companion. I totally relate. Wonderful story. Wonderful kid ❤

[@dionst.michael1482]

@@bigman12583 Lol. I just commented the same,e exact thing. Lol

[@TheRealMaxPowers]

the cryptopsy tshirt proves that this guy is a lover of all music.

[@tommyboy1845]

Your post had me interested in Cryptopsy. That is HEAVY. Thank you.

[@Blastsbeatstilldeath]

Agreed.

[@svfantom7776]

Or at least of Cryptopsy.

[@Camoscales]

mitch nope same here

[@ahobimo732]

Watching him play proves it as well.

[@stonedcrow5821]

What a cool story; it reminds me of a Danny Trejo quote I like: "Everything good that ever happened to me has been as a direct result of helping somebody else. Everything."

[@thomasroiland2889]

The future of music is in good hands with young people like this.

[@user-ox5kh3fy8g]

Shut up

[@traciswindoll9938]

If you like him check out a band called 'The Big Push' play 'Wade in the Water'. They're awesome.

[@dionst.michael1482]

Yup

[@fretboardmaster70]

Billy Strings and Molly Tuttle 💜💜💜 wow 🤩 it’s like coffee and cigarettes…. What a combination. Our future is definitely ok.

[@MrSlidejames]

Just lately I've discovered this kid. And now I know why I like him.

[@michaelblanton9167]

fuckin same here.

[@wallacehickey120]

Same here!

[@kennethledford9877]

James Taylor his mom knew you would... 😉

[@user-ox5kh3fy8g]

Why?

[@MrSlidejames]

@@user-ox5kh3fy8g Really? No clue?

[@shawnbenton6171]

"various other ways of getting money" He was selling that dust in a baggie.

[@Lemonpeppertortoise]

Shawn Benton lol

[@smokeswithchief]

no cap

[@MrTruckerf]

I was thinkin' about how many yards you have to mow to clear $700 a month.

[@charliedillon1400]

@@MrTruckerf I mow lawns. $700 is 2-3 days' work.

[@MrTruckerf]

@@charliedillon1400 Clearly, things have changed since my kids mowed lawns back in the '90s!

[@user-cs3zs6jn1d]

I recently recovered my dad's custom les paul. Been gone 11 years,dad's been gone 10. No better feeling than finding it,with my birth certificate in the case still. And the guy that had it just gave it to me when I found my papers in the case.

[@LiquidShadows]

Wow, man... Whew, that made my eyes water a bit. It's so incredibly rare nowadays to not only run across something that used to belong to you that had so much personal history and sentimental value, but to also have the current owner--a complete stranger--just gift it back to you out of the kindness of their heart. That's really touching, man.

[@drralph100]

That's incredible. Makes me want to send the Samaritan some money, but he's probably loaded. If not he's a saint.

[@jessicarandall22]

That’s awesome

[@terybrn]

Thanks KZbin algorithm for showing me the couch video eventually leading me to this video

[@awarewolves1712]

That little Mississippi John Hurt lick tuning up ought'a warned 'em....

[@vagabondslot-machine8832]

That Martin just went on an adventure. It was always coming home

[@rickvance2640]

Go listen to the song the guitar by guy Clark .

[@vagabondslot-machine8832]

@@rickvance2640 thanks, man

[@chrisyonkus7424]

Awesome story Very happy 4 them!

[@fordism.01]

Beautiful human story from a superb musician. I'm not even a country fan or a bluegrass fan . But boy he can play that axe like a demon on fire. Unbelievably talented guitarist.

[@laynefuller]

Is he wearing a Cryptopsy shirt? Holy shit I love this dude.

[@charger3834bbl]

One of the most inspirational videos I ever stumbled across, this kids got character and talent.

[@sbdreamin]

That’s one of the best stories I’ve ever heard.

[@larryadams1873]

This story is so amazing. I’m 54 and have 3 sons with two of them that play guitar. The love and and sacrifice that you showed Billy is unreal. Your dad is blessed to have a son like you. Really a heartwarming story.

[@Blakefan2520]

Billy Strings - what a class act! Doing such a great thing for his Dad. That's love.

[@mbsnyderc]

Your a good Man Billy a more important thing than being the great musician you also are.

[@coynerooski]

As a kid that grew up in a broke family and had to sell a lot of guitars, this hit home. Great story from an amazing musician.

[@MetfanMike]

I don't know how many times I've watched this interview, but it never gets old!

[@timhicks1785]

One of the baddest motherfo's in the game

[@bigpoppa101101]

This guy will go down as one of the best musicians of all time. I hope everyone gets a chance to see him live, it's face melting.

[@Glostahdude]

This is one of the greatest stories I’ve ever heard! We can all only hope to have sons as good as you! You made your father proud! Guaranteed!

[@edgeofeternity101]

Great story. Seven hundred bucks don't come easy even once, but three times, like it was meant to be. You're both lucky to have each other in these days we're now living in. Thanks for sharing.

[@bradmoberly6164]

This guy is a star. Someday a legend

[@Sleepy_Alligator]

No doubt

[@snardlefarb]

Accomplished

[@jobilliegee1298]

Won't be long

[@eeeeric1966]

Huge shoutout to KZbin for recommending me this dudes 2012 song “dust in a baggie”...incredible soul!

[@Atofer1]

It was nice to meet you billy strings. I know I probably annoyed you but I dont care. You are awesome. I took pop bottles back as a 28 year old to see you in portland and to be able to meet and hug you after so many friends have passed on meant the world to me. Thank you.

[@Char-Williams]

I came across Billy Strings, literally 20 minutes ago. I'm obsessed. Lol He has a gift. So talented. ... This story is heart felt, for sure.

[@tcjonesmusic]

This dude is the real deal.

[@jking317]

Seeing Billy and his Dad play together is as heartwarming as this interview!

[@sportscards1405]

Imagine if the Coen Brothers made a movie about the story he just told. That’s where my mind went. You can tell exactly why he is so brilliant writing lyrics by the way he told that story. Just pure soul

[@orphanoforbit7588]

Not all their movies are good though. Some of them are crappy.

[@scotttucker5306]

Totally agree! That WOULD BE a great flick

[@MrAussieUK]

If it were a Coen’s film he woulda ended up robbing the guy’s house for the guitar and accidentally killing him the process and then being hunted across the country by the sellers’ acquaintances because there’s a stolen diamond hidden and glued to the inside of the guitar that is worth a fortune.

[@CivilizedWarrior]

I don’t care man I just love the Coen brothers for putting Willie Watson in a movie lol And for using David Rawlings and Gillian Welch’s music

[@pamcm1098]

Yeah, they could shoot a scene from inside the Martin, like in Cool Clear Water.

[@abraxian7090]

Bluegrass musician in a Cryptopsy shirt! I'd love to hear his old metal bands. Total king

[@CluelessGent]

We sorely need more folks like Billy in this world! In my opinion, he truly deserves any and all goodness that comes his way.

[@jerryholthouse5430]

Amazing story. This guy is going to be a huge star.

[@auntiemame3190]

When he said Bless Her Heart I fell in love with this boy. What a great man his Daddy raised...

[@pietbliksem]

Bless you Billy. What you did there defines you as a person. It shows who you are and exactly how special a musical soul you have. Your dad is so lucky to have a kid like you.

[@rickycarter7154]

Hey Billy, I'm an old guitar man myself. So were my Dad, his name was Billy, and his dad, Lester. They are both gone now, but I still commune with them occasionally with the starvation box, as Arthel Watson used to call it. Thank you so much for your Dad's guitar story. It reminded me of some of mine, like the time I had to sell my 1941 D28, but you know, we're just taking care of them for the next guy___like you! God bless you, Billy.

[@dstewart5292]

You're a good man, and a great son, Billy Strings... God bless you!

[@francispoivre8903]

You're very family oriented. Good for you

[@lulabell79_31]

The most sincere meaningful interview that shows what a good soul someone is, that I've ever seen in my life.

[@mikevoss3732]

I’m your newest fan brother and I’ve always played death metal. Never cared for the crying of country music but through you I’ve seen the awesomeness to bluegrass. Keep it up this Louziana picker is digging it. Also thank your luckiest star that you had a pops and momma that cared and put that guitar in your hand. Some of us are eternal dreamers but you kid are special.

[@Jrhnhemp]

Heard Billy June 3rd in Austin a couple of weeks ago. My son took me for a Fathers Day Present. What a memory!

[@josephalexander6131]

Saw him singing and playing today for the first time. I'm blown away by the talent. He is a good soul. Beautiful inside and outside. 👍🤠⚡

[@Timeshifter32]

This world needs more people like you Billy. Keep up the great work

[@susanrednour1605]

Billy Strings should be nominated and win artist of the decade!! That's just how damn impressed I am of him...he's so deserving of more!! He is More!

[@TheCatfishcheese]

Man, Billy you had me in tears hearing this story.

[@jeffreyg.5668]

Cool story Bro! Your dad raised an awesome young man. Your far from poor and always have been. You have the greatest wealth a person could receive. Family love! God Speed Brother!

[@tommyboy1845]

That boy is special. VERY big heart and well spoken.

[@Chihusky177]

Billy Strings is a lovely soul. Jesus took Billy to that guitar.

[@earloutdoors3286]

What an amazing beautiful story

[@guitarsword1]

What a story Billy. I love listening to u, whether u have a guitar or not. Wisdom beyond ur years.

[@MarkMaysey]

That's a touching story Billy, I'm glad I found it while searching for picks this morning. One could say that guitar was never meant to leave your family.

[@michaelcarver3168]

This has to be the most incredible, heart warming story I've ever heard

[@padjo59]

Nearly in tears listening to this and how it felt when they had to sell the Martin, and how it felt when he returned it.

[@Kdubgrit]

If this don’t strum the ole heart strings...

[@michaellissow543]

LIke some here, I just discovered this kid 3 days ago and now I'm obsessed. I have Billy Strings playing Blue Grass in my head all day. His talent blows me away!!

[@donaldwood1731]

Great job Billy A true player And my old Ibenize Concord 1974 is still being played daily by my son I hope it lives as long as i can enjoy the tradition also Great story Love From Nova Scotia Canada

[@cai_bosch]

What a legend ! Such an awesome story . Random KZbin suggestion for dust in a baggie and now I'm here. Top lad strings. Who the hell disliked this vid ?

[@pauleasterjr7239]

Some fake ass wanna be music lover but wouldn't know great music if it sat on their face and wiggle lol HATERS THUNMB DOWN THIS VIDEO

[@tmgrapplerszone]

This interview got debris in both my eyes at the same time.

[@LukenUSee]

Same here...Don't you hate it when that happens?😉

[@scramblesthedeathdealer]

Same. 🥲 What a coincidence.

[@Timeshifter32]

I think someone is cutting onions in my house..

[@amber22431]

😪😪😪😪😪

[@LouieGonzalezGolf]

Same aha

[@tomgreeves9248]

God bless that kid. He plays like a dream, has a great attitude, and deserved to get that Martin back. Delightful video.

[@ladyofthewoods2448]

That’s a precious story thank you for posting. Divine intervention

[@JamesJones-cx5pk]

He's still humble to this day. What a roll model!👍👍

[@jesusisGod1434]

Awe, this brings tears to my eyes. So sweet. God bless you young man. ✝️❤️

[@Tonetwisters]

Love those family guitar stories. Back in the summer of 1963 -- when my parents separated, my older brother went out pawn shop hunting to find me an electric guitar. I was always snagging his 1960 Jazzmaster and he was getting tired of it. So, he found this 1954 Stratocaster, and came home and eventually told my dad about it. We went downtown to look at it. Looked fine to me. They closed it up and I grabbed the handle of that beat-up tweed case and started to walk out. I was all of 16 years old, so I didn't understand "layaway." I was supposed to pay for it, but I made so little money cuttin' grass that I eventually forgot about the guitar and holding up my end of the payment bargain. Fast forward a few months to Christmas. My dad was no longer living in the house, but there was that '54 Stratocaster under the tree ... the best Christmas present I ever got or would get (kind of like that BB gun movie, right?). Well, I played that guitar in a band with my older brother for all of 1964 and half of 1965. One night, we played a community center in Palatka FL, fifty miles to the south of our hometown. Then we drove back up a dark, lonely highway and dropped off our drummer on the westside of town. When we got back in the car, we forgot to run up the back glass of the station wagon. A few minutes later, we drove over a bridge and stopped to pay toll. When we took off, the guitar started to slide, there in the darkness. Then, out on the expressway, it dived on out the back. Somebody stopped and picked it up before we could get back to it, and they were gone into the night, early morning, 25 July 1963. That was the last I saw of it, a special Stratocaster, because we had switched out the worn out neck for a Jazzmaster neck! Still waiting for that one to come back!

[@Nuya-beeswax]

"Someday I'll be able to pick up the guitar and talk to him"

[@billiehatfield1487]

]6786070550

[@ShineDawg]

Chills

[@stephenbradshaw7772]

I'm pretty sure there's nothing much I could say about this wonderful,moving story or this incredibly talented,humble fellow with an amazing soul that hasn't been said already. But, I can definitely relate to his Dad's feeling's of connection between his Mother and his guitar. I lost the most important woman in the world to me a few years ago now and as I try to write this I'm having a hard time seeing the words through the tears. I miss my Mom every day. My Mom went to college to study piano but ended up being a teacher most if her life.But,Dad bought her a Baldwin upright and I grew up listening to her play. I have played guitar for years but had not bought a new one in a long time and had all but given it up. so as some gift of solace, I bought a beautiful one soon after Mom passed and I even named it after her. I try to hold Marsha every day. Thanks for the story and I hope I didn't take up too much of anyone's time.

[@erichnussbaum]

Great guy, great story, fantastic talented musician! A light in this world!

[@Prestonesfpv]

Not much can move me anymore, sadly.... but this just melted my heart for the first time in many many years

[@SuperGravityFilms]

Deeply moved--my hearts with you, Billy...

[@12structures]

This guy, Billy Strings, and his fingers of magic. This story, smh, I can't even put into words how inspiring, and amazing, yet mind blowing this story is, as well as his talent. This is just the criteria for folklore. This is true happiness IMO. Even watching this interview, and discovering him recently, and his playing. You can tell it is all PURE. THIS IS WHAT MAKES MUSIC INDESCRIBABLE, and why it holds so much emotion. LOVE THIS.

[@socopoc]

I’ve only just come across Billy but so glad I have, respect to you dude.

[@jeffhoward5552]

Me to and I like him alot

[@mattb4461]

One of the best stories I've ever heard.

[@robertbodle2354]

Good god, just when i started to lose hope in humanity.

[@bksr_8414]

What a beautiful soul.. I'm so lucky to watch all this unfold.. #1 fan

[@langstongrandma]

This kid makes me feel better about leaving this world - knowing that good music will continue.

[@havingfun1968]

And that good people are still here. I’m leaving this world sooner than you my friend. Stage 4 is about to capture me here in this VA Hospital. I’ll meet you on the other side. Semper Fidelis, Captain T, USMC

[@GuyFromTheSouth]

@@havingfun1968 god bless you and thanks for your service

[@GingerKC]

What a DOLL!!! Sweetest son! What a proud set of parents he must have! I love that he would do that for his family. I believe in energy too!!! Bless your sweet heart! You bless others so much, with your music ,now this. Inspiring sweet man he is!!! That story is awesome ❤👍👏

[@stevenhearrell1564]

Great story! I wonder how many people have the heart and drive to do what Billy did. No wonder he is such a great player.

[@Buster842842]

Fantastic interview. What a loving son Billy Strings is. God bless Billy and his Dad.

[@ianmacdonald9848]

Awesome story! I don’t know how I found this clip but you inspired me this morning! Your a great soul and I’m now a definite fan of yours!

[@hanslain9729]

I'm choked up at this gesture... so good.

[@unclemongoose-3317]

Great story, you have a new fan, love your attitude and music

[@WhoDeyWorld]

The last sentence he said was incredible. He will pick it up and talk to dad once terry is gone. Dang bro.

[@mikesmith1301]

Billy Strings......that was SUCH a cool story and YOU are cool!!! Lotta soul my brother.

[@Kevin-zy2xz]

Its incredible how much billy strings means to me in just the few months I've followed him. Hes very relatable and I love his style and music. Its so good to know real people exist still. Thank you billy strings for everything you have done for us. You bless our hearts with the most moving bluegrass on earth. Im so happy for him in his success.

[@tommcdonald1746]

Amazing story and the love for his Dad will touch your soul.

[@gratefulnotdeadhead7857]

Never heard of him till friends brought me to his show nearby. Been hooked ever since!

[@tennesseewendy3631]

The Lord works in mysterious ways my friend

[@willierepairone5389]

Simple twist of fate ! Thanks for posting !

[@rememberthetalamo7993]

Met this dude on top of a hotel after he played a show for Jerry Garcia in LA. Good guy, nice guy, great musician.

[@walthampton7151]

Umm, Mr Strings/Apostle was born in 1992 and Jerry left this world in 1995. I knew Billy Strings started early, I just don't think he was gigging in LA at age 3. I am sure that story carries you far with the youngins though...

[@debraapostol4369]

The Jerry Garcia gig Bill played at was a memorial gig.

[@freddyb2k4l47]

Just found out about this guy today when my cousins were talkin bout his upcoming concert they are going too. Come to find out he grew up like a 10 minute drive down the road from me. Been binging his music for the last few hours & it’s amazing!

[@legalize.brokkoli]

What a likeable guy.

[@MarkLavengood]

This gets me every time….god damnit Billy - you were born for this brother ❤❤❤❤

[@jasonbush3361]

I love this guy. What a blessing in this world

[@ralphglenz7207]

beautiful story from Billy....shows his love for his dad

[@nonh8nsk8r]

Billy, you're the real deal. Don't ever change!

[@IsaiahKeiser]

Billy is the best thing that’s happened to music in decades. Most of my favorite musicians weren’t great people. Billy genuinely seems like a great dude.