The Preacher and the Bear - Billy Strings

In a quiet room at a loud party.
William Apostol also known as Billy Strings before his rise to fame. This was originally filmed on 9/16/2012 around 3am in front of a small group of friends at a house party.
#billystrings #bluegrass #guitar

[@LowerStandards33]

Check out Billy String's channel and take their new album "Renewal" for a spin! kzbin.info/door/7PLUlfQMnPtf4sjZ7N5gXA

[@themysticfedora]

I'm glad we're all here again cus of you :) thanks for the upload buddy.

[@Quistophaaa]

Please tell me you have cocaine blues imn a quiet room

[@WarrenSt.James_Guitarist]

wanted you to know..I was at ISP..I believe one of the guitars his relative put together is still in the music department there..a natural finish 175c...looked like a les paul ..only bigger...as I remember the story...a guy incarcerated there had an Ibanez explorer and the pick up got swapped out for the PAF that was in the other guitar...dudes didnt have a clue..man it had a real GROWL to it..JS...

[@jawa4637]

Haha😂

[@martygufler2621]

Ha-ha! I was thinking about that in the Dust in a Baggy video. But it did make it interesting.

[@BlackRose3610]

Looks like green shirt dude finally went to smoke that cig. Good for him.

[@arghapirate2427]

Haha my thought aswell

[@Quistophaaa]

Not on my watch

[@lukesabia6626]

What a gold comment

[@meredithgrubb7027]

Lol

[@derekvillorente4334]

The dude with the green shirt went to help that preacher with his bear problem. 🙏 🐻

[@1Bdawg420]

All those people upstairs Have no idea history is made right below them.

[@ryanturk6179]

Nah. Making sales.

[@wlsharp85]

This is how history is always made; beneath the feet of the masses.

[@jeffhooper3447]

When I found out the ceiling in this room was higher than 8' it blew my mind.

[@austenrobinson2747]

This guy is one of the cleanest pickers I have heard in my 65 years.

[@warmlandmobilebrakes]

Truth

[@Treeflat]

Stay metal

[@SixStringSicario]

It was evident at this time that this kid had an otherworldly talent. Sure enough a handful of years later he has a Grammy, #1 albums, introduced bluegrass to a whole legion of people and will most certainly will go down as the greatest to ever to do it.

[@LowerStandards33]

Well put! I truly believe this.

[@duncanvolpe2571]

he was the first bluegrass artist i got into when i heard dust in a baggie a year ago

[@pwn3426]

@@duncanvolpe2571 My first was .357 string band, Made me fall in love with grass. Over the years i kinda strayed out, Billy has brought me back.

[@duncanvolpe2571]

@@pwn3426 woah maybe ill look into that band

[@nicholasleoni2886]

Thanks for sharing brother!

[@consciousdaily396]

“In. A quiet room at a loud party.” That’s always where the best memories happen!

[@rplatz0914]

100%

[@iamgriff]

Billy Strings is a natural. I am a bluegrass fan after listening to these homemade videos. Real music doesn’t need big production. All it needs is to be heard.

[@Germanicus_Daimetor]

100% truth! All those fancy albums made in studios and heres some kid just blowing them all away!

[@iamgriff]

@@Germanicus_Daimetor agreed.

[@hplovehandle]

Check out William Elliott Whitmore. Songs from the soil.

[@TheMadAgorist1]

Damn right. Don't take much to be able to take in a decent scope of raw talent like this. He's incredible. I've got some lifelong gangbangin Mexicano homies absolutely jammin out to his shit lol its a trip to see

[@jonnya3425]

The more raw the better when it comes to bluegrass and roots style music.

[@browser9571]

For those of you who apparently don't realize how far Billy has come here's a true story: I saw him last month at Carnegie Hall at Bela Fleck's concert and just about all the living legends were there: Sam Bush, Tony Trischka, Chris Thile, Molly, Sierra, Byan Sutton, Jerry Douglas and on and on. Billy was like the tenth player to come onstage about 20 minutes into the concert, with Stuart Duncan, and the whole audience spontaneously leapt to their feet and there was this huge roar 10 times louder than for even when Bela walked out. Billy was so embarrassed, he went to the mic and said, "That's right folks, it's Stuart Duncan!" And he pretty much dominated the night. What a class act too.

[@listenwithlaurie]

I was there... epic night!🎵💞🎶

[@browser9571]

@@listenwithlaurie We are so lucky to have seen that!

[@ingridgustavsson3012]

Yes i agree. Its almost supernatural. Im being totally serious. He's effortless and he can sing. He's just on another level.

[@tonalambiguity3345]

Popularity usually just means you are dumbing down enough so the laymen can appreciate it.

[@leewright7623]

@@tonalambiguity3345lol sometimes that’s very true…

[@ericcannon5396]

The 1st video I ever watched of his was dust in a bag and I have watched ever since this man is going to be a legend

[@duncanvolpe2571]

thats if he already isnt

[@alan4sure]

@@duncanvolpe2571 being a legend generally involves having done whatever you're good at for a long time. Being dead sometimes helps too😆

[@duncanvolpe2571]

@@alan4sure good point

[@coyotehunter1163]

This song reminded me of a childhood event. Sitting in church on a Sunday morning and my grandpa was the preacher and there wasn’t no back wall up on the church yet in West Virginia Three black bears just walking around outside looking in. Grandpa keep a preaching and we just sat there and listen. Bears just wandered up the mountain side.

[@LowerStandards33]

What a moment!

[@dlm9293]

That is a dope memory!

[@WillBlindYouWithLight]

Nice. What part was this in? That's awesome

[@coyotehunter1163]

@@WillBlindYouWithLightPreston county., just outside Rowlesburg

[@terrylewis4230]

Still Doin time for dust in the baggie. Luv this Guy ........... Rock on G

[@thenewyorkredneck4735]

You and a ton of my neighbors up here in these mountains. The secret to kicking the shit is staying busy and blocking phone numbers

[@sharonbeaulieu6214]

This was my favorite song that my Dad (born 1911) played when we were kids. He passed in 1977. Thank you Billy for bringing back this old fun song and the great memories that go with it. You played and sang it perfectly!

[@TylerCassidyMusic1990]

Love this dude man once in a generation talent

[@ChokeOnHamburder]

That right there is the plain truth.

[@tylerledbetter731]

Love both yall

[@benostiguy7215]

Imagine being in that room just chilling and then some kid starts playing guitar at the highest level.

[@nickmiller6687]

When you grew up in a small town, that's all that happened.

[@umungus518]

@@nickmiller6687 honestly though you wouldn't believe how common it is haha

[@rustyshackleford444]

@@umungus518 it's not that common to hear a guy that can play like Mr. Strings, because very few people can.

[@fiddler1861]

We have regular pickings. And I have been stunned by more than just a few young prodigies that someone invites. They get invited to play with the heavy hitters soon afterwards.

[@benostiguy7215]

@@rustyshackleford444 I’ve been playing guitar 32 years, gigged in bands covering Soundgarden, Allman Brothers, and other noteworthy guitar driven bands… and you are correct… there is a big difference between a kid who memorized Eruption and what Billy Strings is doing here. I can’t even fake what he is doing. Most bluegrass guitarists can’t flat pick that well. If folks are regularly encountering prodigies, post a video. Extra credit points if green shirt guy stand in the background.

[@TheLuxuriusHippy]

Something makes me think you've got some more gems to release, so I'll just go ahead and subscribe to your channel now. Thx for posting!

[@69theironcock]

You should check out Billy Strings cover of Bob Dylan

[@andrewcoulombe6112]

This is really old....he has alot.of music out now

[@ussie881]

Lol he now has a Grammy..billy strings is the boss!

[@waynepope9569]

@@69theironcock ]the ⁹

[@HerrWerlein]

@@andrewcoulombe6112 I think he's referring to Billy's friend, the owner of this channel

[@midwestmaniack]

This ain't my normal type of music but I enjoy this guy.

[@tanyaraven9492]

Billy appeals to anyone who recognizes and appreciates talent, regardless of what genre of music they normally play.

[@tristynhosford868]

Crazy to see how billy has evolved with his talent, from the couch to the opry and a grammy! And well deserved at that, stoked to see him next month in Richmond! And thanks for putting this video out there, it's awesome man!

[@pizzadude6615]

Been rocking billy for years now if only several. Can't believe the ol algorithm has been hiding this one from me.

[@bobsmith-ji2uh]

This kid is really excellent. That guitar sounds really great.

[@Ranger09048]

This is a good example of what my grandpa says, “today’s music is like gold, you just need to keep digging”

[@cocacolaaddict101]

Didn't know my face could be melted by blue grass....great stuff this guy

[@Nathan-ng1jt]

A talented young man with an old soul. This gives me hope for a younger generation who should understand their roots in the past.

[@everteathered]

Ain't ne' heard no man but my grandpa sing this. It's been more than 20 years. Thank you so much.😢😮😅😊😂

[@shutupandlisten873]

I love him soooo much!! Got to see him this summer at Boomer stadium. Him and Brian Setzer, Shakey Graves,Jeordie White, Joan Jett and Lita Ford, and Dan Auerbach would be the most killer epic show!They are who keep me plucking. Learnin...

[@comfortablynumb7265]

Right on!! Sounds like it MUST HAVE BEEN a HELL of a show! 👍 I'm jealous. That's awesome! 😁

[@shutupandlisten873]

@@comfortablynumb7265 it would be a dream show to see them all play. But ever never seen Strings b4 and I was blown away

[@shutupandlisten873]

I'm in a few shots in the stands of that show that ppl posted at BOOMER show. I'd do anything fo a signature on my cheap Mitchell I'm learning on

[@comfortablynumb7265]

@@shutupandlisten873 I don't doubt that u were!! I'm blown away just watching him play & sing on the dang VID!! 🤯 Lol. He really is somethin' else! 😏👍 I'd love 2 meet him just bcuz...well, the obvious, just sit& watch & listen 2 him play! Heh. But I'm curious, don't ask me WHY as 2 what his personality is like. 😏🤪 Idk. Heh. Maybe he's a weirdo stalker type. Or just socially awkward (when not sitting, playing the geetar!) 🙃🤪 But...I never WILL (meet him) Lol so this is all a moot point! Ha ha. Mother F'r sure can play that piece of wood though! 🔥🤯 God DAMN!!! 🤘👍😁

[@salaciouscandy4006]

Lost count of the times I’ve watched this video as I’ve used it to write my first guitar tab, I’ve only just noticed the leather waistcoat and bolo tie. Fu*kin love this kid.

[@dxhydro1]

Been watchin Billy for years = always knew he'd be known in Bluegrass circles but now he's playing with the dead n shit! Awesome! One of the best guitarists ever!

[@crookedvultrendall5581]

I don't remember how I came across Billy's. it was a long time ago when I was in middle of a meth addiction. Dust in a baggie was my anthem. I eventually got sober and couldn't listen to Dust in a baggie anymore because it brought back bad memories. I've been sober for quite a while now and recently I decided to listen to Dust in a baggie!! Holy shit was suprised to how Big Billy strings has gotten!! well deserved for a truly talented human being!!

[@joelsmith552]

Congrats on your recovery. Funny where the help comes from sometimes.

[@crookedvultrendall5581]

Thanks so much

[@halberry3813]

first time I heard this song, wow! coming from British Columbia CANADA we have lots of grizzlies and far too many preachers. thx. again.

[@TheStringBenderer]

What an amazing journey this young man is on.....unreal talent.

[@NorthernNBAdventure]

Only recently discovered Billy by accident on another youtube video reacting to Billy's Live performance, about 2 weeks ago, haven't stopped listening to him since......man is he good!

[@wreckinhondas]

God Blessed US with billy strangs

[@Nosirrah2112]

Okay i already loved Billy. and now i see this. One of my favorite Jerry Reed songs. (:

[@MegaOnion1]

Love your music brother, uncle bubby taught you well. My daddy Ronnie Barker would have been very proud. Take care and God bless cousin

[@orlando1a1]

Amazing talent - bluegrass played with passion.

[@ebxah9353]

Even deaf people can't help but nod their heads and slap their knees when Billy plays! Great tune brother ✌🍀✌

[@burkhartlaw1]

This video is legendary man. This is where I first saw Billy strings. Then I heard the lore and it made me love this video even more.

[@bigsilverbear4187]

I love me some Billy Strings. I'd listen to this guy sing the phone book. I'd be really certain he could make it sound good too.

[@erinbelt5059]

That's awesome . I definitely haven't heard anyone play that good while singing even better ever!

[@Boss1234killer]

I’ve listened to this song 30 times a day for four days straight, amazing artist !!! You have to make more man your astoundingly amazing and need to be heard.

[@brandonanderson6108]

he did.

[@jaydaawg.8191]

Is someone gonna tell him☝️☝️

[@joeahlgren]

Guess I'll tell him... that's young Billy Strings. Absolute legend in bluegrass

[@jordanpuckett4637]

Its It's a cover

[@ZacTexC]

@@jordanpuckett4637 cover? That’s Billy’s song

[@ericjones6534]

I took a puff off a joint and listened to every Billy strings video that I could fined lol

[@sigvedalen9183]

exactly the same as I am doing right now. Life is fucking beautiful mate!

[@danielpoffenberger3958]

Danny: And you guys got that concert for free. I'm pretty sure there are more videos of that basement concert yet to come...This young man is a phenom

[@scotteverroad4545]

I Wish my Father coulda heard this lol Love You Man'

[@white_devil73]

Billy Strings is up there with Jimi, Stevie, Jimmy Page, Clapton, Vai, etc. There are people who learn to play well, and there are people who were born to play.

[@white_devil73]

@@BR549-8 shit. Just saw that. Lol. Damned autocorrect.

[@cyndiethomson2607]

This. He is already legendary. We are lucky to be on the planet together in his time!

[@jasongraham4425]

He’s on their level. He is definitely the best alive today.

[@TheMrpiggyboy]

This1 I meen this is amazing. It is difficult to believe this gentleman is capable of producing this music with his mind and hands as we see it., NO Studio, no multytrack, no nothing , Just raw talent and dextaraty. He makes me so envious. Wishing all the success.

[@MetallyCorrupted]

Dude,, this kid RIPS!! absolutely love

[@Dildobagginses]

holy shit that "it takes alot out of you" made me feel something

[@hitthetop1888]

Wow sitting in the company of a legend he'll yeah,greetings from Glasgow Scotland 👌

[@rickmorgan8856]

I live in Yosemite and I hike around bears all the time, what a great song, thanks, awesome !

[@georgeadams5390]

Proud of you Rick

[@rickmorgan8856]

@@georgeadams5390 Thanks George, that was nice to hear. God bless you double.

[@luellenw]

Dude this is awesome Ive heard this song before a long time ago on a Andy Griffith CD Andy Griffith sung this song on it and Billy killed it man this dude I awesome thank you keep plucking brother you sure are one helluva musician and a damn straight legend for keeping good music alive

[@mikejoseph4720]

I sure love this guy's music ..the best

[@mariannelynch80]

Billy Strings is So Gifted indeed

[@annunacky4463]

Back when he was just a puppy… What a musical force he and his band have become. Well deserved.

[@sunshineharris2623]

I will never get enough of this truly Beautiful Man that is just what music needed thank you for YOU love always your Sunshine 🔆🔥✨ just love his unique style been all about him for many years an I will never stop

[@aledakivett9255]

This song was on a circa '60 New Chritsy Minsterls' album. Thanks for the memories.

[@babswright2664]

OMG Billy I just love everything you do. Thank you Terry for mentoring Billy. This is awesome. 🔥🎸🎶❤️

[@mariannelynch80]

Such a Soulful Voice

[@JoLoneyMusic]

I remember when I was a kid in church, our preacher came in with his arm in a sling. He went on to say that he was bear hunting, and fell out of his tree stand, only to look up and see his gun still perched on a branch. Luckily there were no bears around, but a funny story nonetheless. I haven’t been to church or seen him in years now, but I will never not think of him when I hear this song.

[@cyndiethomson2607]

It was so fun to hear him do this tune on the 13th in Tampa! Billy is a true musician with the most fun vibe. He's better each year. Every person who I have introduced to his music, just falls in love with him. This is mucic that speaks to your soul.

[@sailorjohn8426]

This is f%cking brilliant,!!!!! I've watched it far too many times. Thanks for uploading this absolute gem and "dust in the baggie", you witnessed musical history

[@brownrusselredeemedbyblood]

May God Bless Billy Strings.

[@shutupandlisten873]

Hes sooo cute here. My first introduction was Dust in a Baggie bout 1.5 yrs ago on a Shakey recommend list

[@cherokeesdnicholas8664]

Breath taking!!! Love ,Love this !

[@scotwells7573]

One of the best pickers today.

[@declanohagan9587]

Brilliant loved it

[@renadanicole2343]

Makes that acoustic rise to its optimum level. Think I'll have to check out the rest of this Premier talent!

[@davidthomas7379]

I love watching you sing. Plus you have a great voice.

[@uksz666]

This couch session is simply amazing :) :)

[@jenger4612]

Good Lord this man on fire on that guitar! 🔥

[@richardbrown7466]

Me, and my grandpa would sit in the living room and watch Pator Hagee's sermons. Wonderful to see there singing. More than that, I give the Lord Glory for what He's done in my life.

[@Gomgo22]

We need more of these vids, this is how I found out about Billy!

[@wendyraymond1751]

Absolutely awesome thanku so much love and God bless x

[@lorivines9018]

Hanging out with friends being themselves wanting the world to hear there friend play and sing hoping that they get some followers ...lol...it definitely did exactly that ..I love this music way too much 😉

[@gazicj]

good god, this here fella's mighty good

[@kellyjoward]

I can’t get this out of my head! 😍

[@MrChip8970]

William; This is better than any big lights and sound stage production its honest and pure . no lights no other instruments just you bro. Ive been playing mandolin and guitar for 20 years and would cut off my right leg to play like you

[@blackcrow777]

Good ole Hill billy music love it

[@jamesbarros950]

I thought this was gonna end like a joke I heard a preacher tell. Started the same way, but when the preacher prays, he was amazed to see the bear kneel down to pray as well, and the bears prayer went something like this, “Lord, thank you for this meal you’ve provided...”

[@GerardPerry]

😆

[@Countryboygilmore]

Why this touch my soul ✍🏾

[@Jeepboy]

Living room sessions!!!! Love what you do kid keep on doing it!!!!

[@joe98410]

I played this for my dad... he is a preacher! He loved it, wants to play it in church😂 he said that would preach!!

[@bkeive7912]

Keep that sturdy guitar going. Change the face of music all together

[@matthewmorgan7236]

I wanna dislike this because my hype man in the background ain't there.

[@404errorpagenotfound.6]

Watch what happens to the hype man in Key & Peele. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y4CaYZ9slN-gbZI

[@carlgaumond6552]

Lmao

[@astroglydecowboy]

saw billy and band in burlington, vt. this past summer.....with the help of some local cheeba i swear to god i was elevated three feet off the ground. great band.

[@Subversion_dnb]

Dude was frying on some 🍄and was still able to rock the shit outta these songs. All of these videos are fucking crazy good.

[@Dodzfather]

Wow that was amazeballs

[@tylerdurden6901]

this dude is amazing

[@Real_Deal_Rob_Solo]

This is by far my favorite version of this song! So much damned talent, that it just doesn't seem fair lol Absolutely amazing stuff!

[@Joe-qw6il]

You are very talented--love your music!

[@joejohnston3591]

Billy looks like he's from the 1930's dust bowel days. Awesome look, awesome artist!

[@BigBassAssassin]

We need more from this guy seriously

[@petercollin5670]

Those Martin guitars have such a sparkle to their sound!

[@philgray3443]

Sometimes absolute talent is so big it takes over and everyone has to stand back and let it go where it wants.

[@margaretstoner637]

I saw him play w/ His dad,this young one is no joke

[@janicelangley4325]

💜 the old school jamin in the basement!! 💜 Ya Billy

[@wattch8076]

This is fantastic, I could see a full stadium being entertained by this.

[@kevinkahn7099]

they are

[@thenewyorkredneck4735]

I was just trying to find this guy yesterday. Thank you so much got posting. I swear the internet can read my mind

[@rita1259-y5c]

Billy Strings can't be beat!

[@timberlyfrounfelker6078]

I'm a Metal head but, I found, a couple of his songs between avenged sevenfold and five finger death Punch. It was totally a by mistake that I clicked your video. Best mistake I ever made💯. You kick ass!! Absolutely a fan..🔉🤘🔊🌹💖🖤

[@ingridgustavsson3012]

Good night that boy gets me going every time i hear him play.

[@dave623]

I can’t help but think that while Billy is in the dingy basement banging away, Molly is studying with her pals on her scholarships at Berklee. Imagine Billy Strings just dropping in one day off the street and playing a few songs at Berklee and the students just be like w.t.f.

[@FadedDreamzTv]

Its been two damn years and your still at that party!