Cluck Old Hen-Alison Krauss/Sierra Hull

Sierra Hull onstage w/ Alison Krauss + Union Station. All-Star Bluegrass Celebration. Grand Ole Opry.

[@mfwolfer]

That smile Sierra flashed Alison during her solo was worth a million bucks. Great stuff.

[@bgrigg07]

Sierra holding her own with some of the best musicians on the planet.

[@jeffreyhamer3107]

It must feel pretty good for a sixth grader to be accepted as an equal by the best bluegrass band in the world.

[@nonh8nsk8r]

I just met Sierra after her show the other night. After the fame, the endorsements, the constant critical acclaim, she is still down to earth, approachable and willing to stand and talk in the lobby with an old musical hack like me.

[@velvetunderpants44]

That's what I love about this video. There's not a hint of "ah she's so cute" Nope. She's just an incredible player!

[@truckerenoch8824]

What's even better is that she doesn't look at all like she's uncertain of whether or not she belongs there.😁

[@billyballa7002]

Can you imagine being 12 years old and playing in the middle with some of the greatest string musicians of all time?

[@vaughnmaurt5013]

When you an hold your own….you just pick!

[@Augalv]

If you are referring to Sierra Hull, she was 14 years old when this video was made. Not 12

[@brianvoith4235]

And looking and playing like she belongs there. Almost miraculous

[@ultraali453]

Yeah, they're encouraging her by letting her stand in the middle

[@anthonysalvati5868]

@@Augalv She was in 6th grade, so I don't think she was 14.

[@istvanklein]

The embarrassed grin after her solo is priceless.

[@robertguilbeau1705]

She had nothing to be embarrassed about :)

[@ngzcaz]

A smile and a nod of acknowledgement from Alison.......... priceless

[@passiveaggressivenegotiato8087]

it was the crowd's approval

[@truckerenoch8824]

Ikr! I kinda get the idea that she's embarrassed by how good she is. Lol

[@JewandGreek]

I love the look on Sierra's face, like she's saying "yeah I belong here". If it had been me I would have been totally freaking out at that age.

[@stevegrooms1142]

This is a classic bit of video. When Sierra Hull was just learning the mandolin, he dad would push her to practice more. "Some day," he'd say, "Allison Krauss will want you to play on the Grand Ol' Opry. And will you be ready?" This, in effect, is the day he predicted. And you can see how she performs. Her shy smile when she finishes her solo is one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen.

[@TrippiePineapplz]

Sierra was so little!!!! I love that Alison (my absolute favorite bluegrass fiddler of all time) took her under her wing and Sierra really has that old time style. Real music here

[@billquailes7882]

According to my research Sierra was 11 years old. She is fantastic as usual.

[@BrunoPadovani-t7g]

One of the wonderful things about bluegrass, jazz, blues etc... is that the famous established "elders" really do find, nurture and lift up young talent. Little Sierra Hull looked so thrilled to be there. It must have been the highlight of her life up to that point.

[@serundipity]

Every time I think about what that must have meant to that kid I get tears in my eyes. Not only does she get to play the Grand Ole Opry, she gets to play with some of the best bluegrass musicians in the world. It is a really exclusive club, and to be welcomed into it with open arms has to feel really good to a 12 year old.

[@mosart7025]

You should hear her now!!

[@Augalv]

If you are referring to Sierra Hull, she was 14 years old when this video was made. Not 12

[@dlagrua]

These are in fact some of the finest Bluegrass players in the world and my hats off to them for inviting Sierra Hull on stage with them. Sierra fit right in and played as smooth as silk. Listen to her today and she will really stand out.

[@rodbirch5876]

Very cool also seeing the Whitehouse performance with Alison and Sierra, some 8 years later!

[@Eliminator5555]

Just saw her tonight in Knoxville and she's FREAKING AMAZING! Hadn't seen her since 2012. She's gotten so much better. She's stylistically the best mandolin player in the world and it's not even close.

[@alszawara3645]

The sheer joy on Sierra's face tells it all.

[@brucerockwell876]

Sierra Hull has incredible talent.

[@michaelwood4694]

Pure joy watching that little girl participate. Audience loved it too!!!

[@wreckinhondas]

Best mandolin player ever

[@TheZenomeProject]

She certainly is widely regarded as the best mandolin player today. She's won IBMA's best mandolin player award for six of the last eight years. I saw her perform at the IBMA festival a couple of days ago and she can do all sorts of ridiculously technical stuff on her instrument. Amazing to listen to it in person, really.

[@greavous93]

I bought my first mandolin at age 59 after watching Ms. Hull do her thing. Hopefully, Ill be able to play it fairly well before I die.

[@joanmarkiewicz3042]

Wow, I'm so impressed by your comment. Good Luck & let us know how you are doing. Joan frm NY 😊

[@guitartec]

Immediately following Sierra's performance here, The Berklee School Of Music Dean leans over to his VP in charge of admissions and says "Hey Jon, that Bluegrasss thing is comin' BIG and that little girl right there is headin' the way. When she hits 18, git her in here on a scholarship, or your fired! Okay Sam, I'll get her in here with that other promising Bluegrasser.... Tuttle something. Sounds like a plan. The rest is herstory!!!

[@istvanklein]

Brilliant to see Sierra's embarrassed grin when the crowd erupts in applause after her solo

[@herbertwells8757]

I love how happy that cute little- and enormously talented-girl looks by the end.

[@cHUCHo458]

The smallest GIANT I have ever seen, Sierra is a restless mandolin of love and music for the happy souls! Love her all the way up!

[@tomeemerson]

Just watched another video where Sierra mentions Allison as someone she looks up to, then this video pops up. That young Sierra is incredible!

[@katford7286]

This wonderful bluegrass music has its roots in the amazing folk music from England,Ireland,and Scotland, so as a European, you can take pride in the part you played in our musical heritage.

[@alanspector7257]

Actually, bluegrass music is at least 50 percent derived from the music of black Americans. Before Bill Monroe synthesized black American music with British and Scottish/Irish music, there was no bluegrass. The earlier British and Irish music is quite lovely... But the rhythms many of the harmonies and even the banjo as an instrument all came from the music of black America.

[@iank5061]

@@alanspector7257 I recently read somewhere that the banjo actually came across from Africa to the US

[@alanspector7257]

It is absolutely indisputable that the American banjo came to the USA from Africa. Many, many sourcese back this up. Prior to bluegrass, much southern USA (and North) had English, Scittish and Irish influences. No surprise here. Much of it came from church music. In the early 1900s, especially after radio, there were also some influences from jazz and blues. Bluegrass music, itsrkf, was synthsized, put into it's present form by one man.....Bill Monroe who had a country based group called THE BLUEGRASS BOYS. He played mandolin,, not banjo and slong with his brother Charlie, took old country songs and soed them up. Monroe credits a black musician, Arnold Schultz, as being the major influence on the creation of that special burgers sound... the heavily syncopated rhythm that came from African music and therefire also jazz.. THAT is what is special abiut bluegrass music. Without that, Southern mountain "country" music (among white folks) would hace continued to be replicas of lovely, but not especially unique after coming to America. So while the lyrics, and much of the harmony in bluegrass music has British)Irish roots, what is so very special, so distinctive about bluegrass is its African/ slave influences. This is widely documented, including by Bill Monroe himself.. .onroe brought in Earl Scruggs, a wonderful banjo player to complet his group.Tap out the rhythm of some early bluegrass banjo songs and you can hear the syncopation. Lovely British/Irish music is the beautiful "clothing" of bluegrass, but what makes it special, what makes it BB luegrass is the energized core of African-American music influences. You can find this info everywhere. For starters... www.wbur.org/hereandnow/2022/09/27/black-bluegrass-legacy This part of a well known article, one among many, explains this. While some bluegrass fans date the genre to 1939 when Monroe first appeared on the Grand Ole Opry, most believe that the classic bluegrass sound came together in December 1945 when Earl Scruggs joined the band. Scruggs, a 21-year-old from North Carolina, played an innovative three-finger picking style on the banjo (which came to be known as “Scruggs style”) with such drive and clarity that it energized and excited audiences. Equally influential in the classic 1945 line-up of the Blue Grass Boys were Lester Flatt (of Sparta, Tennessee) on guitar and lead vocals, Chubby Wise on fiddle; and Howard Watts, also known by his comedian name “Cedric Rainwater,” on the upright bass.

[@jerrym3261]

Listen to the Dubliners and you can feel a lot of Bluegrass.

[@jamesbattiest3885]

Sierra is one of the best musicians on the planet

[@crimminall]

If angels exist, alison is one of them.

[@jjmuni]

Even if not she is one

[@cuzinkevin]

Absolutely awesome so much talent on one stage. Sierra Hull is blessed with a great talent. Alison has probably done more to advance the cause of Bluegrass than any one.

[@berndtherrenvolk1951]

Bill Monroe, the Stanley Brothers, Flatt and Scruggs, and Jimmy Martin are spinning in their graves!

[@tetedur377]

@@berndtherrenvolk1951 My guess is that he meant "keeping Bluegrass alive and relevant in the modern age." To that, I'd say dead on. Let's not discount Rhonda Vincent among those luminaries.

[@berndtherrenvolk1951]

@@tetedur377 On second thought you’re probably right.

[@arnoldmarkowitz750]

Aside from the little one's thrilling debut, this thing is loaded with wonderful instrumental breaks, especially by Block and Krauss.

[@andyroosuchandsuch6946]

I love how happy Sierra looks at the end of it. It reminds me of an Irish style session. That's the most exhilarating experience you can ask for.

[@JustFiddler]

yes

[@alan4sure]

My gosh, Sierra was advanced even at that age!

[@Ace_Hunter_lives]

It's weird to say this, but twelve year-old Sierra had killer tone. She still does. The notes just frickin' ring so cleanly.

[@BeeDubDakota]

Only in a dream do you look left and see Dan Tyminski and then look right and see Alison Krauss before you take a break on "Cluck Old Hen." That would be higher than the high point of most people's lives. Awesome.

[@ryansmithcellomusic]

This video was released in 2003, which was the year Sierra Hull turned 12.

[@nolier]

Bet you can't stop ya foot tapping listening to this perfection

[@artsylovelylady]

Blue grass has always been music for every generation. I'm glad to see it continuing to be passed on! Blue grass forever!!!

[@stevewelch5012]

Two of my favorite ladies.

[@PeterMastropasqua-rk7tp]

Soulful Sierra 😘☀️

[@joanmarkiewicz3042]

Amazing little Sierra, so right Peter! 😂

[@buckzx12r]

Allison and Claire Lynch have the two most beautiful voices in bluegrass.

[@davevanhoose6573]

That’s a special moment in time of pure magic! No weak links in that chain of players Brilliant!!!!

[@chuchulainn9275]

Gotta hand it to Alison Krauss. Woman has an eye and ear for talent.

[@dianesilverstein6475]

Bravo! But, Sierra...oh my goodness...i'm blown away! ❤❤❤

[@kev189110]

Alison's musical talent is endless.

[@user-xh1kz7rm4j]

I enjoy the mentoring that goes on in Bluegrass music

[@Longboardsinglefin]

Just realised why I love bluegrass. RHYTHM! Pure, intense,multi layered kickass rhythm!

[@joanmarkiewicz3042]

Oh my goodness, can't stop watching this! 😊 joan from ny

[@xxxtexanpa]

I just loved Sierra Hull in this. Thanks so much to Alison Krauss and Union Station for giving this young super star a chance. You will be rewarded for sure. -Jimmy

[@philm9593]

That's one gig Sierra won't forget in a hurry. Good job.😎

[@srfsk8cree8]

Wow! Musicians! Playing, like, instruments!

[@pavelkratochvila6157]

Sierra has it from a little girl magic fingers, great technique. That´s incredible and I like it so much !

[@elizabethboulter7578]

Wow. Sierra was fantastic at nine and she's fantastic now!

[@KathleenFrench]

Happy tears!

[@CharlesMoffett-v1s]

I love Alison Krause music she has the voice of an Angel

[@westlag]

Come on over to the UK please. You've got talent like this and all we've got is the Spice Girls - at least we managed to dump one of them on you!!

[@melissaanne9213]

So awesome

[@746c]

I love Bluegrass

[@tomscribner5261]

this is like mist on , mountain top,! absolutely priceless!

[@unclebobunclebob]

Love to hear Alison play the fiddle. Doesn't play enough on Union Station CDs.

[@jessef1980]

You can see how proud she is to be playing with some of the greats. I love this video

[@georgescarlett5441]

More adorable would be IMPOSSIBLE!!! Gb bg

[@beking4]

Sierra Hull is such a badass on mandolin! She stole the show! What an incredible talent at such a young age.

[@VOLKART7777]

Get after it folks ty much amen❤

[@EdMcPuff]

I just love her grin...trying to hide her excitement. She's truly talented.

[@BruceWing]

It’s 2023 as I write this: go look at this young lady now.

[@averagewhiteman5939]

Holding her own up there

[@robertliepe6766]

💯🎵 TRUE HISTORY 🎶🌹😎🇺🇸

[@TheOlervman]

I am in awe of her play and her composure on stage at this early age. She can flat make that mando talk......

[@iangillis2230]

Brilliant!❤

[@SarPixie77]

Amazing!! You can't not like bluegrass when there is this much talent being shown!!

[@stevenfeil7079]

Came for the little girl, stayed for the little girl.

[@leftyrite]

It's beautiful to watch people who have the music in them.

[@MrMechanic1966]

I have been playing and singing Bluegrass since I was around 8. I am almost 50 now. I would KILL to get to pick with that bunch!! That would be like... All the rest of my birthdays were "covered"!!

[@dreadnought45]

Sierra Hull. A rising buluegrass star for sure.

[@Targetteer1]

Yup just an adorable little girl with amazing talent that has grown into a beautiful young lady with even more talent.Hope she stays open to her fans and not become alll business like some do.

[@gracenatassa1666]

Alison you will always be a CLASSIC xxx

[@troynov1965]

It just dont get much better than that !

[@hochbob]

The future of Bluegrass music is in good hands.

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

I've just seen Sierra Hull's first show in Britain. She was wonderful

[@cholly853]

Sierra looks up at Alison with a smile when the song ends as if to say...."I can do it right mamma bluegrass"

[@mbsnyderc]

And now she is one of the best bluegrass musicians in the world.

[@SylvusPresley]

GETIT LITTLE SIS!!!!

[@karencawthorn3173]

I wonder how that little girl is doing now. God bless y'all.

[@mbsnyderc]

She's a 4 time International Bluegrass Music Association mandolin player of the year and two time Grammy nominee.kzbin.info/www/bejne/mHmoma2jhtt8Z80

[@wiscgaloot]

What a little sweetheart! I also just heard about Sierra Hull, and I'll be listening to her a lot more.

[@jongray6159]

Nicely done! Kudos to Sierra for being good enough to play with these guys much less to excel at such a young age!

[@transportaren90]

she is one of the best bluegrass singer

[@CaptainQueue]

Sierra is amazing, playing on top of complex chording like this at such a young age and with technical mastery. Wow!

[@jeanlouislaenens]

Amazing instrumental with the young talented Sierra Hull (from 1'35") on mandocello !

[@MichaelFlynn0]

get 'em when they are young.... got'em for life.

[@XaeroQ3]

Sierra Hull is amazing! all are amazing! I luv bluegrass music!

[@intracoast]

Really fun. The little girl added a lot. And she handled herself very well. Sweet.

[@vettorescap3445]

Absolutely ripped it on all over!

[@jungleVIP]

AWESOME! this song is my ring tone! i wish i could play the violin like alison! and that little girl is so cool.

[@robinhood48]

Wonderful Alison Kraus. She behaves like the elder sister!

[@kaysandesses]

Alison is very talented, but don't forget the stellar company she's in. This group is like the all-stars of bluegrass. Everytime I watch this I'm amazed at the poise that Sierra Hull exibits. It's like she's just jamming with her pals. Who knows, maybe she's in shock. ;-)

[@itscecilyredman]

I absolutley adore Alison Krauss, and this is one of my favourite songs!!

[@mashtones]

John Ashby & The Free State Ramblers were an old time music group from the Blue Ridge Mountain area of Virginia. There is a My Space page with some of their music including a version of Cluck Old Hen that may sound like what people heard at dances and parties way back when.

[@ManuelRCrespo]

The joy of music.

[@AlaniSugar]

I love sierra!!!! She'a so amazing!!!

[@drraechristopher]

ONE WHO MAINFEST FLOWERS OF MUSIC 🌸 🎶

[@swelsher]

Wow. Sierra is now a presidential scholar at my alma mater. Mindblowing.

[@funkylem]

sends those shivers tingling!

[@acousticshadow4032]

I'm speechless.