Doug Smith perform Stars & Stripes Forever by Sousa

Doug Smith solo acoustic give live at the University of Kentucky's Singletary Center

[@darvinzimmerman521]

I have used Doug Smith at several events to raise money for Veterans he is not only a world class guitarist, but a world class person. He always gets a standing ovation from the crowd.

[@berryj.greene7090]

Good to hear! Gifted in the round eh!

[@olmmbill]

Incredible artistry. Being able to include the piccolo part was even beyond incredible. This should be our National Anthem. It's arguably the most uplifting march ever written. Thank you, Doug, for playing it, and thanks for posting it.

[@mrmz3802]

Chet adkins was play on classical guitar at 80’s

[@1WEareBUFO1]

This isn't the national anthem? 😅

[@derekbee13]

I am amazed.... God bless America!!! Stars and Stripes Forever always brings tears to my eyes...

[@theeuniceburns]

I feel so lucky to have Doug as a guitar teacher for the past four years. He didn't even know this was on youtube until a few weeks ago, lol

[@BobandBear1]

Never tire of watching this....brilliant arrangement and Doug's playing is so vibrant and alive...absolutely terrific !

[@chirilas5217]

Wow!!!, what a great performance Leonard. Sincere congratulations. Unique interpretation.👍👍👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@daf827]

Wow. Flawless. GVD’s arrangement of this blows me away every time I hear it played. The piccolo section is ridiculous. I can’t even imagine how many hours of practice are required to master this piece. Nice to hear it on a steel string guitar with a Sunrise pickup.

[@fingerstylefan]

This is by far the best version I' ve ever heard.

[@mikecrider8478]

Check out the version by Chet Atkins.

[@dogma308]

@@mikecrider8478 this version is much better than Chet's

[@peterwatzlawick]

​​@@dogma308 No, it is just faster but with mistakes in it. I Love this guy and his playing nevertheless.

[@dagrote1]

Just FYI, the arrangment is Guy Van Duser's. Many guitarists have covered it since he wrote it, including Chet.

[@aceetobee11]

It’s not a 4th of July without my family and I watching Doug perform this incredible arrangement. Bravo! 👏🏼

[@oakleysierney1918]

Damn, how'd he get an entire band into that little guitar?

[@00bean00]

Pym Generator!

[@mrbeaverstate]

Orchestra :-)

[@clearfish]

Doug Smith is right to credit Guy Van Duser. Fingerstylists are only starting to catch up to him. Guy's "Western Medley" (a collection of TV and movie Western themes) is another piece of art. The theme from "High Noon" is especially beautiful.

[@gtyellojacket]

This is one of the most incredible guitar performances mine ears have ever heard.

[@boc234]

Playing at this level, it's almost inhuman.

[@TVXchristianTVX]

I MET HIM hes very HUMBLE and amazing

[@pollyward632]

I have loved Doug Smith since the 90"s when I heard Order of Magnitude and Renewal. He is World-Renowned Performer and composer.

[@oregongirl1064]

HI! I WENT TO A CONCERT IN ONE OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCHES IN TIGARD OR A FEW YEARS AGO. I ENJOYED THE CONCERT AND ENJOY LISTENING TO YOU PLAY. YOU ARE GREAT. YOU ARE A MASTER. IT FUN TO WATCH AND LISTEN TO YOU PLAY.

[@swd210]

Blew me away! Fantastic rendition of Stars & Stripe Fowever!

[@seanmcclure]

I was here. I was in the second row and I enjoyed every minute of Andrew and Doug.

[@johnduffy6546]

Nicely done! JPS and your dad are rightfully proud!

[@jerrysaunders6105]

Outstanding! Personally, I think Mr Sousa would approve.

[@guscanelo]

Impresionante, que increíble arreglo!!!!! Para aplaudir de pie.

[@michaeljattwood]

This is so awesome, in the absolutely proper sense of the word. I know Doug well, and he is not only the most phenomenal guitarist, but he's also one of the most decent human beings you're ever going to run into. I used to think I played the guitar until I heard Doug...

[@misterarthur]

Amazing piccolo trills in here. What a great transcription and player.

[@gtyellojacket]

I must have listened to this a hundred times. Amazed every time. Happy Fourth of July!

[@AbsurdistAgent]

Love Doug Smith, ever since I saw him on River City Folk. There’s a lot of warm light in his playing.

[@vickersonp]

Doug, that was brilliant. I didn’t think that anyone could beat Chet Atkins version....I think you just did. It was a joy to listen to....it must be incredibly difficult to play.

[@fungiformenow]

Bravo, young fella. I was blown over hearing your namesake, Smith R, playing this. This was every bit as impressive. Well done!

[@owlet1963]

now I understand the comment of one of my online musician pals after he watched this, He sent it to me with the following words..."Oh how i watch this & weep !!" :) Well, Dave, the rest of us mere mortals is weeping along with you, haha! GREAT performance!! hats off!!

[@chirilas5217]

This is the best version I have ever heard . Unique version, definitely. Congratulations.👍👏👍👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@GregZenitskyKD0QAP]

Chet would have been very proud, Doug!

[@baileywilliamj]

Dude is out of control. God Bless America!

[@vincentdinatale6962]

I never get tired of listening to that great March and amazing performance and can’t help but wonder where did THAT USA Go? The world needs it back!

[@RevK777]

WOW, just wow, you are very talented

[@MartyHendersonDVM]

WOW - incredible. Looks like it was a "good night" - like all the other time's I've seen him play this :). Doug is amazing!

[@Teabonesteak]

I brought myself here. Worth it.

[@rudolfsidhu]

It is an unbelievably playful and lively arrangement of the National March, kudos for the decent work

[@ElMcMeen1a]

Great job, Doug...on one of the greatest guitar arrangements I've ever heard!!

[@BriK33]

Amazing. Simply amazing, that song gets me everytime

[@fouramhq]

Wow!!! Astounding...beautiful....a master at work.

[@berryj.greene7090]

Fantastic tour de force. Brilliant. As good as anyone and delivered in such style. I have heard a few others do this including Chet but none better and it will always be just "a few" that can master this. Loved it and all power to you sir!

[@harrystamper2388]

why haven't more people seen this? My undying respect for Doug for making this

[@walterbriggs272]

I’ve seen Chet, Tommy, Jerry, and Richard Smith play this, and I love it! Good job

[@barbararuthsmith2882]

I always loved the way you played this song, You are still a master at guitar!

[@nickwalz4868]

This is really inspiring. Achieving a tone that clean is difficult on a steel string acoustic. You've given me something to strive for!

[@LanceCampeau]

Truly inspiring talent... I love watching and listening to your work.

[@scotiansteelworksltd.bermu5888]

The best redention of this peice I have EVER heard ,,,,,,,anywhere..... THE BEST............

[@scotiansteelworksltd.bermu5888]

THE CRAZY THING IS... HE WILLSAY,,,,, I've played it better in my basement.

[@jeffreygranger6913]

I think you mean rendition, man.

[@issacteamster]

that was great ......wow ....i had to put my gutiar down for about a year--broken finger-- but I know what song i will try to play soon..thanks very much...tears were brought to my eyes---wow---

[@ScottPenick]

Brilliant! Doug Smith is simply amazing.

[@timallbritton7329]

Amazing. Just fantastic!

[@markweeg]

Great control of instrument. Nice left-hand thumb work too. I enjoyed this more than I can say.

[@chico3927]

Oh...Lord!!!!! I was lost for words.....Amazing.....

[@scottymoran4017]

I saw him do this at Crown of the Continent Guitar Festival in 2015…a magical night!!

[@calcorrfan]

Love to watch this every once in awhile. A great performance.

[@AntoinePayen]

Absolutely wonderful ! 😍

[@guitardan46]

OMG, this is wonderful - - :-)

[@vogie1000]

Wonderful, absolutely wonderful.

[@fingerstylin]

i watched doug do this live in parma ohio recently, it was very cool, i have been a fan of his for over 10 years now, he really deserves to be noticed he is truely an awesome player.

[@patszer8314]

What a beautiful rendition! Thanks for posting!

[@donbenevento7686]

Now I've seen everything

[@sunaJH]

How could I have missed this guy, he is F great, I agree, his performance is the best I've seen yet, as much as I worship Chet:) sunaj

[@pocatellocowboy1077]

Absolutely breathtaking!!!!

[@gregdecker3518]

love this. fantastic.

[@sethkins123]

Very well done. Reminds me of boot camp graduation. ⚓

[@yoursisbytheblood]

I just took a quick listen of an '82 recording of Mr Atkins playing the same. You've added SO much more. Fantastic!!

[@moreme40]

A couple of weeks practice and I'd have this piece down with no problem. My nose just grew a couple of inches Lol. That was some amazing picking...

[@NODsoldier22]

never seen this song played on a guitar, good job.

[@Offshoreorganbuilder]

Very skillful. Thanks.

[@grizzly_wolf7679]

This is soooo good. Wish I can do that!!!!

[@gtyellojacket]

You can see the look of relief on his face when he gets past the piccolo part.

[@jeffreygraham3893]

an amazing version...

[@joekingman4654]

Damn he is good! Love it! BRAVO!

[@axeaddiction796]

Best version I've heard

[@rudykirkpatrick1695]

Gary Smith and Guy Van Dusser play this as a duo, great interpretation for guitar by Guy.

[@donbrown1091]

Just WOW!

[@michaeljattwood]

Have said it before, listening to and watching Doug is a treat, but does make me consider going home and burning my guitars...

[@jumpercable20]

I know exactly what you mean, now it's time to take up harmonica

[@TCSC47]

Me too!!!!

[@jeffreygranger6913]

Or... practice. Funny how at least one makes a ridiculous comment about burning guitars instead of just straight up admiring talent. I must say the audience behaved themselves. Refreshing.

[@TCSC47]

@@jeffreygranger6913 Joke, Jeff!

[@jeffreygranger6913]

@@TCSC47 Where I come from a joke has to be funny. Why can't people just genuinely appreciate talent and not make it about themselves? Enjoy it!

[@buddythecowboy]

That's badasss

[@Reliken]

This is fantastic!

[@vincentdinatale6962]

I dreamed a Dream! Born in 1945 I always loved America and then woke up to find what Americans have to THEMSELVES😢😢😢

[@yoursisbytheblood]

Gave me chills! I was raised on Chet Atkins and love his style. Your talent is beautiful!!

[@vystaowen7319]

this is really great thanks for sharing

[@rodgerspence9603]

Beautiful just beautiful

[@Larrymarx]

Beautiful... Happy 4th of July to You:-)

[@davidlinn4302]

Brilliant, absolutely brilliant! I don't like Sousa, but this is wonderful. Doug is one of the best to ever pick up anything with strings.

[@vapeymcvape5000]

Would this include a yo-yo?

[@docshaman]

A beautiful rendition.

[@issacteamster]

#2 wow again.... as a life long gutiar player--not a great one-- but enjoyed it ..watch him around 401 he was really into it and was having fun at it..... thats what it is all about.

[@samjemb]

I first heard Guy Van Duser play this piece thirty-odd years ago at The Bottom Line in NYC. (He was performing with Billy Novick at the time.) Doug Smith's performance of "Stars and Stripes Forever" is, in my opinon more fluid and whimsical than that of Guy Van Duser (whom I still greatly admire.)

[@Cozydell]

An excellent rendition

[@godinlowden]

Guy Van Duser's arrangement is really great !!! (and very hard to play it seems)

[@tobiashrng]

Guy Van Duser wrote this arrangement on guitar over 30-40 years ago. A very difficult piece but it's easier to copy it than to write it. Still a very good performance but Guy should get all the credit!

[@guitarafter50]

Could anyone live past the first row here this? Great job

It's Amazing! Excellent!

[@d181939]

He is playing a James Goodall guitar. Great builder from HI who I believe has moved to the mainland but still building killer instruments.

[@ShadowCloud143]

A true master of his craft.

[@UlisesVictoria]

Indeed! I have been a hardcore Chet fan for so many years, and I have never heard of this guy here before, but his performance is better than Chet's. (Never thought I would say something like that!!!)

[@adg1017]

so amazing... wow

[@TheJdm2203]

THANK YOU! Semper Fi!

[@lolerkueh]

omg omg omg!! beatifull!

[@HeimoGladik]

So GREAT!!!!

[@bricoak]

Bravo. What more can I say.

[@MrPDGee]

You have to admire the skills of anyone who can play this. Doug Smith, Chet Atkins, Rick Foster, all professionals, all excellent renditions, all with their own style showing though Van Duser's arrangement. But you should check out Hiroshi giving it a whirl - at /watch?v=IBEWFTsbRj4 Kudos to all of them.