Billy Strings_Shady Grove: The Music of Doc Watson_1080 Stereo

Featuring Billy Strings and his band.

When was the last time you heard someone referred to as a "Whiz Kid"? Well, if you've ever seen Billy Strings play guitar you know the term fits him perfectly. Billy, raised in Michigan and now residing in Nashville, is a twenty four year-old phoneme who is one of the most blistering flatpickers in all the land. Join Billy and his crackerjack band as they celebrate the legend of Arthel "Doc" Watson, the man who arguably has had the most profound influence on the way the acoustic guitar is played as a lead instrument in folk, old-time, and bluegrass music today!

[KaitlinWilliams-rple]

You probably wont ever see this but my 2yr old daughter is obsessed with this video. She literally asks for Billy Strings with the "bodytaur" (guitar) to sit and watch you sing. And a 2yr old to sit still for a while is a miracle 😂 i think she may br your biggest fan! Keep it up, you are doing amazing!

[rajkschwartz]

In india we have no clue about Blue grass - Man this is real music - Very humble musicians - no hype - no special sets or costumes

[BillSnocker]

Im 73 and been playing Bluegrass for 45 years, but Billy Strings only the last 10 years! Aint that crazy? God bless Billy and them boys!

[Duane-dzxg]

This young man ought to be on the radio 24 hours a day

[nanaobx]

Young Billy is a walking encyclopedia of priceless Bluegrass songs. I'm beyond impressed. The young man is not only a seasoned musician but an excellent vocalist. He's a national treasure for sure. Great band all around.

[ryanroberson]

0:59 "Train that carried my girl from town"
3:57 into "Black Mountain Rag"
7:48 "Southbound"
12:12 "Walk on boy"
16:40 "John Henry"
20:12 "Little Saddie"
24:40 "Tom Dooley"
31:00 "The Coocoo"
35:20 "The Wagoner's Lad"
41:20 "Beaumont rag"
45:11 "Down In The Valley To Pray"
48:15 "Cocaine blues"
52:25 "Way Downtown"
56:50 "Gonna lay down my old guitar"

Got tired of scrolling through the comments to find this.

[roberttietjen]

Shout out to the bass player learning songs on the fly❤

[schhccb]

Billy and the band are something else . His understanding of the history of flat pickin guitar is impressive.Billys dad taught him well . Run with it son .

[musicman]

People mostly talk about Billy's guitar playing genius, but damn...he is a hell of a good singer too.

[MikeCapeMusic]

Got to give the bass man props. It looks like he’s learning some of these songs on the fly and doing a hell of a job.

[matthillyard]

Walk on boy. This take should be preserved for historical record. Tip of hat to that mando player too.

[barry]

I was born in Asheville North Carolina. Dad got us out of there, for a better life in the triangle.I have always loved bluegrass and Doc is a home boy who was humble and loving man . Im so proud of Billy for keeping his music 🎶 Alive for a whole new generation to appreciate and enjoy.Yes Billy is an old soul, me too. So much talent in one body. Keep educating the people what great music 🎵 is .

[texmom]

I love how educational he makes this whole experience. Billy’s got an old soul.

[deedeeannash]

The guitar picking and the singing is intense. Clean, precise and energetic. This is the most exciting combo I have heard in a long time.
Then the banjo player just kills! WOW.
When the mandolin player started in, my brain about exploded.
The future of bluegrass is bright.

[HAL]

I sat 10 feet from Doc Watson as he played at the Suwanee River Folk Festival in 1970. He was my hero.
Tony Rice and Norman Blake kept the torch alive.
But now we got Molly Tuttle and Billy Strings.
We are so lucky.
It's so wonderful to hear Billy pay tribute to Doc.

[TylerLukey]

Not sure what is more impressive, Billy knowing these songs or the bassist learning them in 10 seconds.

[jeffreyblairsr]

The future of bluegrass is in good hands with players like this young man!

[sandylmastin]

Great tribute to Doc and Merle. My grandfather and Doc was first cousins! I remember hearing Doc play all these songs!

[tomwiseus]

I saw Doc in Canada years ago. You could just feel the love he put into his music. He did Shady Grove by himself. I thought it was because it was too personal. As they were walking off stage, someone near me shoulted, "We Love you, Doc!" and he stopped for a second and seem to look right at the guy and smiled.

[newriverratsam]

We've lost Doc, but gained Billy. Amazing musicians.