Guitarist Billy Strings, the "future of bluegrass"
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- Опубліковано 8 жов 2022
- William Apostol knew from a tender age that he wanted to play bluegrass. Growing up in a Michigan trailer park, he learned to play guitar from his stepfather, and briefly played heavy metal. But today, as Billy Strings, he's been dubbed the "future of bluegrass," thanks to his Grammy Award-winning album "Home." Correspondent Conor Knighton talks with the musician about his inspirations; his upcoming album "Me and Dad"; and how - after years of reflecting on the past - he's now looking ahead in his music.
#billystrings #bluegrass #bluegrassguitar
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The ENTIRE band is absolutely INCREDIBLE!!!!
This comment…every person on that stage is legendary!
100% fact!
Definitely!!!
So true.
A fact that many people don't see, simply because Billy is on another level.
Amazing seeing this on CBS. Pop culture has been missing for YEAR'S the psychedelic folk music renaissance. Billy is a big part of that. As most of the world chooses to burn itself to the ground there's been a wonderful revival in the hearts of thousands largely unnoticed by most modern culture. It's a beautiful time to be alive in so many ways and I wish all of those suffering, divided and confused could feel some of the magic of the festival scene. Though imperfect as we all are, there's some beautiful things happening.
Very well said my friend . . .
Wow…so well said.
There’s such a powerful sense of unity and realness in folk music culture, wildly different from the internet-driven political and cultural abstractions that make us feel so alienated and angry all the time. And as much as big concerts are fun, the best magic is where there’s no amplifiers, no stage, not a speaker in sight… just jamming in a parking lot or a park somewhere, people coming together in a shared community repertoire, to play or just listen. Acoustic music in the purest sense. The young bluegrass artists, like Billy Strings (and his peers, like Molly Tuttle and Sierra Hull), came up through that scene, and are still part of that scene. It keeps their music deeply grounded. This is why it’s called “roots music”. The roots nourish the whole system.
Amen
Great comment
Kudos to Billy's patents for getting their lives back.
Great to hear his Dad & Mom were able to come back healthy to see their sons success.
Thank you for featuring a real musician playing American Music.
The relationship with his dad is so beautiful
Billy is the real deal, the next legend in music. His fans adore him, from dead heads to white collar business people. So happy that he is getting the recognition he deserves.
But Dave, deadheads are white collar business people, what ever do you mean?
Billy is proof that not all new music is commercialized garbage. I saw him several times back when he was touring the country playing small venues. I knew I was seeing something special but didn't know he would become this big. I saw him and the band play at High Rock Outfitters in Lexington, NC which is a clothing store during the day. There was maybe 150 people there. The last time was at the Greensboro Coliseum with 20,000+ people. I wish those small venue shows were still possible but he's earned his success.
Billy Strings is new music...
@@kylerose1260 And old music as well.
and billy strings likes alot of "commercialized music" as is evident by who hes collaborated with, and what songs he covers. its all opinion and tastes and the best part is we dont have to force each other to like someone else's music !
There is so much new music that's amazing. Stop listening to the radio.
@Trent Keitler Music today is incredible. You’re just a boomer who doesn’t know how to use Spotify and UA-cam.
As a die hard fan, I have to say it's nice to have him down to earth and close quarters.
I hope it stays that way even as soon as he skyrockets completely one day.
What would him skyrocketing further look like? He's got his own festy, he sells out near everywhere he goes. I think we may be looking at the peak of where a band like this can go in the modern music industry. Hopefully he can keep it up at this level for many years to come.
@@jobean5073 He has a very good relationship with Post Malone. Imagine what happens if they release an album together…
I love Billy Strings! He’s a friend ❤ so proud of him
You don’t know Billy, you do seem familiar though? Lol howdy stranger love you! He doesn’t suck! Cya
@@erichfetterolf3720 LOL hey you’re my friend and I’m proud of you too!! Love you 😍❤️😘
So PROUD of Billy!!! Thank you young man.
He's an amazing musician. Love watching him play. The "jam" scene has definitely embraced him and many other bluegrass artists. There is definitely something special about him.
Getting his due. He deserves credit. He seems like hardworking musician that love working at his craft and thank God or his old man for that.
One of the most down to earth people! His music and vibe have been such a big influence on my life in the past few months! Don’t stop being you Billy! BMFS
Billy strings is way more then just the future of blue grass.
Agreed. Just like country was tied to rock and roll, bluegrass will be tied to......dare i say it thanks to Billy, metal. I mean seriously, his picking speed is phenomenal, and it is essential to a heavy metal riff.
Gonna have to find bluegrass metal now
He is definitely NOT the future of bluegrass
He likes to fish.....guess he baits his own hook?
@@itsabrandnewday1072 I mean he kind of is though. He represents the direction that bluegrass is taking within popular culture.
We are VERY stoked you’re here as well Billy!
LOVE BILLY STRINGS. I am a rock n roller to the core. But "Dust In a Baggie" got my attention. Purchased everything he's released ever since. Always got at least one Strings cd in my 6 disk changer.
The couch video hooked millions of us.
Saw Billy in St Augustine in the spring. Absolutely phenomenal. Billy's shows are a blend of bluegrass, with a touch of classic rock and psychedelic. The level of musicianship with Billy and the rest of the band, Jarrod Walker (mandolin), Billy Failing (banjo), Royal Masat (Bass) and Alex Hargreaves (violin) is truly something special. The chemistry among them is perfection.
I've seen them live twice now and their show is absolutely amazing. I think your take on it is spot on, it is a mix of so much cool musicianship and music. I enjoy listening to album tracks, but live is definitely where it is at.
Well said. I've seen these guys four times in the past year, and have tickets for Nov. and I'm not even a bluegrass fan. These guys rock!
Absolutely. Saw them earlier this year and the show was just amazing.
Damn! I was so wanting to go to those shows but had conflicting trips. I hope he comes around again soon!
Absolutely man. I was there at the 3rd night of the st augustine shows. I've been a huge fan for a long time and seeing them live is incredible. Billy strings and his amazing band have been my favorite artist for a long while
I have been following Billy since he was touring with Don.
I knew he would be famous someday, and couldn’t be more thrilled to see main-stream media doing a story on him. Billy is a musical genius, and a gift to Bluegrass fans everywhere.
Same
Also saw him for the first time, with Don, at his first DelFest, way before Covid, where he was only on the side stage. He sold his cd's for 'whatever you want to pay'. A few years later and he's the Artist in Residence at the Gray Fox Bluegrass Fest, where he sat in with numerous acts for 4 days.
@@WINDnotOILdotCom Thank you for posting.
He deserves everything coming his way !
Pretty big oversight to leave Don out of the story, huh?
@@prof.mulligan2763 It seems a rather striking omission, but I suspect that was a decision made largely by CBS.
Billy Strings is on a rocket ship to total stardom
All I can say is WOW. Young man you have no idea how many hearts you can touch. I've been playing drums for 40 years with many bands and many more singles. Keep your head on straight and you'll find happiness in your heart. Proud of you Sir. Marines like me always call people we admire Sir. Semper Fi. Neal
This mans an angel. Bless yourself with his music it will change your entire life.
I've been to countless concerts and seeing Billy live was the best ever hands down!!!!
Right on, how did you find him?
@@erichfetterolf3720 whew! Think it was 2018 or 2019. I was up late and Austin City limits came on and when I saw his performance I was blown away. Happened to get real lucky bought tickets early when I found out he was coming. Got amazing cheap tickets and was front row. He's even better live.
Huge fan of Billy Strings ! I try to tell everyone I know to "check out this guy I saw at a festival back on 2015....he's great!" ❤
What festival?
@@erichfetterolf3720 Wheatland Music festival, Remus MI.
We are so incredibly blessed to have a talent like this during our lifetime. Indeed a master and a must see performance
Such an awesome human being!
I want to listen to the music of Billy Strings more. He seems to be very talented.
What William can do with an acoustic guitar, is truly legendary and most enviable for many guitarists!
Ain't that the truth........
Is he the greatest living guitar player?
He’s the real deal in every way, hoping to hear what he composes for decades to come.
This band brings me so much happiness.
A great story! As an old-timer, I can see that Billy's learning one of life's greatest lessons -- It's not looking behind that matters, and it's not looking ahead. It's both. In the end, it's not about where we came from, and it's not about the destination. It's about the journey that gets us there.
So awesomely put man...
I'm 57 and still trying to learn this!
Billy and his band are pure music lovers. You can tell it's not about money or game or making product, just playing every night and keeping it real. Hats off to Billy for making a success out of his life. Good music, good vibes! Can't wait to see him perform here in Glasgow, Scotland next week. Bluegrass rules!🤓👍🏴
So, how was it? Pretty good?
@@CorneiliusLibowitz It was fricken awesome dude. As usual they were playing great, and they kept the energy up all night, and the crowd was great too.😁🎸🏴
@@CorneiliusLibowitz I recorded some (with my bad quality video) if you wanna have a look. 🤓👍🏴🎸
I saw some of the vid's from that run...looked awesome! Glad you folks over the pond got to see this most epic band. I hope that lineup stays together for a LOOOOONNNG time!!
PS--never EVER record a video in vertical! Always record in landscape---you'll get a much better result.
Love you Billy! And you're amazing attitude! Glad your parents are now sober and you're moving forward!! ❤
I've never heard of him until this morning on
" Sunday Morning "
I'm a new fan ! 💚
Hopefully he makes his way over to our mountains here in Utah.
He's been all around! Red Butte in September of last year and Snowbird the year before, he's due to be back soon
Good luck getting a ticket
@@haikat4 tickets aren’t hard to get if you’re Deadicated
@@haikat4 ahem.....Afford a ticket first. He's getting 300 and up for just "good" seats! The smaller the venue, the more they are!
@@haikat4
Yea or maybe he'll see this comment and just give me one... Because I'm so cool
🤭🤭✌️
Love that bluegrass
Billy and his whole band is amazing....just discovered him earlier this year....can't wait to see them live
True that and good luck..all of his shows are sold out.
@@MSC-Songwriter yeah I saw all his shows were sold out.... he was a few hrs away from me earlier in the year and tickets were available but I couldn't make that one, but believe me on his next tour around here I'll be going!
What a great segment. Thanks, CBS Sunday Morning, for opening my eyes and ears to Billy Strings!
I'm so glad Billy Strings exists. He's a pure joy to hear and see him play.
Just look up the video of Billy giving his dad one of his new Thompson guitars or the story of him getting the money to buy back the Martin his dad had to sell to pay for treatments and you see just how much he loves his dad and what kind of a human being he is.
Excellent comment, thank you for posting !!
wow, a kid who loves thier dad, its just so rare...
@@uncledeadhead3674 the fact he went through the effort to track down the Martin his dad sold years ago only to buy it and return to his dad is incredible. You would be surprised the lack of respect in todays era. I believe we should commend the bond between father and son
@@uncledeadhead3674 He found his dad’s guitar for sale on a Martin Guitar forum when he was a teenager. He wasn’t the superstar he is now. He messaged the guy and told him it was his dad’s guitar. He convinced him to let him pay in monthly installments. Every month he scrounged up the money to make the payments. Finally paid it off and got the guitar, then gave it back to his dad. That’s devotion and love.
@@laysonsamson8749 commending what should be normal behavior is the antithesis of tru caring.
Musician at this level is beyond genre. So tired of so called music critiques try to define and limit him in just bluegrass. The first time I heard his music I instantly recognized that he comes from bluegrass, but he transcends bluegrass.
He's like a chameleon. He can morph into any music and not disappoint.
SPACEGRASS
Thrashgrass!!! I'm 50 years old and have listen to all types of music doing my teenage and early years I was into heavy metal tremendously... my family plays bluegrass I grew up listening to it this kid is phenomenal and he's still young some people say that he is not the future of bluegrass quit being haters all music has evolved and he is making Bluegrass awesome today just like Bill Monroe and Flat and Scruggs did in the beginning keep shredding those strings
What a surprise to see actual brilliance on TV; this guy is great, something rarely seen in the TV corporate world of music. He is a fantastic talent as a human being, not your run-of-the-mill tween star that is usually shown on mainstream television.
I've been to many shows in my time but the Billy Strings concert I saw in Cary,NC was truly remarkable. That entire group is incredible!
I love this kid. Been following his development on UA-cam for the past 10 or so years and he’s a true master now .
Hopefully getting to see him over here in Manchester UK in December if it dosnt get cancelled as they all seem to recently
Unbelievable talent .
“Kid”?? You do realise he’s older, by at least a few years than Hendrix, Joplin, Morrison, Holley and Jones when they died? and older than the Beatles, Stones , Dead, Elvis, Cash, and dozens of other bands when they were making their mark on music history? Just sayin’……….
CBS is about 6 years behind the curve. We in the know have been grooving to Billy for awhile now. He is all that. Playing with Grateful Dead members and everybody that’s anybody in music world. It’s very comforting to see young musicians actually performing at this level and giving respect to the roots of American music. In the day of sampling and Laptop dribble that people dare call “Live Performances” Me “63” and still dancing like nobody is watching!
Well if we’re bragging here you’re behind the curve as well. I saw Billy play his first open mic night in Traverse city 11 years ago saw him every chance I got from busking on the streets, little bars even the basement of the local bookstore. I’ve probably seen him at least 3 dozen times had beers and smoke with him on several occasions
He’s such a hard working humble young man I’m so happy he has found success and happiness
Amen, to loving Billy from the start!
@@michaelmaas5544 I was referring to CBS. I’m sure there are people that have seen and known about him long before me. I was speaking in regards to him blowing up in venue size and his stage presence with other long established players the last few years.
I’ll go edit my post so others don’t misunderstand it.
Thanks
@@Oldcrow77 I just love the fact that he is getting the attention and notoriety that he has worked so hard for and definitely deserves!
I’m finally getting a chance to see him again in less than a month, I was supposed to be seeing him a few years ago on NYE but we all know how that went
Like they say…better late than never…
An amazing talent...wish him & his family all the best...great times ahead for you Billy !!
Billy strings is a freak of nature awesome musician keep up the good work 👏 🇺🇲
Love you so much Billy!!! So proud of you!
Are you a Michigan girl? I love that guy as well
So weird seeing this dude I've been following for a couple years here. Proud of you, Billy!
Same
Well my wife took me to a live show of Billy's and crew in S
eattle this summer for my 60th and man , I say the show was so fun and the cool thing is everyone was dancing from start to finish.. we absolutely loved it and my wife loves me ... Thank you Billy and crew ... what a joy 🔥🤡🔥
Such a great and humble guy, yet such a monster picker!!!
“Goin for a cruise” love that line.
My dude is so well spoken. Simply a class act. Love him and his music!!!
Love you Billy! Your story is so much like my own and that's what has drawn me to you so much. I am Also from MI! Its incredibly admirable how you look back at your struggles and hold no grudges and try to gain strength from those experiences . I try myself every day to be the same every day... Your an inspiration!
❤
He is my favorite performer! Not just his genre, but his attitude and perception of life and deep thought in his lyrics.
I am a new Billy Strings fan. This guy is absolutely fabulous. What a talent........
Welcome aboard!
Been on this kid half a decade now since findin him on UA-cam. A true pioneer of the new wave of bluegrass & real true country western. 🎼🦾
That a success story for sure … It’s Important that Billy let’s people know his story. It will give many hope that they can turn their lives around….. God is Good …. Rock on brothers and sisters!!!!!!
Actually Billy it makes your parents look like the smashing success they’ve become. GOD bless you all.
They definitely have blessed me with their kid
Saw Billy this summer. Blew my little old mind
I like Billy Strings, his dad, his band and bass fishing.
love this man, never listened to blue grass until I found him a couple of years ago. This boy can play, write, and sing. Sending my blessings to Billy and his family.
People like Billy Strings, along with others like Daniel Donato, are bridging generational gaps in music. It’s really incredible to see people turned on to this and then go explore earlier bluegrass artists and old-time music and start to get it. Billy Strings really has a phenomenal story. You know he was born for this.
Never did I think we would see Billy on mainstream TV, back when he was a 2 man show in Michigan.
Wow !!
He has worked hard and deserves all the success,
We wish him the Very Best and are thrilled to see him growing and adapting while still nuturing the great American music and Doc Watson, that brought him to us !!
Thank you for posting !!
I hope this kid plays for the future, he's got so much to offer!
I never saw anything like this. I used to think I'd never see anything better than Buck Owens or Roy Clark. He's my hero. What a story Billy strings is. You got to hear dust in a baggie. That's the song I heard and his basement alone and it sounded so freaking good I couldn't even believe it. There's nothing like it some people say well he uses a foot switch sometimes and that's not bluegrass but I like it it's his own style and if that's what he wants to do good for him. They're not telling that he used to play rock music that I saw. He's very well grounded. This is one of the best stories I've ever seen
I've been watching billy since he was a small kid. Love billy strings.
I've been watching Billy about three months and I am continuously amazed at how talented he is not only with the guitar but also with his soulful vocals. We are thankful for his contributions to further bluegrass as he becomes a part of Americana too!
Yeeeeeeeeeet!🚀👑 Billy 🐐
Seems like an awesome dude. His music is incredible.
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 Billy is Fire! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
So cool seeing Billy on CBS!!
Love this guy. There are a few real music youngsters out there.
Craziest thing about his life is his parents got sober and their relationship wasn’t damaged beyond repair or ended in death, and he’s a world famous musician. Really speaks to the power of addiction
Maybe the power of Love?
It also speaks volumes on so many levels from addiction, faith the family element, the love of traditional music. Bluegrass played a part in saving his life it gave him his way out.
Maybe Republicans should start voting for people who tackle addictions with love instead of incarcerations? It's successful in other 1st world nations. Why not the USA, too? Oh wait... I forgot all about "for profit prisons."
Huh?
@@runnergo1398 if I remember correctly it was the democrats who wrote the bills in the 90s for harsher punishment for things as little as smoking weed soooooo don’t be dumb and bring politics into something that doesn’t need it.
from barkus park to infinity 👍❤️
I think I’ve started a lot of conversations in the last 5 years with “you ever heard of billy strings?”
I love your comment!
I've been describing myself as Billy Strings evangelist for a couple years now hahaha
If you talk to me long enough, it's gonna come up.
Yep anybody I haven’t told is gonna get told
Interesting comment. It is amazing how quickly he went from playing small venues to selling out large arenas. I have seen him 3 times and my favorite show was Billy and his dad Terry Barber at a 400 seat listening room in Ann Arbor Michigan, called The Ark. It was like sitting in their living room with them, listening to them playing whatever they wanted to play.
I had the pleasure of sitting around a campfire with Billy one evening. A party I'll never forget.
Love Billy!!!
I turned my son in law and his friends in El Paso TX on to Billy. It's spreading. People say there is no good music today. They just aren't looking.
I just stumbled upon this guy while searching for a 'Man of Constant Sorrow. Blown away! New fan, right now!
He's blown up massively over the last few years. Fair play to him. Inspiring guitarist
Love Billy Strings! 👏🎙🎶💕
4:42 Dang, he can’t help but talk like a poet
I still like Billy Strings as a secret treausure I can have the pleasure of introducing people to.... and I've known that time is fading quickly. I am glad this episode aired. I hope loads of new fans start digging into Billy Strings and Bluegrass music.
lol..I'm the same way..I tell everybody about them.
I’ve been watching (and listening!) to his career for several years now.
But I did not know about his parents. It is “a success story” and congratulations to them! Many, many people have had stories with a far more tragic ending.
Happy to see him get some shine from CBS. Home is one of the best modern bluegrass albums, incredible. He brings in some jam and rock elements perfectly, and I hope he goes back to that more experimental approach with future projects. Very excited to see him some day
A Success Story indeed!
God bless you and your family
Billy Strings!!!!👍👍😎
God bless you, Billy Strings, and to Mom and Dad.
Been watching Billy since I saw him do "Dust in a Baggie" years ago on late night television! What a cool dude! Fantastic story! Love ya, Billy!
What an incredible guy and brilliant musician. This is my first hearing of him, I'm sure it won't be the last time.
He’s been tearing it up for better part of a decade. Check him out here on YT with Grateful Dead members. This summer he blew up the Newport folk festival and is a very down to earth person. Hats off to his parents
Welcome aboard!
Billy is awesome! Absolutely stunning guitar player, composer and singer and an old soul at 30. Super excited to see what's next.
The most talented and humble musician alive.
I’m Glad to see billy being clean, I actually thought he was headed down a dark road but he’s completely opposite it seems. Way to go billy!
from barkus park to infinity ♾ and beyond.👏❤️
"Where we're going? We don't need (Fender) Rhodes."
What's lost on many due to his and his bandmates otherworldly musicianship is the fact that he is a fantastic song writer/ lyricist. I love everything they play but especially the originals
Some of their iconic tunes are written by the other guys...Red Daisy and Show me the Door were written by Jarrod Walker (mando player)....
@@CorneiliusLibowitz Didn't know that. Both great songs. Billy's Love and Regret is another of my favourites.
@@ThunderboltWisdom Yep. I like to give credit to the entire band…all are at the top of their game. Also, IMO, Billy would not be where he is today without this lineup…ie-if there was a revolving door of band members, or he was purely solo artist with no backing band…
@@CorneiliusLibowitz Can't disagree with that. Those long rambling psychedelic styled numbers he does would not be possible without a band who know each other inside out.
@@ThunderboltWisdom True dat!
One of the greatest shows out there. God bless Billy Strings.
He’s far more than a bluegrass player. He can play any genre. He is a maestro in the old world sense. He’s an arranger. He’s a composer. He can immediately jam on any song. He’s a great performer. And he’s got the best story.
What a great story❤❤❤…..Been following Billy Strings for a couple years and wish him all the best…Keep cruisin lookingthrough the windshield🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸
I met Billy shortly after he moved to Traverse City and saw him play every chance I had, from local bars to the basement of the local bookstore with about 15 people.
Even had a few beers and shared some smoke with him on a few occasions
I knew he had an amazing talent and I’m so glad he pursued his dream and made it happen.
Wishing him nothing but continued success and happiness.
My only complaint is that he hasn’t made it back here to entertain us again !
He will be in Saginaw in November
@@Hanzyscure he’s in Kalamazoo the 3rd and Sagnasty the 3rd already got tickets to both shows!
Is that you uncle? Hey Uncle it’s uncle! He does make it back buddy, he played new year. When I talk to him I’ll tell him know you miss him, I’ll tell him Grand Traverse misses him! Lol
Did you make the Kalamazoo Wings stadium show?
@@erichfetterolf3720 what’s happening? Long time no see uncle. I didn’t make it to Kzoo but did make the Sagnasty show
My mom quit drinking at 53 and she was an inspiration to all just like your story about your parents they'll inspire others to maybe to stop drinking too or whatever drugs is their choice
The sky is the limit, Billy Strings! ❤️✌️
I’m 56 and have a passion for music. I’ve seen A LOT of concerts including years of concerts at Red Rocks. Billy Strings’ concert made my top 3.