Fuckin haters talkin shit. This guy is the best winner of this competition for however long it's been going on. Really amazing vibrato and interesting fusion of a lot of modern an traditional blues lines with a touch of Gary Moore. And just FYI people, this is a guitar competition so he is supposed to PLAY THE GUITAR for the entire time, that's how it works.
I've been playing acoustic guitar for many, many years and have just recently purchased an electric (Gibson ES339). For me, there's been a bit of a learning curve going from acoustic to electric, but I find it very encouraging to see how well JBL transitions from one to the other. That crazy acoustic stomp (~4:20 - end) has me absolutely floored!!!! BTW. . .all you folks who have nothing better to do than criticize the man for facial expressions - Really?! The dude clearly has the music coursing through him. If you find it that distracting, close your f-ing eyes and open your ears. Well done JBL!
I’m 60 years old and been following live performances of just about everyone all over the world. Jonathon Long is one of best guitarist put on the planet...and btw, it’s 2021 and he has toned down the facial expressions, but as EE states, he has the music flowin’ thru him and it shows on his face....nothing dishonest or staged when Johnathon plays,...including the expressions! Go johnathon, sam & tab!
Damn he's awesome. The music isn't just coming through his guitar, it's also coming through him. That's why he makes all the faces, he's letting the music out.
Thanks for all the comments both negative and positive; check out my new record in a couple months or my old one if you haven't heard it yet; hope to see you guys on the road; Jonathon"Boogie"Long
+BoogieLong Dude, that was a great performance. I really dig the acoustic jam, very unique and creative. Anyone who didn't appreciate this performance, has probably never picked up a pine topped box and tried to play it. And I for one, love the expression on your face. Letting the music overcome you and to bare your soul in front of a live audience is something to be admired.
+BoogieLong This is my favorite of all the Guitar Center King of the Blues videos. I keep coming back to it. Playing is great. Nothing wrong with a little flash of super fast playing just to show you can. If that was all you did, I could see the criticism. But the rest of it was really good blues that kept my interest. As far as the histrionics, nobody here has seen Joe Cocker perform when he was young? C'mon.
+Robert Millard Hey my friend, thanks a lot....I just try to stay true to the music; the rest of the competition was backing tracks, they finally put us up there with a full band and I had so much fun jamming with Pete Anderson and the guys that I let my emotions take over ya know; it's not like a purposely tried to make horrible Blues faces, they just come out; anyone who has a deep passion for music knows what it feels like when you play/hear a lick that moves you; Go to an Eric Gales show with me and you'll see me make the same faces to his licks; cuz they're nasty,awesome licks that are so amazing they make ya put on the stank face lol Thanks for the positive vibes my friend
+BoogieLong :'D Spectacular playing brother! This is my favorite GCKoB video as well, and you earned it bro. The first time I saw this it inspired and motivated me to start learning the blues (ended up buying that same epiphone). I for one am glad you accentuate your licks with obvious soul and meticulous technique; every blues player should be doing that. I hope you reach your goals, take care and God bless.
Absolutely blistering. Reminds me of what Clapton said about Stevie, in reference to never needing to pause, to think of where to go next; licks just flowing, channeling outward. Hands down the best, most electrifying performance I've seen from these contests. And the faces? People, if your hands were doing that to a guitar---your face would melt too.
This man can play the Blues! Why do people bother to make negative comments. It seems no matter who you are or how good you play, you can never please everybody. The rude comments are uncalled for and shows immaturity. Remember, he is the winner. Congratulations to Jonathon Long: Guitar Center's 2011 King of the Blues Winner.
@tyronzal Not to mention he dropped school as soon as possible because he knew music was all he wanted to do in the first place. All he DOES is music. He plays bass at my church, sweetest guy you'll meet. He's ALWAYS going from show to show. This guy is for real.
Man. So much energy. Being a blues guitarist myself I know that a bluesman onstage is just a portrayal of whatever is coming from inside. It is raw emotion. I'm glad you have stuck to who you are. It makes your music so much more awesome.
God Bless you Randy Scott for your talent & comments. Congrats on your winning & being a great judge. Music is a great thing & beautiful. Some of these people don't even know who judged this contest. My husband plays guitar & our son plays music. It helps kids stay out of trouble & gives them hope & dreams that can & do come true. We do need to ALL support each other & real music!! Thanks again so much & Be Blessed & keep being a Blessing! Much love & respect! Misty & Brandon David
Well done Jonathon. I've been watching your career since 2009 all the way here from England and i'm so happy to see you've become what you truly deserve. I look forward to watching you in the big time and go on to the highest of heights. Proven now as one of the best... Can't wait to see you over here. Well done again.
Some people get lost in their music,and don't even try to control what their body does..That is when the best music is played.If you are bothered by Jonathon's facial expressions,I would suggest you know very little about playing the guitar.Jonathon Long is so far beyond awesome,it is unbelievable!!Keep up the fantastic playing Jon!!
I just finished watching him #JohnathanBoogieLong in that 2014' movie called "We Are Kings" so I just had to look up some of his youtube videos. Dang right dandy he's wicked good for sure. I'm a brand new fan!!! Thank you for posting this.
Boogie Long was singled out from a pool of thousands of guitarists, surviving several stages of judging criteria that includes showmanship. Like all the contestants, he was only given a few minutes lay it all on the line. And he did. Can't be an average picker to win this, you have to be exceptionally good. Any commenter that thinks they can do better should quit spewing negative comments and enter the contest next year. Congratulations to Boogie Long, Guitar Centers King of the Blues 2011
I have been a friend of Jonathon for a long time...even went to Memphis to see him compete at the IBC. Jonathon is multi-talented and here back in Baton Rouge we are so proud of him...Jonathon I never doubted your talent. Now go out and make us some BLUES BABY!! LOL LOVE YOU! Pam Linton
Boog is one of the most talented individuals you will ever see. You all are trying to make assumptions about feeling, based on a 5 minute performance, backed by a band that can show no feeling to make it even competition. Come see him live and say the same thing. Jonathon lives his music every day. Not many people are willing to endure the hardships to live their dream. He has the heart, and dedication, and deserves everything that he's got coming to him. Hater's Hate all you want. Love you Bro
that was just amazing, you completely deserved to win that, i take time to watch all of these king of the blues rounds all the way up to the grand finals, there are so many very very talented players who are on it, but i think what most people are looking for in the winners is that slight difference in playing style sound or tone, that sets them apart from the rest, you have that in spades. what a outstanding performance, your acoustic set was differnt and soulful too.
Can't believe all of the negative posts on here! Don't be jelous the man is better than most of you ever will be. He did not win due to lack of competition,he won because he was the better of ALL of you. Good luck in the future Boogie Long.
Fantastic talent. For me, B.B. is KING and that there are no others, but the passion B.B. plays in one sustained note far outweighs the fastest series of notes anyone on this planet can play. Great to see this young man is so very passionate about playing and a big hats off on his success.
Go cuz!!!! We are so proud of you.. You guys have to hear him play live! We need another Thanksgiving, sitting in the livingroom listening to you! Love you!!!
Thank you for the encouragement, no matter what happens I'll stick to what I know which is playing my guitar through good and bad. I love the white suit though man. I'll figure out something decent to wear. I didn't look up once both competitions I've done so far. I just wanna be comfortable and I'll be fine. Thanks again and I love "Blues Revolution"!
I never understand why people get on RU-vid just to slam other people. I think this guy did great. He played great and he was entertaining. He got the crowd into it and they definitely "felt" where he was comin from. Getting up onstage and having your music "judged" is not something everyone can do. It takes allot to get up there in the first place. I say bravo to Jonathon and everyone who entered the contest and gave it everything they had!
I was a contestant from vegas,went to pheanix,and when I lost to a kid in final death round,I smiled shook his hand and said you did a great job matt!,I smiled and left the building to find out later that no one in the building besides his parents thought he won. Until they said his name,I thought for sure I had it.guess I will try next year.You did a great job jonathan,Im glad someone with skill actually won.congratulations brotha.maybe I will see meet you in the future....
It is all about the fun. Guitar Center is a business, but why take away from the talented folks who compete? Many of the best never make it in every walk of life. It takes the right opportunity. I can tell you Jonathon is going to do his best to make the most of this opportunity. Keep hating, it just fuels the fire to strive to be better people.
man, haters are gonna haaaaaate. boogie, they call you the king of the blues for a reason, and that's because you had the nutsack that these pansies didn't to enter this competition. and not only did you enter, but you won the damn thing. who on here writing these stupid comments about your face or your fast playing can call themselves a king of the blues winner? that's what i thought. you're the man, your playing speaks for itself, and i'm glad you have been recognized for your insane talent. all the negative comments on here are just coming from people who are mad at themselves for being too lazy or too scared to go out and put in the time that you have to become such an incredible musician. long live the king.
THIS is the blues. All heart. All soul. It takes some real talent to let it shine like that through the instrument. Congratulations to Jonathon; It's well deserved.
Great playing man, don't listen to the haters. Anybody that is pointing out your physical flaws are just looking for a scapegoat to make them selves seem better than you in their head and doesn't know what it is like to play the blues. Their hatin' is your inspiration, keep it up bro.
Boogie! I was front and center that night! You did an amazing job. I can't wait to see you roll through my neck of the woods. Your timing, phrasing, punctuation!!!! You've payed/played your dues brother! Don't listen to these hacks! Do your thing.......Thanks for an amazing night.....Im going to watch this video 10 more times and try to steel one of your licks and when someone says, "Wow where'd you learn that?! I'm gonna say Boogie!
I mixed Big Luther Kent's show in Covington, LA last night. Jonathan Long featured here was his guitar player. I knew within 5 minutes of watching and hearing him play he was a one in a million special player. Of the dozens of world class guitar players I've had the honor of mixing, I'd easily place Jonathan in the top 3. He was amazing. In a balls out Ensemble like Luther Kent's Trick Bag he held his own and owned every lick he dropped. Can't wait for the opportunity to hear him again.
Thanks for all the kind comments for my brother. Our family will stand by one another no matter what you have to say. As far as the quitting school comments, Bill Lear developed the Lear Jet, and Built on of the largest communications companies in the world with an eigth grade education, after having been dismissed from highschool twice for showing teachers up. He gained his experience from working as a repairman, and the public Library. We all have opinions, history can humble most of them.
Hey folks.Here's an update.I actually went and did the recording session with Pete Anderson and got 3 pretty smooth cuts of some of my original material and i released it on iTunes under "The Pete Anderson Sessions"
VERY NICE JOB MAN YOU PLAYED THAT THING WITH ENTHUSIASM. CONGRATS AND HATS OFF TO YOU JOHNATHAN YOU ARE THE 2011 KING OF BLUES WINNER. THANK YOU FOR A GREAT PERFORMANCE.
Well done! Congratulations! BTW I love when a guitar player makes faces when he or she is playing. It shows true passion for their music and that instrument. Many of the guitar gods do it, this young man is well on his way.
i agree with everything you are saying...thumbs up to your comment... just one thing- lets be honest-- joe presents the award because he is payed to... not because the players are accredited musicians. but this takes nothing away from the incredible talent and showmanship that jonathan presents. and those who dont understand his faces may not have ever played soulful music so it may be hard for them to relate.
hi, this is rami halperin i was one of the 5 finalists that night, i think jonathan is a very talented guitarist, we actually jammed a bit with acoustics and i loved his playing, this contest is just a contest ,if you can play and bring the right energy that given night you can win. i believe that if you wish to have a music career you have to bring something to the table a body of work and then find your audience,jonathan wrote here wait for the album , you should! i wish boogie success!
How pitiful sad it is that a guy with a god given gift can get on stage, play & express like that and yet there are people all over this comment thread who find fault with Jonathan's playing. And predominantly, the negative comments seem to obsess over his facial expressions? Jonathan, amp up the faces more than ever & turn your head up to the Stars and Celebrate your accomplishments. Just found out about this tonight. I'm not at all surprised you won. Super Congrat's Bro!
@therytee Congrats and good luck to you.Just stay true to your passion and feel the music. I think the most important thing is playing from your soul,having fun, and dressing like your a performer.Not necessarily over the top,but come up with your style and look.At that time in my life,I was wearing a suit at every large venue I performed at so my look stayed consistent.Best of luck to you once again.
Go ahead Jonathon!!!! We've been watching Boogie play for years and knew he had it in him!! don't worry about his facial expressions so much. I think the blues spirit is just channeled through him!! sort of possessed by the blues! in a good way
I liked his playing, he's quite the performer, and i'm glad he's getting the recognition in the spotlight. however, he keeps that mouth open any longer and some bird might build a nest in it. Guitarists are always making funny faces to show how much they are "feeling it" (and who's to say what/how they feel ).. but I like the idea of feeling it, and I don't like the idea of making it look like it's being felt, tough to decide which is which sometimes.
Why are all these blues haters even watching and commenting on this video. I will buy a cd with this guy on it as soon as I can find one. Right up there with Chris Duarte and Kenny Wayne Sheppard.
I was lucky enough to learn a thing or two from this great man a few years ago at a summer camp. He was and is one of the best guitarists I have ever met.
This is in my favorites .....LOVE IT! .....you r.still the best to come out of this comp so far......you gotta come down under bro....share the love....
Dear Jonathon You are a great performer i like youre style! it's in youre bones.I see it to youre face that you having it well that they! keep playing this style everybody that i show youre music they all see woow he's amazing! greetings from holland
yea when i first heard his contest existed, i was excited about the possibilitiies of what it was about...then i watched a few videos and realized it was just a shredding contest in the style of the blues, and the winner is inevitably the guy who can play the fastest, and not necessary the guy who does the best job evoking the spirit of the blues
You should also check out some of his original songs...WOW Dat dude can write & sing!! Ya'll need to catch him live!!!! We are very long time fans & friends and he has always helped & made people smile. Such a big true heart & talent there folks
Man, this guy is something else! He almost becomes a part of the music he is playing - the Blues. He deserves to Shake, Rattle & Rock & Roll and show the world The Blues.
just close your eyes and listen. you dont need to see him to feel the passion emanating from his playing. if you can't just listen, then close your mouth and sit there.
I'll I have to say is that this guy is doing what he loves, he won a contest and a ton of money, and the haters are hiding behind a keyboard acting like they lost.LOL Great show, and congrats to the winner!
All you haters on here are still stuck on strairway to heaven... Knobs!!! This cat is for real the bomb. I would love to take lessons from this guy and jam with a guitarist like this guy. He is far and above better than anyone I have heard jamming in a guitar center. Rock on Long!!!
Keep the comments coming. The way some od you are talking, I'd look forward to having you at one of his shows. That way you can show us what you are talking about.
I will also be playing at the Winter NAMM show in Anaheim in the Egnater booth and I also just heard today of a possibility to do something with Gibson too.So I actually have great things going on in my life and in my career and I have been very blessed.I'll be going on tour in 2012.Look me up on Facebook and come see me live somewhere,you'll enjoy it. Jonathon"Boogie"Long
I'll be the NAMM show 2012 doing product demos for Egnater Amps and performing with Leo Nocentelli of the Meters for Gibson Guitars on the John Lennon educational stage,so be on the look out for video footage around February.I have much love for the talent that I was blessed with and the purpose for my life.The Soul that flows through my body when I play cannot be described.It would take someone who also has Soul to understand.Positive things happen for me because I'm real and dedicated.
Tzoooper bomber guitar killer bluesin' dude! You caught me out of my bed, got the key of my guitar room and threw it in the junk..... only for a while though, .... I've a double spare thingie. You're .... don't find the words... Happy I listened to Mr Claude Johnson this mornin' . Take care G.
I'd go see this guy play as much for his facial expressions as his playing, and his playing was damn good. For all the white kids who are playing blues guitar, especially in light of the recent passing of the *great* BB King, I say----THANK YOU, for all you are doing to keep the blues alive! Keep rollin'...
I return to this video occasionally, because I really enjoy it. When it comes to art, everyone's different, and this is especially true with the blues. Robben Ford is completely different from Duke Robillard, but they're both great players. The blues keeps on evolving, sometimes for better, sometimes for worse. Jonathan's a great player (I hear a LOT of BB and Albert in him), but he's not a copycat at all, and he is a high-energy performer. The faces don't bother me.
Congratulations, Boogie!!! All of you out there should check out Boogie's bands Captain Green and also our blues band known as Boogie Long's Blues Revolution. I hope you and me have a very long career together, my dude! I'm so happy for you and proud to play with you, Boog! P.S. All you haters out there suck and need to get happy. I'm so sorry nobody likes you and you have to get online and spout your B.S. That's all!
Boogie, Con-fucking-gratulations, well done my man! If you people don't 'get it' you never will. This guy is talented & is destined for success. I see a recording contract & future as a successful touring artist. Just in case you don't know this guy can sing too. The personal attacks are petty, irrelevant and immature. Respect this guy, he won a contest filled with over 4,000 guitar players from all over the country. Thanks Guitar Center for the KOTB event & for elevating & promoting the Blues.
Great stuff here from Jonathon, love his style, terrific playing. Check out his Boogie Blues Magic DVD its excellent instructional material, sharing some of his ideas licks etc. Seems like a nice guy with a real talent.
Jonathon put together what he has learned from playing this competition every year, and put together a winning performance. Keep the congrats coming, and we like the faces. Stop being a stick in the mud, and have a little fun.
I might play fast sometimes,and sometimes I might play slow,but either way it's "my" Blues and I'm sharing it with you all and it's a blessing.I hope you enjoy.Check out "The Pete Anderson Sessions EP".
