Doyle Dykes

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The Lights of Marfa

Uploaded on Jul 20

About Doyle

 

Although influenced by a wide variety of musical styles and musicians from the country of Chet Atkins to the rock and roll of Duane Eddy and the Beatles, Doyle has developed a distinct, recognizable sound that amazes audiences with skill while capturing hearts with sincerity and soul.

Doyle’s appreciation for various styles of music is reflected in his albums as they include signature compositions like “Jazz in the Box” and “Martha’s Kitchen” and hymns like the powerful “How Great Thou Art.” “Gitarre 2000″ was released by Windham Hill Records, and Doyle’s music has appeared on several of the label’s compilation albums like “Here, There, and Everywhere” (a tribute to the Beatles). In addition, Doyle’s music has been heard on United Airlines, Air Canada, NPR’s Morning News and All Things Considered, Disney’s California Adventure, and even the Space Shuttle Atlantis in September, 2000.

Doyle’s early years as a guitarist took him around the world as he toured with The Stamps Quartet and later with Grand Ole Opry Star, Grandpa Jones. Doyle has since returned to the Grand Ole Opry for numerous performances, many appearing live on national television. As an endorser and clinician for Taylor Guitars, Doyle has designed a very successful signature guitar. The Doyle Dykes Signature Model Taylor guitar (“DDSM”) features an amplification system by L.R. Baggs, deemed as the Doyle Dykes Hexaphonic Pickup System. Doyle also helped design his signature Rivera amplifier, called the Sedona, designed to accommodate both electric and acoustic instruments. Doyle’s signature instruments and equipment have influenced the musical instrument industry on a global basis.

Doyle performs in venues ranging from Theatres, Bluegrass festivals, and churches, to major Conventions, such as the NAMM Show (Anaheim, CA and Nashville, TN), the Musikmesse (largest music trade show in the world; Frankfurt, Germany), Music Live (UK), and the National Executive Institute, which is made up of honored FBI Agents, major city Police Chiefs, and Law Enforcement Officers from around the world. Internationally, Doyle attracts record audiences in many Continents around the world. Whether to a guitar player or music enthusiast, Doyle’s music will make a lasting impression on anyone given the opportunity to listen.

Highlights in Doyle’s Career

~ Awarded a brick in the Wall of Fame at “The Cavern Club” in Liverpool, England.

~ Performed and interviewed by the very popular Big George on the BBC (UK).

~ Performed and interviewed by “Steve and Johnnie” on WGN Chicago Radio (in-studio).

~ Played on stage with Les Paul, Chet Atkins, Duane Eddy, Peter Frampton, John Fogerty, Vince Gill, and many others.

~ Played a special tribute to Chet Atkins at the Grand Ole Opry that aired multiple times on national television.

~ Performed a concert tour, including the Florida Theatre, accompanied by a String Orchestra with Composer and Conductor, Tom Keene.

Quotes

Vintage Guitar Magazine Interview with Chet Atkins:

VG “You’ve played and recorded with so many of the greats, is there anybody out there that you personally would pay to go see?”

CA “People like Doyle Dykes, who is just an amazing finger picker, I think.”

Musicians:

“Doyle is one of the finest fingerpicking guitarists around. I sincerely admire him as a person and as a musician.” Chet Atkins, CGP

“I’ve been fortunate enough to know Doyle and his great guitar playing for quite some time. In a word, he is absolutely a MONSTER!!” Steve Wariner

“Doyle’s clever use of dynamics, the warm tone he achieves with an acoustic guitar and his exceptional skill with the instrument is wonderful to hear…He is one of the most fantastic players I have heard in years.” Duane Eddy

“Magnificent chops, refined musicianship and tons of personality!” Laurence Juber

Music Industry:

“As owner of Taylor Guitars, I have the privilege of working with many fine guitar players. Never has anyone caught my attention like Doyle Dykes. His guitar playing is the most expert I’ve heard, and yet his listeners don’t have to be guitar enthusiasts to know that they’re listening to someone very special.” Bob Taylor, President of Taylor Guitars

“Doyle Dykes is not only a great fingerstyle guitarist, but is a good friend as well. I’m proud that he plays one of my guitars.” Kirk Sand, Sand Guitars

“Doyle has a mastery of fingerstyle guitar playing unlike anyone else I have ever heard. His ability and technique continue to amaze me every time I see him play.” Russ McFee, GHS Strings

Music Media:

“Doyle Dykes is one of the most convincing cross-genre fingerstylists today. He successfully metes out Jazz, Latin, Gospel, Hawaiian, and Country arrangements from his nylon and steel-string guitars with equal grace and aplomb. But grace is only one facet of Doyle’s talents. He also brings an incredible virility and indefatigable fire to his music, which makes listening to his arrangements an exhausting but satisfying experience.” Jon Chappell, Editor-in-Chief, Guitar Magazine

“I thought it was impossible, but Doyle Dykes has raised the standard. Amazing guitarmanship. Imaginative arrangements. Great sound.” John Schroeter, John August Music

“There are good fingerpickers, great fingerpickers, and then Doyle Dykes. This amazing guitarist brings the art of fingerstyle to new levels of technical and creative brilliance. For fingerstyle fans, it doesn’t get any better than this.” Pete Prown, Editor-in-Chief, Guitar Shop Magazine

“Many of today’s virtuosos get their tone wrong and then everything else is reduced to mathematical finger exercises. Dykes gets the tone right, which makes everything else possible, which is a lot. Somewhere between Chet Atkins and Leo Kottke, he is fast, accurate, and warm. Amazing technique, cheerful melodies, plenty of drive, minimal abstraction.” Charles M. Young, Musician Magazine

Date →
Jul 20
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30 Comments

  • 1
    Tony Says:

    Just wanted to drop a quick note. Every time I hear you and your daughter do Amazing Grace, I cry. I got to hear you do it live once and it will live in my heart forever. I love the rest of your work too…but that is extra special to me. Thank you.

  • 2
    Brian McCarty Says:

    Got to see the show last night in the tiny town of Linden, TX. Sound was great, and show was too. Thanks for coming to Shreveport for James Burton’s festival, which is where I first heard you.

  • 3
    Bob Says:

    My grandson and I were were at the Texas Music theater when you did your show. Thank you for a great evening and taking the time to take a photo with Mark. It was a very big deal for him to hold your orange guitar. Looking forward to seeing you again.
    We are big Taylor fans. We have four of them.

  • 4
    Doug Lanier Says:

    Bro. Doyle, you played in my little church here in Fresno, CA three times (The Downtown Church – with the large “Amazing GraceMural”). I would love to book you for a three day workshop, I am actually working on a grant right now to pay the overhead. I would want a workshop that would not only hone the gifts of the paticipants, but emphasise the stewardship responsibility of the artist, as well as, how to package and market said gifts. We expect guitar players from throughout the Valley, as well as scholarshipped students from Inner-City Schools and the Juvinile Justice System.

    I would also be working with a group called “Art and Soul” emphasising “The Prophetic Arts” along with the Guitar Society of Central California founded by Cletus Clark. Note: Cletus passed away a short time back. I do not know if this is possible, but it has been in my heart ever sense I first met you. I need to know the cost, how to set up the booking, etc. May you continue to glorify God in everything you do. My e-mail is douglanier@comcast.net and my cell is 559-240-2579.
    Pastor Doug Lanier

  • 5
    James Says:

    Saw your excellent performance at the Taylor road show at Guitar Works in Greenwood, IN awhile back. Your take on “Wabash Cannonball” and “While my Guitar Gently Weeps” and “Classical Gas” are nothing short of amazing. I have another instrumental that I know you would tear it up: “Wheels” – by The String-A-Longs
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsXkdqsrJQg&feature=player_embedded#at=14
    What do you think?

  • 6
    Pastor Lynn Says:

    I hope those of you anywhere close to Chickasha, Oklahoma will come to see and hear Doyle tomorrow night at COWBOY COUNTRY CHURCH. The annointing of God plus extreme talent make for a tremendous experience that you don’t want to miss. ~Pastor Lynn

  • 7
    Pastor Lynn Walker Says:

    Well, I’m lockin’ up the church. The amps are cooled down, and my hands are still shakin’. Doyle Dykes is one of the most talented men I have ever met, and a very nice guy to boot!! Very much lookin’ forward to working with Doyle again tomorrow night at OKLAHOMA VINTAGE GUITAR in El Reno. Thank you Lord for an incredible evening. ~Pastor Lynn

  • 8
    Katherine Grems Says:

    Thank you so much for coming out here to Spirit Lake to share your amazing gift and testimony with us. The story about your daughter’s white rose made me cry–it was such a touching reminder of how our God loves us. And I thought I heard some guitar playing before but that was breath-taking! I hope it’s alright I recorded a bit of it just so I can show my dad who loves guitar as well. I hope you enjoy your time here & God bless!

  • 9
    Pastor Lynn Says:

    Doyle, Your Momma was right about one thing; I haven’t been able to put your book down since I started reading it. Thank you so much for sharing such great stories of how God has blessed you and worked in your life. I know I will never play guitar like you, but I really appreciate your encouraging words. I know God does have a plan for my life and I intend to live it to the fullest. Also want you to know that I am praying about the TV show and I know all will be well. Blessings, ~Pastor Lynn

  • 10
    Paul Says:

    Saw Doyle at Bob’s Guitars in Cedar Falls last night. Now I know what Heaven sounds like! Incredible! And a great story teller! Thoroughly enjoyable evening!

  • 11
    Barry Zane Says:

    Hi Doyle. We missed you the last time you were in the Philly area. God has blessed you with a gift that I enjoy as well as does my son. He is 14 and has a gift only God could give. If you have the chance could you look at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2xTJAPda0Q or http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJEu0WLZxtk&feature=related and give your thoughts. I know he would appreciate it as I will.

  • 12
    Chris Foster Says:

    What a person! What a player! IN THAT ORDER

  • 13
    Bryan C. Cook Says:

    Dear Mr. Dykes,

    I was in the audience today at the Guitar Town festival at Copper Mountain, CO. I have been to many of these festivals, and debated whether to attend this year. I know now why I chose to make the trip.

    The white rose story is a beautiful reminder that the best things in life come by request. God is willing to help. He just needs us to ask (sometimes we need to choose a specific color).

    Thank you for all you do. Your performance and your person were uplifting. Thank you for sharing your life with us today.

    Bryan C. Cook
    Brighton, CO

  • 14
    Bob Brusca Says:

    Doyle,
    Just wanted to say what an honor it was to meet you and hear you play live at the Antioch Church in Overland Park, MO. Sunday, August 21st, 2011. I enjoyed talking with you and I thank you so very much for signing my guitar! I pray you are able to play a concert at Bellevue Baptist Church in the near future. I would enjoy seeing you play anytime, anywhere, You are just Fantastic! God Bless you and your family! Bob Brusca

  • 15
    Bono Says:

    Articles like these put the cnsuomer in the driver seat-very important.

  • 16
    Keith Brumbalow Says:

    Doyle,
    I just finished your book. The stories were great, the CD was fantastic, and your testimony was a real blessing. Thank you for sharing how you live your Christian life through your family, and for showing that the Christian life is a relationship with the Savior, not a label on a t-shirt. The book could be an encouragement to any Christian, guitar player or not, just to see what God can do through someone that is willing to let Him. You are a great guitar player, but long after your music is gone, what you’ve done for your family spiritually will live on.

  • 17
    Allen Kraska Says:

    I saw you for the second time in New London, CT at Caruso’s Music. The first time was at the Iridium Lounge in NY, where Les Paul asked you to perform and you played the most amazing arrangement of America the Beautiful. Even Les’ bass player from Australia thought your arrangement had more emotion than she had ever heard. Well this performance was even more entertaining and moving. The audience at these events is always filled with amateur guitar players and I am no exception. So after the concert you had a CD, a DVD and your new book for sale. I thought the CD and DVD would be fun to have and you had a deal that for a certain price you could go home with all 3! I am so glad that I did. The Lights of Marfa was a truly fascinating book to read. I have to admit that it was also very inspirational. I am sure you meant it to be, but this reader didn’t expect to be inspired. I was more interested in the guitar and music stories. You are beginning to change my outlook on music and where it comes from. I always get very nervous playing in front of anyone other than my wife. I now try playing the music to God, since I am convinced he wouldn’t criticize my mistakes, as long as I was sincere. I am very sorry I couldn’t attend the workshop the evening following the concert. Next opportunity I have I will make sure nothing interferes.

  • 18
    Woodydad Says:

    Doyle,
    You have blown me away!! I saw your show and met you in Sterling, VA at Melodee Music…very inspiring! “Be still” is a song I’d like to add to my very amature repatoire; where can I find cords and lyrics?
    Add my love and admiration to God’s…

  • 19
    Tommy Says:

    I live in Weatherford and was so depressed because I realized I was going to be in Odessa when you were in Weatherford. I found out today that you are going to be in Midland on Sunday evening. I’ll drive on Sunday to Midland so I get to see you Sunday evening in Midland!!! – yeehaw

  • 20
    Ben Clayton Says:

    Doyle
    I just finished your book and I was greatly blessed. What a wonderful testimony to the “Light of the World” in your life. I am a retired preacher in Longview, Tx. Was recently at your concert at Music City, TX and past concerts with Liberty City, TX and Action Sound Music.
    Your book lifted my spirit greatly and many of your stories moved me to tears. It brought me closer to the Lord. Thank you.
    I play guitar every Sunday for my church and have a Taylor T-5 that I got from Kelly Barber. I love it.
    Please keep using that wonderful talent for the Lord.

  • 21
    Gary Says:

    Wondered if Doyle is aware that Steven Curtis Chapman will be in town when he performs in St. Louis on Wednesday, 10/12. SCC is performing the next evening but will be here on Wednesday as well. Would be great to see them together on stage.

  • 22
    Ed Skidmore Says:

    Doyle, I’m reading your book and enjoying the DVD that came with it. Working on learning “The Road Back Home” from Finger-style Magazine #51. It’s not all that easy for me to play, but one of my all time favorites. (Can’t figure out how those past the fretboard harmonics work yet, but working on getting some kind of tone) You came with your daughter to Alamo Music in San Antonio a while back, and I was there to hear you play. My favorite guitar concert ever, even in an outdoor tent. Do you have a tab/note book of your hymn arrangements? Thanks, Ed S.

  • 23
    Martha Says:

    Heard you on Steve and Johnnie on Fri at 2 AM. Immediately ordered tickets for your concert the next night in Skokie. You blew us away. We thought Michael Johnson was terrific on guitar….you are outstanding! Our only disappointment was it appears the CD we received with the book did not have anything on it. Will try to get a copy some time.

    God Bless you for not being afraid to share your faith!!!

    The Lord certainly directed us to you as we listened to the Steve and Johnie show.

    Peace………….martha from Indiana and South Chicago

  • 24
    Terry Says:

    Doyle,
    Thank you for the many blessings you have given us over the years. I was listening to “Music of the Night” and I thought of the night you were in Greenville,S.C. and you had a little trouble with your hearing and thought it might be a cold or something but as we know now it was a tumor and affected your hearing. I pray that God will heal your hearing in “His” time, but as we all have heard since your recovery, it hasn’t affected your playing at all.
    Thanks again and God bless you and your family.

  • 25
    William Says:

    In one of Doyle’s youtube videos he refers to “A whole web page on my website about the finger picks that I use” – I can’t find that any where. Anybody know where it is?

  • 26
    Richard Davis Says:

    Doyle:
    I want to tell you how much I enjoyed you at Calvary Redlands (The Packinghouse) on the 22nd. As usual it was an amazing experience. There is no one like you. Thank you for sharing your talent with us. I look forward to each of your appearances in Southern California. God Bless you for all you do.

    R.K. Davis, Moreno Valley, CA

  • 27
    Marcus Ridner Says:

    Hi Doyle,
    We had such a great time, hanging out with you in Addison, Tx early in October 2011, at Summit Life Church. I just finished your book, you did a great job.
    I sent a note to Duane Eddy that night about you, he wrote back: that he thinks very highly of you & your family. So do we. Blessings & Psalm 91 Marcus & Suzanne Ridner

  • 28
    Steve Todd Says:

    Doyle my wife Fran and I had the pleasure of seeing and especially hearing you play at Randy Wood in Bloomingdale. Absolutely the most amazing show we have been a part of. Please come back , more often. Thanks, a brother in Christ

  • 29
    Larry Says:

    Doyle,
    Your sharing and preformance last night was pure Doyle. A sweetness of spirit and a purity of heart, Thank you! We especially enjoyed your set with Kenny Putman and your Christmas Jam. Have you considered doing a Christmas alblum with Kenny?
    Thank you again!
    Larry Rapid City, SD

  • 30
    Greg Gruenwald Says:

    Hi Doyle…heard you for the first time on Steve and Johnnie’s final week here in Chicago. You are amazing! Hope to hear you here sometime.

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