The prettiest banjo song with the weirdest name...

[@robertbiggs1702]

Johnny Booger is a corruption of earlier versions of the name: Booker, Boker, Bucker, Bugger. This is folk music, so the name, lyrics and even the melody change as it passes from player to player, place to place and down through time. It's a folk tradition that started as a shanty in England. It was adopted by plantation slave banjoists, then adopted by minstrel players who further modified it. There are more variations of this than you can shake a banjo at.

[@trublu2556]

@PlasmaStorm73 You should have seen the size of that fish I caught 5yrs ago...By the time that story got back to me, Big foot swam out to the boat and helped me pull that fish in the boat..It was that big😳

[@Wolfshield777]

There are Appalachian versions of this song.

[@CarlosBenjamin]

Well I didn’t know the name until I glanced at this comment right below the video…..

[@darubicon1501]

Fun fact - Johnny Fever first coined this term as a swamp or bog dweller!

[@dlkline27]

@@trublu2556 You know how fishermen lie. I pulled a catfish from a 53 acre lake one time that was so big the water level dropped six inches when I beached it.

[@JoshuaLaFond]

This tune I learned as a kid, in Northern Minnesota, from a friend of the family visiting from Kentucky. He called it the Soul of Johnny Wanderin'. He sang words to it as well, some so thick Appalachian that I could not understand them all, but it was basically about the wandering soul forlorn looking for his beloved. It was enchanting, sweet, erie, and intriguing. Likely "booger" is coming from something similar to "boogie-man", or a sneaking spirit.

[@daveogarf]

Yes! In Texas, kids played a chase game called "Booger Bear", so I think you're on track with your assumption.

[@julienielsen3746]

Or Bigfoot. Wood Booger.

[@TexRenner]

I really like that name, "Soul of Johnny Wanderin'".

[@UndyingZombie]

I dunno, you can shake a banjo at a lot of things. Will get you strange looks but you can do it.

[@dvldog_]

Well, the algorithm actually brought me something wholesome and beautiful! Who knew it could do that? Nicely done Pheobe! Keep up the good work!

[@anniekirts6621]

Very pretty song! Booger up!

[@Anonymous-km5pj]

me too ! wonders will never cease.... ima guess Rolling Hill Flowing Streams 2nd guess Mama's Washboard Johnny will be Johnny....

[@sam6816]

I think I've got the best so far: somthing with "Sugar" and "Hill" 💋

[@Convoycrazy]

“Just uh .. one more thing! ☝🏼” Is that a giant poster of Peter Falk as Columbo? Love it. Pretty song too

[@kathybramley5609]

Great role

[@CertifiedDoc]

So I'm not the only one who noticed.

[@pinchopaxtonsgreatestminds9591]

On thing that's always on my mind about Peter Falk is that he forgot that he played Columbo due to dementia... how did he forget that!!!

[@kathybramley5609]

@@pinchopaxtonsgreatestminds9591 what do you not understand about dementia!? Big memories go, partially or wholly. Access to them as well. It might not be as total as it seems to be reassuring but it does involve a physical destruction of memory in the tissues of the brain. Yes, it is disconcerting especially for family members and for the people themselves, and it is a bit random. But, going back to the partial memories - also what someone remembers is sometimes strategic (maybe he didn't feel able to talk about it at the moment he was asked) but that works because memory in dementia is sometimes random or specific. People forget their children, but they may seem familiar. Sometimes people can remember job related anxiety or be in the moment of a job or other history - but if you ask them outright when they're not there then they won't be able to get access to the memory or reflect on it, or especially in early dementia as I said the reflection might be avoided because it's very difficult in terms of language skills, details and emotionally painful multiple ways, something it can be painful to be aware of too.

[@CJJC]

The T-shirt is also something of a clue.

[@leahharris3323]

I thoroughly enjoyed your eclectic decor while listening to you play. The picture of cats in robes, a uke, string lights, fish curtains, a whisk, sea monkeys. 👍

[@PIVfirestarkproducon]

I didn't know I needed a daily dose of banjo but thank god the algorithm did

[@pappyfiddle]

Usually people put the mike close to the source. There's an inverse squate [square] law involved, so if the mike is twice as far away, the volume it records is one quarter as loud. You can boost the volume in production but the mike is also going to pick up your neighbor mowing and everything else, if it's right in front of the sounce [sound] source those other things will be nearly silent.

[@trebor1745]

SQUATE ? Proofread, then post. Inverse square, I think

[@pappyfiddle]

@@trebor1745 Please forgive small mistakes, I will fix with [corrections] so your good comment retains its sense

[@cervus-venator]

I know that the Appalachain word "Booger" referres to a ghost, demon, or a bad person. As soon as you said the name I thought it was a song about the ghost of Johnny, but then reading Michael Edelman's post below told the true story. I remember my dad saying to me as a kid to not let the boogers get me. He was referring to ghosts or just scary things in general and not boogers from someone's nose, lol. As always, thanks Phoebe. Looking forward to the progression of this one.

[@andhewonders]

Don't want to be picky over the name.👃

[@16semiquavers]

Ahhh maybe this is like "bogeyman"!

[@cervus-venator]

@@16semiquavers Yes actually my father stated that it went from boogers, to boogerman to boogyman/bogeyman as people started associating the word boogers with the nose, lol.

[@cervus-venator]

@@andhewonders this gave me a good laugh.

[@AmosPressley]

@cervus venator, that was my first thought as well.

[@slowlearner984]

Love the "happy place" expression on your face while your playing. :)

[@RunsWithScissorsSenior]

I’m captivated watching you not look at the fretboard. I can see you “seeing” your fingers as you “look” around the room. Every eyebrow twitch is precious.

[@darren8517]

All I know is Peter Faulk as Columbo in the poster behind you. And, that really was a pretty song.

[@therealtoner]

Not sure how to explain it, but the vibes are immaculate in this video. It just feels cozy to watch. Good stuff!

[@red---paulvanravenswaay2247]

She seems really sweet

[@aBluegrassPicker]

I never would have PICKED that name! You really BLEW me away with that one.

[@tomreingold4024]

This is the first video of yours I’ve watched. Your style is so clear and sweet. Thank you so much.

[@samueleide]

Listening to this, to me it sounded like a warm, gentle breeze on a care free summer afternoon. So I'd just call it Summer Afternoon. Great playing!

[@markbullen5989]

In my local session in Leeds West Yorkshire, we play a tune called booger man. It gets quite lively. Anyway loved your version of Johnny booger. You had your banjo concentration face on. Good stuff.

[@fiddlerr]

Hi Phoebe. I learned this tune some years ago as “Johnny Booker” or “Old John Booker”. Best regards!

[@sarah.s.flanagan]

Got a real "going home on a beautiful sunny day" vibe, great tune

[@ne8r]

Phoebe - I would put the microphone close to the banjo (source of sound). This will improve your Signal (banjo) to Noise (echo) ratio. For voice, or in your case music, the microphone should be 6-8 inches from the source of sound.

[@robertfitch310]

Good advice!🌲⛰👨‍🌾🙏🇺🇸

[@lifewiththelaurences]

I was gonna say the same thing. You sound great Phoebe!

[@ronjones4069]

you could get fancy and have two microphones, but definitely you need the microphone closer to the instrument. Nice pickin'@@mal2ksc

[@frankohashiguchi]

Sounds wonderful where it is! “Echo” = natural reverb. Further, playing with mic distance allows for different amounts of pick/finger sounds v.s. Tones. There is no hard and fast rule about mic placement.

[@Skinflaps_Meatslapper]

I dunno about you guys but I had to turn my sound up to max just to hear anything.

[@StephenNorth-m2n]

My home town is just north of the city of Manchester, England, and there's a public park by the name of Boggart Hole Clough. A boggart is a name for a ghost, and it's interesting to read the references to such in the comments for the name "booger". Love your playing keep it up!

[@paulallen3557]

Friend, it would be my guess that you have just hit on the origin of our "booger." That's so cool! Greetings from Floyd County, KY.

[@WildViews9]

Lived by the side of Heaton Park back in the 1960s, i think the name Boggart also gives rise to ‘bogey’ man … i also remember where the bridge crosses the River Irwell it used to get very misty and quite a bit scary, especially when folk went down there shooting rats with air pistols/rifles.

[@wayne00k]

That is a pretty song - I closed my eyes and had visions of a cork bobbing high down the brook

[@claidheamhdalaimh3694]

Hello Pheobe. I stumbled upon your music while I was looking for other music. I love the banjo and bluegrass music. You are a very beautiful, talented young woman. Keep the tunes coming. I subscribed to your channel at around 4:30 this morning. BTW, most people don't know that bluegrass has its roots in Scottish music. Quite a lot of Scottish people settled in the Smoky and Appalachian mountains and the music changed over time. I'm of Scottish descent and love Scottish and bluegrass music.

[@claidheamhdalaimh3694]

I'm sorry Pheobe.I didn't know that the style you play is called clawhammer when I wrote my original comment. I did notice that you weren't plucking the strings, though.

[@johnmakarsky2787]

Wonderful job Phoebe! You are blowing me away how fast you are learning. Countless hours practicing im sure, but it is really is paying off. I really enjoy listening to you play. Thank you!

[@patricknorton5788]

Awesome! I got to play the garden hose kazoo with Bruce Molsky while my brother (who is an accomplished musician) played the washtub base on New Years Eve in about 1990 in Leesburg,VA. I believe my brother has a continuing relationship with Bruce. Beautiful music.

[@MichaelEdelman1954]

Johnny Booger is the subject of several folk legends. This is one that I found: “Johnny Booger actually lived in Knott County, his real name was Johnny Young. Hes buried in the Young fork cemetery on Lotts Creek. Everyone during his lifetime swore he could make things happen such as making things appear out of thin air then making them disappear again and had the ability to make inanimate objects move and even kill certain animals by pointing at them. He often talked about having such powers and he said that it bothered him and scarred him greatly. He once proved to a lady what he could do, he made a flock of sheep appear and after she touched them and said she could feel them they disappeared into thin air... He however lost his powers after he started attending church and sleeping with a bible under his pillow.”

[@twilightzone-ex-hostage1997]

I am a descendant of Knott County folks! Love that!

[@wayne00k]

I heard he lost his powers after he started sleeping with the deacon's widow under his pillow...

[@wayland76]

Probably related to the word boogie-man then; I also wonder about boggert.

[@jethrobradley7850]

I heard he lost his powers after people started following him around with their banjos

[@Xxxxxrrr6464]

Good share

[@jaxonboys3366]

Nice playing Phoebe! Keep it up. A friend of my dad's used to make guitars and banjos. He told a story (while playing along on that tune) how a couple of guys came in his shop to get two custom electric guitars made. He asked if they had the money and they said that they have a hit song that is being recorded and they would have it then. He said, oh yeah, I've heard that before. Tell me the song, and when I hear it , I'll know you're comin'. One guy said Sweet Home Alabama. Ha, needless to say rhey paid and picked them up.

[@twilightzone-ex-hostage1997]

In SE Kentucky where my family is from, a booger is a spirit or someone who can do magic. I know there is a tale attached but I don't know it, sadly. Keep playing Phoebe, love it!

[@byzyt6931]

On the album "Southern Soldier" by the 2nd South Carolina String Band, that song is called "Johnny Boker."

[@MortallyMysterious]

this just popped up on my home page randomly, but as a musician this stuff catches my eye n I find it cool, lovely tune btw. keep makin vids!

[@timtherrien7843]

I could listen to that song all day long. Makes me think of a long walk on a back dirt road and sunny afternoons. Thanks

[@foreststewart1968]

If it's a C tuning down a whole step, then (because of the way that half-steps & whole-steps are arranged on the piano) you would be in B flat. Normally when you go down a letter name you go down a whole step (2 half steps)... but there's no black key on the piano between the notes B & C, so going down from C to the next letter name is only a half-step. You need to go down another half step (to B flat) in order to be down a whole step... which is the key that you're in. And yes, it does sound good with that tuning. Thanks for posting this little gem. : )

[@unclejaque4321]

That lower tuning was common for the old Minstrel pickers, since the gut strings they used wouldn't take too much tension or they would bust on you. Having a replica civil war banjo with guts how well I know! The old banjos typically didn't have frets so the lower tuning is easier on the fingers. Most of Dan Emmitt's tunes were written for that "Low bass" tuning, which has a unique sound - especially on guts in the old "stroke" style.

[@MorganReece]

Sounds like “can’t wait to get home and see you again… spring time breezin and oh my heart is leading me Back to happy times Jumping streams Wading to my knees Can’t wait to get home again.” Those were the words and so many pictures flooded my mind. Lovely! Thank you!

[@davidoverturf3465]

Very nice, Phoebe! I enjoy your playing. I've been Scrugg's style for many years and now I'm trying to learn clawhammer. I'm still trying to get the strum patterns down. Excellent video. Thank you, Phoebe!

[@cloudboy7750]

I'm a recent subscriber, and this channel has been quite inspirational for me. I have quite a few instruments, and unfortunately my Goodtime Americana has been neglected over the past few months, but I'm inspired to correct that, and spend a lot more time with it, so thanks! 🙂

[@yepiratesworkshop7997]

Keep goin' at it. We want your videos out here, too!!!😊😊

[@bob6693]

The banjo looks like a very theraputic instrument to play. It looks like the sort of instrument you could play for hours on end.

[@Labdunum]

Really nice.... Thank You So Much. I also appreciated you discussing afterwards and sharing that you build upon your songs over time. Perfect.

[@glenmisha]

You're excellent! My wife's maiden name is Sanders so I decided to follow you. Her mom (Kitchens/Cramer) was related to the famous pianist Floyd Cramer! Our Sanders ties are from AR ✌️🙌

[@DovidM]

Old Johnny Boker is in Briggs’ Banjo Instructor of 1855. The channel Arcane Banjo runs through it.

[@abbynormal5068]

What a wonderful sound I listen to this to relax and when I think of my lost ones

[@kentstone319]

Nice pace... nice melody. I'm seeing a morning stream flowing... Cool

[@csnowutube]

I closed my eyes and imagined a sunrise over a gentle hill covered with dew draped dandelions. Very nice, thanks!

[@jamesa.rodriguez8598]

You played well. Not being familiar with this song or similar music or titles, though much appreciated, i closed my eyes to listen, that I could concentrate on a song title. "Country Buggy Ride Past The Covered Bridge" came to mind. Music in all forms, well there are exceptions, should be appreciated, and roots Music is one of my favorites. Keep on playing!

[@llamasugar5478]

Are those exceptions actually music in the first place? 😉 (Asked as a person with a very wide, eclectic music collection.)

[@boricuamista]

The algorithm recommendations are interesting but can’t complain this is cool content

[@aharondavid2939]

a frogs memories rushing by during his last journey

[@glenrobinson916]

I really enjoy your sweet, gentle, expressive style. A pretty song.

[@oyuyuyo1]

Great technique; fabulous tone! Thanks for this!

[@splendedmelody5076]

Picturing... a man facing forward, he looks soo tiny compared the mountains he's facing in the background. Just a nice little dirt trail on the right, going up and around the bend....thank you youtube algorithm and manyy thanks to you phoebe!! You rock girl! ^.^

[@Gods2ndFavoriteBassPlyr]

Amazing playing... Beautiful song. Really nice touch on the instrument.

[@youremakingprogress144]

Beautiful song. Great playing!

[@yepiratesworkshop7997]

Phoebe, honey... I'm only 6-seconds into your video and you've already got me smiling!!! Now, I know this video's GOTTA' be good.😁😁

[@yepiratesworkshop7997]

O.K. I listened to the whole thing. It was very, very nice and your timing carried the 'mood' to the point that one could have his/her own interpretation of it. Some (I read the comments) think you should have the microphone up closer to your instrument. But I think NOT! Not in this song, anyway. You had it perfectly placed to steep in just the right amount of subtlety. When you moved the microphone close to speak into it, that I'll agree was a little too close and 'overdrove' it a little. But, to pick up your playing and each note, where you had things set was -- in listening -- like the seeing of a very well done Impressionistic painting and drinking in and committing the subtilties that make it a masterpiece into one's memory to perhaps savor once again some time later and far away from the art museum. So, follow your instincts in your future videos. You've done very good work on this one! 👍👍

[@BenjaminSlomba-er7pt]

I could listen to that all day!!! Nice pickin’!!! Learning banjo. Bluegrass style

[@nautifella]

The thing is, when you compose a song, you get to name it. Obviously there is a backstory to the name, but I really don't want to know it. Other than questionable naming, it's a really nice piece. I look forward to your progress with it. Nicely done.

[@JustClaude13]

Since you don't want to know, I'll tell you that "Booger" is an old mountain pronunciation of "Bogie", referring to a spirit or apparition. Apparently the song is about Johnny's ghost wandering around looking for a lost love.

[@pinkushatejar]

The 5x scale poster of Columbo and the Columbo shirt is a powerful aura "just one more thing mister booger... the boys at the lab... they say the killer smells. he stinks. he smells like a boger from a schnozz. a real stinker, sir. huge stench"

[@GordiansKnotHere]

Sounds beautiful! Great job!

[@BuddyX74]

Earned a sub just for being a young person learning my favorite instrument to listen to: the Banjo. My family is all from Appalachia or adjacent areas, and bluegrass makes me think of my PapPa. Keep it up!

[@JohnDoe-ki6fm]

That's really quite nice... very calming... would love to see it recorded on a porch with some rocking chairs, looking out across a field or big yard. Best of luck to you in your musical education and endeavors, and thanks for sharing the video.

[@darylwatson]

My dog loves your transcendental ornamentations and she has resorted to call me Johnny Boogers. She cracks me up.

[@gurdyman1]

Johnny Bugger is an old song with vocals. Once you hear the words, the melody and title make sense.

[@im_agine852]

Your presentation has improved immensely from this video to modern day.

[@MultiCappie]

Based on the song, I'm guessing it's called "Daydream on Horseback." Based on your intro, I'm guessing it's called "I Buried my Cat with a Bottle of Tequila." edit -- Yup, did not see that coming. Hahaha. Thanks though, that was fun listening, and fun guessing.

[@aaronmichaud1]

This is a beautiful song and your performance is how I will remember it. Thank you for this

[@Severin1111]

I have no idea how I ended up here...I think I listened to dueling Banjo's once? Anyways, I'm glad I did. It was a pretty tune. Not knowleadgable about music or banjos, so can't really tell how good it was play but I liked it. Thanks for introducing me to Johnny's Booger. Also I love the whole concept of dedicating a channel to playing banjo every day. Itt's good to know that there's parts of this horrible horrible piece of internet where a person can dare to show of something while still learning it

[@1939otto]

Well this is one of those times that I appreciate a "recommended" video. I truly enjoyed this and have subbed. Awesome!

[@tjlastname5192]

I love her enthusiasm for the music as much as the music itself.

[@skutovr]

I Love the tune and enjoyed listening to you play. Also, I'm concerned for your pothos. She's begging for a drink, some food, and a radical trimming

[@nzstjohnthebaptist]

Absolutely beautiful playing and love your facial expressions of concentration while you play.

[@jamesetal7088]

It makes me feel as I feel drifting down a river. TY

[@johnhartman3149]

Wow, really like this! I'm just starting to pick and found you as a search. Look forward to hearing and seeing more after hearing this!

[@gordonwiley2006]

Listening to this when I should have gone to sleep an hour ago, now need to share with my friend who plays banjo because this is so nice! Very soothing.

[@justaeryn]

Cool playing and I love your posters! B&w Columbo is fav….greetings from Holland👍👋🏻🤠

[@asmith121]

KZbin just randomly recommended your channel to me. I must say, you are quite charming and talented.

[@gwiyomikim5988]

Love your facial expressions as you play. Like your thinking of a far off place or a distant and slightly melancholy memory. A perfect visual to accompany such a lovely tune.🥰

[@dummekuh1212]

I absolutely loved the playing, the song and the joy you spread! Keep on playing, this is gerat!

[@andrewp.schubert2417]

Thanks for sharing your music.. You have been blessed with a gift of creating great music.🙏

[@PaulHotvedt]

This person gives me hope for the world.

[@joehisel5966]

For the past few years all I've listened to has been old Ralph Stanley gospel along with Molly O'Day. You're in the rotation now kid. Your picking has its own sound ❤

[@Herzeleydt_Diesentrueb]

How beautiful !!! Greetz from Crete - Herzele

[@HandreyAlex]

I know nothing about banjo music but quite familiar with emo songs with ridiculous long titles, so even if you'd told me the name beforehand I wouldn't feel anything weird about it lol. It's a nice tune and you played it beautifully. Oh and you also have a lovely smile.

[@garymurawski1476]

your expressions just ahead of what's next and wonderment how to make it better. Superb!

[@DarkEmpireGames]

This is the first time I see your channel, and you've brought a great warmth to my heart, thank you

[@vivy45]

It's a haunting song about the boogie man; just skirting the boogieman while finding your way in darkness. We were once afraid of the spirits, but now it seems they are returning. Fare they well, child, fare they well. The spirits have returned. Glad you found this tune. May it be a light for you in the darkness.

[@russellbarndt6579]

I just love that song and the way you picked it .! Wow.!

[@CptJakeSpearow]

Glad I found your channel! Very cool stuff!

[@jimwilliams3517]

Wonderful playing!!! I really enjoyed that. Johnny Booger, eh? LOL Oh yeah, I busted on that one!! :D Thank you for the song and for the laugh.

[@mwj5368]

Lovely style and melody heart warming to hear and like you say humorous name! So nice to see someone very young carrying on with banjo so few play any more and your great sound! I can see why you have many thousands of subscribers and me too! Thanks for sharing such great talent! Oh, and your mic looks like a UFO ha!

[@chiliboom6140]

Well played lass. It’s 4am, can’t get to sleep. This is the first thing that’s relaxed me amount to think I may.

[@vhhawk]

"Under the Leaves at Appomattox" is the impression / vibe / mood I get. Also, I have that same Blue Snowball mic, and it flatters my voice if I keep it close. Great mic.

[@integrin10]

Thank you for the song. You are so talented! Love the Columbo poster too!

[@damnimbored25]

Algorithm brought me here for some reason, praised be the algorithm! I just wanna say two things, first you are really talented, although I must admit that I'm not well versed in the banjo arts and second I think you are beautiful. Imma subscribe

[@thehollics7067]

Hearing you play the song, I pictured a man on a horse drawn wagon riding through a grass covered plain. I would have named it "The Journey". But for whoever wrote the piece, I am sure Johnny Booger has a special meaning for them. If anything, the name adds a point of discussion to the song. Nice job on playing the piece.

[@truthseeker6384]

LOL you may not believe me but as you were playing the song I just thought to myself it has something to do with boogers. I am not lying. It is sort of freaking me out right now. LOL You sounded wonderful girl. Keep it up!!!

[@DonHG32]

I love the sound you get and I love the way you play...Johnny Booger indeed. You made my day!

[@cliffcarter6261]

I really enjoyed your playing. Thanks

[@scottharvey6892]

Reading some of the crazy names in the comments I'd say you've got a great resource for naming some of your original tunes.

[@ArchMania16]

Uncontrollable urge to sneeze while you played that!😂❤

[@SuperHellolaura]

Beautiful melody & love your playing style!!!

[@mikesoule1352]

Loved Johnny Booger! Maybe the term is from "Boogyman". Your banjo playing is sweet!!! 🎶🎵🎶. BTW, water your philodendron! 😁 🪴

[@alex-E7WHU]

Really nice tune, thanks for uploading it.✌️🇬🇧

[@markholloway9638]

That is very beautiful! I bet a minor chord variations on that tune would be very haunting and beautiful. I have a banjo and though I have tried, I just can’t get the claw hammer technique perfected. Very nice video and sound was just right., very pretty tune! I really enjoyed it!

[@NVArt001]

It is a nice tune and you played it well. You earned a subscriber. Can't wait to hear more.