Rocky Top - The Petersens (LIVE)

"Rocky Top" is one of the most well-known bluegrass songs. It became popular when the Osborne Brothers released it in 1967. With the recent passing of Sonny Osborne, we wanted to honor him and show our appreciation for all that he contributed to the music we love.
One question we get a lot is about the mics and the wind. We specifically faced the direction that would help our bodies block a lot of the wind, and then afterwards our audio engineer Troy is a genius at removing ambient noise!
The mics are handcrafted ones from Ear Trumpet Labs that we were able to buy thanks to our Patreon community, and they have in-built batteries so we don't have to be near power to film. All the models are named after grandmothers, and we usually use a Louise and two smaller Edwina. We use a separate pick up on mom's bass - more details in the I'm Gonna Miss Her description • I'm Gonna Miss Her - T... .
We run the microphones into a little Zoom recorder that is about the size of three stacked cellphones. You can see it next to Katie in the Walls of Time outro, and she checks the audio recording after each take • Walls of Time - The Pe...
►Dig into more detail:
Ear Trumpet Labs website eartrumpetlabs.com
A look at their workshop • Banana Stand Media pre...
Clip: Why we use different set ups • Coffee and Chat with K...
►2020 Branson Show version • 2020 Branson Show - Th...
Buy or stream the album li.sten.to/livesessions04
►More bluegrass:
Steel Rails • The Petersens (LIVE) a...
Carolina in the Pines • Carolina in the Pines ...
I Feel the Blues Moving In • I Feel the Blues Movin...
Kentucky Borderline • The Petersens (LIVE) a...
►Aaron brought along his camera for more band shots / ceuvtvvp1qi
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►Useful links:
KZbin About page / thepetersens
Most asked questions petersenband.com/about-the-pe...
Join our Patreon community / thepetersens
Subscribe to our channel kzbin.info...
Sign up to our email list eepurl.com/dxRRaX
Get It Mama Fan Club / getitmama
Show and tour dates petersenband.com/show-dates
Buy or stream our music li.sten.to/thepetersens
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Band members petersenband.com/about-the-pe...
Go behind the scenes with ‪@ThePetersenFamily‬
►This video:
Lead vocal and banjo: ‪@EllenHaygood‬
Harmony vocal and guitar: ‪@mattpetersen4000‬
Harmony vocal and mandolin: Pookie (our pet name for ‪@JuliannePetersen‬)
Fiddle: ‪@katiepetersen‬
Dobro: Emmett Franz
Bass: Karen Petersen
Key moments:
0:04 instrumental
0:19 rhythm guitar
1:03 dobro
2:03 fiddle
2:25 dobro duck
3:07 outro
Turn on captions (CC) to see the lyrics on screen.
Videography: Aaron Clark
Audio: Troy Dixon
Microphones: Ear Trumpet Labs www.eartrumpetlabs.com
Hair: Courtesy of the wind
Location: A random field outside of town
►LYRICS - Rocky Top
Well, I wish that I was on ol' Rocky Top
Down in the Tennessee hills
There ain't no smoggy smoke on Rocky Top
There ain't no telephone bills
Once I had a boy on Rocky Top
Half bear, the other half cat
He was wild as a mink, but sweet as soda pop
I still dream about that
Rocky Top, you'll always be
Home sweet home to me
Good ol' Rocky Top
Rocky Top, Tennessee
Oh Rocky Top, Tennessee
The corn don't grow at all on Rocky Top
The ground's too rocky by far
That's why all the folks on Rocky Top
Get their corn from a jar
Once two strangers climbed ol' Rocky Top
Lookin' for a moonshine still*
The strangers ain't come down from Rocky Top
Reckon they never will
Rocky Top, you'll always be
Home sweet home to me
Good ol' Rocky Top
Rocky Top, Tennessee
Oh Rocky Top, Tennessee
Well, I've had years of cramped-up city life
Stuck like a duck in a pen
All I know is it's a pity life
Can't be simple again
Rocky Top, you'll always be
Home sweet home to me
Good ol' Rocky Top
Rocky Top, Tennessee
Oh Rocky Top, Tennessee
Rocky Top, Tennessee
* Revenue agents looking for illegal corn liquor distilleries
►The Petersens:
We celebrate American roots music with family values, and perform full time in Branson, Missouri in the USA. The band consists of four siblings, Katie, Ellen, Matt, and Julianne, our mom Karen, and good friend Emmett Franz. Learn more about our family on our website petersenband.com
Subscriber count: 605,611
#ThePetersens #LiveSessions04 #RockyTop #Folk
#Bluegrass #Cover #OsborneBrothers #SonnyOsborne #TennesseeStateSong #LifeInTheOzarks #TheBluegrassPlanet
#RandomFieldMO
ブルーグラス
This song features on: #LiveSessions04 #2020BransonShow

[@Liz.Newton]

*LYRICS - Rocky Top* ------------ Well, I wish that I was on ol' Rocky Top Down in the Tennessee hills There ain't no smoggy smoke on Rocky Top There ain't no telephone bills Once I had a boy on Rocky Top Half bear, the other half cat He was wild as a mink, but sweet as soda pop I still dream about that Rocky Top, you'll always be Home sweet home to me Good ol' Rocky Top Rocky Top, Tennessee Oh Rocky Top, Tennessee The corn don't grow at all on Rocky Top The ground's too rocky by far That's why all the folks on Rocky Top Get their corn from a jar Once two strangers climbed ol' Rocky Top Lookin' for a moonshine still* The strangers ain't come down from Rocky Top Reckon they never will Rocky Top, you'll always be Home sweet home to me Good ol' Rocky Top Rocky Top, Tennessee Oh Rocky Top, Tennessee Well, I've had years of cramped-up city life Stuck like a duck in a pen Well, all I know is it's a pity life Can't be simple again Rocky Top, you'll always be Home sweet home to me Good ol' Rocky Top Rocky Top, Tennessee Oh Rocky Top, Tennessee Rocky Top, Tennessee * Revenue agents looking for illegal corn liquor distilleries Album: Live Sessions, vol. 04

[@josegenaroriveraloanzon]

Thanks, Liz!

[@RelaxingRainVideos]

Thank you ❤

[@bamaguygm]

Thanks again Liz

[@johncline7518]

Thanks, Liz.

[@CharlesLumia]

Thanks friend!

[@alexanderlyon]

This band reminds me about all that’s still great about the world.

[@savannahoneil-pindar4207]

Yes, amen!

[@tulkdog]

Except skinny jeans

[@Thequietone974]

Amen !!!

[@tagetallqvist1296]

Yes!!

[@frankmorton1920]

When serving in the British Army in 1980, my battalion went to Fort Campbell, Kentucky. The Regiments Pipes & Drums played Rocky Top all over Kentucky and Tennessee and was a huge success. They even made a recording of it. Brilliant tune made for pipes and military drums. Happy days.

[@andymoss3132]

Ellen and that southern drawl hits me every time 🥰 I imagine that is how the angels will sound in heaven.

[@jimmyruger7529]

oh my Dear Brother, God bless. and I hope you are correct

[@johnwickham6843]

The Petersens wear there hearts on their sleeve that makes them special it's why it is so easy to love what they do and makes it so easy to part of the experience they have brought to so many of us fantastic the way we are all part of this you have to fell wanted and special the way they bring us in to their world where blessed thank you

[@TheMrsas23]

*their

[@RiccardoMerli]

Everyone with a superb technique on his instrument! Hard work paid off!

[@johnharding91]

If any of you , you tube watchers are in Branson Missouri. The Petersen's show is worth going and seeing. There is an energy that swallows the room and the Petersen's have fun, interact with the crowd and they are even better in person. Just good fun and great live music with no trickery. We had been watching the Petersen's for two years and walked away bigger fans than before. Great family atmosphere and show.

[@67icebowl]

Everything this family touches turns to gold. If anyone doubted that these folks were virtuosos on their instruments this video should put that to rest. I'm sure Sonny Osborne would be impressed.

[@chirkware]

Sitting here in East Tennessee, and KZbin alerted me that The Peterson’s released something new: Rocky Top. Wait, Rocky Top? Woah! Wasn’t expecting that! Great job from someone whose been one of 107,000 singing along to Rocky Top at Neyland Stadium!

[@khatokhato9350]

This glorious song is blazing to state of Tennessee from heart of Missouri!

[@Approved_Unto_God]

May take me a while to get through this one as I can't stop replaying Emmett's Dobro solo! He is the best around IMO.

[@Popsimath]

Yeah Emmett tore it up there

[@scottsmith4145]

Its my opinion, He may quite well be as good or even dare i say better than Jerry Douglas... and can sing fantastic too! And im a fan of Jerry Douglas,, love his Transatlantic Sessions series. Emmets gonna be one of the dobro legends someday guaranteed. Dobro players seem to be an elite group as is.

[@Gearhead-en8dz]

Jerry ain't bad either

[@bassmangotdbluz3547]

Mike Aldridge and Jerry Douglas move over, Emmett's in town!

[@wlieu12]

I also liked the bleached-out, mid-day, non-golden-hour shooting of this video on a windy day!

[@DaveFellartist]

Wow -- Everything I love about music!!! Outdoor jamming is the best!

[@karlarsch5773]

This is so beautiful it brings tears to my eyes. Regards from Germany

[@scottsmith4145]

Ellen has one the best country/bluegrass voices in existence! Incredible talent. This song rocks too!

[@rafaelalfonsoramosmendez1792]

Honor to those who deserve honor. Thanks Sonny Osborne and thanks to The Petersens for their magnificent performance. With this beautiful family I love the Bluegrass more. Beautiful interpretation of Ellen and wow Mrs. Petersens, you know how to play the bass very well.

[@RachelSara69]

Even the bad hair day was BEAUTIFUL!!!! LOVE LOVE LOVE..🥰

[@RachelSara69]

Was referring to THE WIND BLOWING YOUR HAIR, was the bad hair day to clarify......

[@CyLanceDougood]

I've heard Rocky Top by many different groups. This was one of the best versions. Love the dobro.

[@pastorweaver3473]

our bus tour loved loved loved your show.. thanks to each and everyone of you.... We missed you Julianne. Matt was hilarious.. Your dad was amazing... And Mama was getting it done all afternoon. Fantastic,... You guys are better in person even which I thought would have been impossible.

[@truman42746]

I have never heard a song by the Petersens I didn't like and this one is no different! Great job!!!

[@LukeWhite_PE]

You didn’t have to prove anything to me, but after this song no one can deny that y’all are truly Bluegrass. Great job!

[@eugeneclark8974]

This is the Kind of Music I was Raised Up On Love this Band.

[@thehogpin4044]

Wow, once again I’m blown away. Video after the video even more awesome.

[@imtherealone.6268]

The closure for the Branson show. Absolutely love it.

[@rons5319]

I hope to see them there some day soon.

[@johnharper5101]

LOL...always have to watch to the very end! Thanks again!

[@TexasRed59]

The Petersen's!! Always top notch!! They just turn everything that crosses their path into gold!!

[@andrewlybbert9527]

I hope this starts trending after Tennessee’s win over Alabama… this is by far my favorite cover of the song!!!

[@DrBeckyEm]

We’ll Roll Tide. Congratulations on your win. However Rocky Top goes back a long long way in my BAMA childhood! We from Bama love the tune!

[@dr.dionpeoples]

What about the South Carolina game?

[@BusGreaseMonkey]

Excellent! Always a favorite to hear.

[@matty1953565962]

Warm, likable vibe from an attractive family of expert bluegrass players and singers. It doesn't get any better than this!

[@chriszelez7970]

This is pure talent. Love it.

[@jamesweaver9636]

That’s some mighty fine pick’n and singing!😉

[@emmajo4880]

Everything about this is perfect! The backdrop is gorgeous! Ellen's voice is amazing!!! I have to add... That outro is hilarious!

[@mamas3cubs]

This is One of my most Favorite Bluegrass songs I heard my Daddy play when I was young. When he was in his 20s he was the fiddle 🎻 player for The Stanley Brothers. He played all by ear. We lost him in 2010 at 82 years old. Glad I follow your channel, love your music, and the beautiful memories it brings back.

[@mikemckee6583]

If you took everything that is still good in the world, mixed in a healthy dose of sheer joy, and wrapped it all in the purity of God’s love, you would have the Petersens.

[@dhoyle1974]

Wooohoooo, get it Ellen! I've always wanted to hear Ellen play this one and I wasn't disappointed!

[@Sooch694]

Studius Maximus!! Thank you guys. I'm a little late today but so glad to see that the wind is blowing hard south of me as it is in Northern Illinois. Christmas time's a comin'. Happy weekend everyone.

[@jimgroskopf4208]

Thank God for The Petersens!..A very bright light in a very dark world.

[@danshivay4007]

Всегда жду с нетерпением ваших выступлений! Успехов в творчестве!

[@josegenaroriveraloanzon]

Absolutely wonderful! Hot Banjo!!

[@guitaro5000]

I was looking for a great live version and I found out. Thank you!

[@comiketiger]

Fantastic! I have never heard it done better! Love you guys. God bless all here.

[@virgilcollins4925]

That got my Friday to a good start worked all day got to hear my favorite band that was a beautiful song I've been to Tennessee that's some beautiful country please stay safe and healthy don't forget to have fun until we meet again don't forget to pray

[@herbcounselorh7734]

Emmett is phenomenal! Katie is awesome exponentially. Julianne's mandolin chop had my foot tapping and she was wonderful! Ellen, your voice and banjo is best of show! And Mom, Karen, that bass keeps it all together; in the background but you make it happen; bravo! May God bless you all.

[@coyotecom]

That harmony brought a tear to my eye

[@diggingmary129]

I've been driving my husband crazy listening to this over and over 🤣 love it!!! 💕

[@bakerstreet101]

Dobro guy was on fire!

[@puzzlemethis.]

I had the chance to see their show in Branson last week and what an incredible show. Matt is like the ringleader. Karen was featured on bass a couple of times to shouts from the audience of “get it Momma”. Emmitt sang a song he wrote, Katie sang a song she wrote, and Ellen sang a song she and Katie wrote. Julianne was unfortunately at collage. I had the chance to talk to them all after the show (except for Matt, hopefully next time) and they are honestly as nice and down to earth as they are talented, and that is saying something.

[@andronikostheophilos]

Yes, to really get the full "Petersen" effect you need to hear them in a good venue like The Little Opry. It cannot be described, one must see/hear it in person. I hope to get back down to Branson in late May 2022 just to hear them again. I think the next time I want to catch their Wednesday Gospel show as well as the more secular ones on Tuesday or Thursday. It is worth going to Branson for two days just to catch them in two shows.

[@The_Sage_of_Six_Paths]

Collage?

[@djay4416]

You dont know how long I've waited for this song.

[@Brnkacka]

Hi Petersons ... I have a music school in Bratislava ... / Slovakia-Europe / We love you ... you are an inspiration for us ...

[@MandolinKen]

Never liked this song when I played it in a blue grass band at the Sage in Gateshead. This version has changed my mind. Well done brilliant band

[@diamondDave8845]

That was a unique version and completely awesome!

[@williamrandall6472]

OMGOODNESS, Love every bit of this talent! Get it Emmett,you were phenomenal on this song,Love your talent too sir!Lol, love the ending with Julianne setting on the road, & big sister messing with her.Katy has the talent of an angel, love her demeanor!

[@timguerin2208]

Love hearing you all , I am trying to book a vacation to Branson (flying from New Hampshire ) I want to come see you live and especially want to come for a Christmas show

[@sniffybear2500]

That feeling you get when you get a notice from KZbin that the Petersens is covering one of your favourite tunes. The only thing that beats it is hearing the Petersens play it! That was awesome!!! Thank you!

[@calebgalvan54]

I found this song because I was watching Tennessee baseball the other day. Great song!

[@charlesnathan2235]

GREAT SINGING AND WONDERFUL MUSIC SECOND TO NONE. APPRECIATED IN SOUTH AFRICA

[@reginap5577]

I love how the captions always draw attention to the different instruments! It helps me appreciate each person's skill individually, and the beauty of everything put together!

[@Liz.Newton]

Ahh thank you, that's very kind. I try to enhance what's there, make it more immersive!

[@pameladecicco6509]

So iconic, as is the history of this song!!! I have seen the room....💚

[@ajpsawmill4314]

How can you not love this family 😃

[@jimtaylor2443]

Loved hearing this again. Rally enjoined your live show in Branson and visiting with each of you.

[@rebeccaamerson1020]

Great song....great arrangement.....great group!

[@philochristos]

That was great. I always liked that song since I was a kid.

[@John_Lete]

While on the rocky top; dreaming for the softness of Heaven. ❤ Blessings to you and your families. 🕊

[@timfoster7789]

Awesome performance, a big thank you to everyone, Ellen and Jillian the stars of this one of course, thank you both, and done for a worthy cause, trying to remember and show respect to others who have come and left us already. Looks like a beautiful and peaceful location. Wishing everyone the best. Hope to say hi to everyone next week at a couple of your shows.

[@timfoster7789]

Julianne, my apologies I was not watching closely to what I was typing, my apologies.

[@celtictexan32]

My favorite song and I absolutely love when Ellen gets that bluegrass twang in her voice, the cover was perfect, thank yall

[@LUCKY4EVER69]

Just love you guys !! With all the craziness in the world today, I just have to watch one of your vids and I'm instantly grounded again back to happier times !! Just wanted to thank ya'll for this !! 🤠👍

[@dmtube57]

Outstanding performance of a classic!!!!!

[@johnmires7941]

Ellen, I do love it when you break out that banjo! You're a fantastic vocalist, but when you really get after the banjo on top of the beautiful singing, it makes me smile from ear to ear and dance like crazy!!! Thank you again for this wonderful performance. You Rock!

[@choppercarlos]

Fantastic. A big like from Germany. Best regards. Carlos

[@larryhoyt143]

Genius musicianship.

[@solveiglandvikbrg9103]

That was very good ! Thank you all ! Greetings from France to the Petersens and to Mister Dobro, Emmett Franz !

[@billy3ob]

My favorite bluegrass band doing my favorite bluegrass song. Love it!!

[@TheCoachjordan42]

What's great is the amount of talent they can cover so many song because every voice is great and they know how to play to their strengths

[@URangryX]

Thanks for posting the FULL lyrics!!

[@allisonclark9217]

Ellen owns this song with her strong voice. Emmett is amazing on the Dobro he is grease lightening.

[@MarcelChanu]

C est géant super ça donne envie de danser quel beau groupe merci 👍🌷😎

[@jameseast7966]

Mere words cannot relay the goodness of this rendition. Thank ya'll.

[@Raimo1957]

Woow, what a band, it rocks! And the banjo-playing singer is so beautiful!

[@pischpilot]

One of my favourite songs performed by my favourite bluegrass band! Yeee haww

[@nanners829]

Fantastic toe tapping fun! You all have fingers on fire... loved it!

[@steveandulsky566]

We all know there are a lot of things wrong with America. But....this music, these wonderful people are what is right with America. God bless you folks, and may God bless America.

[@ByrlGuitars]

Loved it !! Emmett tore it up !! Had to listen a couple of times to his part , lead singer was sooooooo good !!! To me , Best version of that song I’ve ever heard !!! 👍👍👍😃😃

[@Sooch694]

I almost forgot to thank you Liz Newton. I couldn't have made it through the outro without your captions. Peace be with you in the U K

[@Liz.Newton]

Cheers Sooch, and to you too! It's funny, it's bonfire night here, so non-stop fireworks haha

[@alecepting1371]

@@Liz.Newton Guy Fawkes? Perfect day for the Petersens to blow up the Internet ;-)

[@laurasongsandsuch.6567]

This is so wonderful! It gave me goosebumps and brought a tear to my eye. All of you are excellent musicians and play with such a good feeling.

[@robertgates3258]

If I had a nickel for every time I heard this song done by a "just ok" band back in the 70s and 80s in little honkytonks. Now Ive heard the pitch perfect version done by the masters. Ill be coming back to this one on my good stereo.

[@user-vq9jf3df3g]

Love Petersens music and all members. I got to know Bluegrass music by Petersens. Makes me happy any time I listen to your music. Thank you so much. ❤

[@patstano8799]

The wild Pokey. Hilarious. Great job on Rocky Top.

[@haveaniceone13ok53]

Wow I love the sound of a banjo💖 and the sweet lady playing it makes it eveb better along with her 2 sisters

[@agneslechno7645]

Can't get enough of Katie's playing technique. I start every day with Rocky top or Come Ye Sinners, but the violin still catches me all the time. I miss those tunes so bad, when another band plays these songs 😊

[@daveslivesound3143]

Awesome! Good to hear a foot stompin classic from you guys!

[@derondaaiken]

Oh my word!! I think this is my favorite so far! I love your Gospel singing but this all the best from you all both vocally and instrumentality! You all are living the dream I wanted for my family as we all played instruments and my mother sounded like Barbara Mandrel, but no one else was interested in making it a family gig! I'm so glad you are! Please don't stop.. it's just really awesome to listen and watch!!

[@richardwallace6313]

nice tribute to Sonny--thanks for that

[@dttprice]

Well said, Richard. It appears that almost none of the commenters realize how timely this is, with Sonny’s recent passing.

[@royjustice1581]

Outstanding!! I'm not sure why but I had a surprising and emotional (positive) reaction to this video (tears of joy) especially when Emmett played his dobro solo after the first verse and chorus. Your family, band, and crew are everything that we need (or, at the very least, need to see and hear and get to know) during these difficult times. Much love and respect to all of you!! Thank you!!!

[@sesquashtwo]

They are all so good...but gawd, does Mom play a wicked and tight Bass line.....God Bless them all!

[@dronescienceandphotography2846]

Fantastic! Especially when Emmett made a "quack" for the duck

[@ARTanSOL]

Absolutely EPIC… family values and impressive example of practice & U N I O N. God bless!

[@Albertozegada]

I love this song and love this music!! Greetings from No. Virginia!!!

[@wr4th8807]

Excellent version. Steel guitarist is amazing.

[@Suchac_cz]

These good old country and bluegrass songs suits you best!

[@gabrielmarinescu4783]

OMG!!AMAZING!!This is the best version of "Rocky Top"I have heard!

[@tonitavares7349]

Congratulations from south Brazil 👏👏🇧🇷🍻❤️