Sierra Ferrell | "Elk River Blues" | Western AF

Western AF presents Sierra Ferrell with Nate Leath, "Elk River Blues"
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Sierra Ferrell just might be the Queen of the Country music renaissance. It's a bold statement to make, especially with all of the great singer-songwriters emerging onto the scene these days. But it was with Sierra, that we really saw it's rebirth. Even with her history or busking and train hopping from coast to coast, Sierra was starting to make a name for herself and the whole world was paying attention. It's not fair to compare her to country artists past, because she's in a realm of her own.
At the 2020 Folk Alliance gathering, there was not one empty place seat or space on the floor that wasn't filled by an awe stricken admirer of Sierra and her trio. The hallways were packed with people who just wanted to get a glimpse. Sierra was becoming an icon.
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For more Sierra Ferrell:
Website: www.sierraferr...
Bancamp: www.sierraferrell.bandcamp.com
Instagram: / sierraelizabethferrell
Spotify: open.spotify.c...
For more Nate Leath:
Nate Leath (Fiddle/Mandolin, Harmony Vocals)
KZbin: / nate leath - topic
Instagram: / shredfiddle
Facebook: / shredfiddle
TikTok: / shredfiddle
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Support Western AF videos:
Subscribe: tinyurl.com/6u...
Facebook: / westernaf​​​​
Twitter: / westernaf
Patreon: / westernaf
Instagram: / westernasfuck
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Recorded by: Ruebin Buchanan
Editor: Manuel Deakins
Associate Producers: Rich Russell
Special Thanks: The great city of New Orleans
Producers: Will Ross, Brian Harrington & Mike Vanata
All rights reserved 2020 © WAF Media
For more WESTERN AF videos and content visit www.westernaf.net

[@apetass123]

There are a few versions of this song on Spotify, but none of them come close to this one. I’ve seen that you’ve put up some of the performances on Spotify. Is it your goal to put them all on there? I guess that some artists might have opinions, but so many of the songs on your channel are the best versions. Thank you for your hard work.

[@mariohernandez-hj8ol]

its like that with all her songs

[@EndNuclearAgenda21]

Heck yeah

[@saraabellgayfield59]

I yearn for this one. I just love her AND our green river. I often go alone. 🎉 ❤ 🎉

[@saraabellgayfield59]

Art

[@markriffey8899]

I love that dollar bill bar song but the KZbin versions are superior to what I’ve heard on Spotify.

[@JohnnyUtah13]

Her voice sounds like its coming from an old radio....and she is live. I am blown away....

[@Aaackermann]

But she isn't because she also is recorded. And who knows what kind of setup they used. So, yes, great voice, but the technic could also be part of the tone! ;-)

[@midnight-2021]

Nice hear a real voice for a change. Seems like way too many modern vocalists use autotune. Autotune itself isn't bad but too many artists overuse Autotune making it sound like autotune on steroids which makes these vocalists sound way too robotic and therefore since they sound way too robotic they sound way too similar to each other. Sierra Ferrell's voice is such a welcome and refreshing voice when compared to so many mainstream artists since so many of today's artists which includes country but especially pop music is autotune on steroids.

[@britmckee4224]

I wonder what this would look like in black and white?

[@ArcoZakus]

@@britmckee4224, Ask Jamie Johnson. Even movies were only in black and white when I first watched them as a little kid. Later, when I got my first camera, color film and developing was way too expensive to use, so I only took b&w photos for a long time. When the cost came down (and my income went up) I was so happy to switch from b&w to color, and didn't place much value on all those old photos I had taken. Glad I did not throw them out, 'cause they captured some good moments. You should've seen them in color.

[@malaquiasalfaro81]

@@Aaackermann I’ve met her in person and heard her sing. She showed me how to play the intro to In Dreams and sang while doing so. She sounds like that without mics

[@traxxasguy1777]

Her and colter wall in a duet would be beautiful to listen to...

[@sheffieldlane5769]

Holy shit that would be fun

[@jeffreysabo1295]

.........YES!

[@gabrielrodriguezaleman179]

Hell yeah, it would be cool mixing a ver angelical voice whit a whiskey hard low range voice, good idea mate let's hope it happens some time soon

[@drewpridgen1182]

A kate mckinnon split with her side of the story

[@Gunfreak451]

@@drewpridgen1182 That would be insane, the contrast of their voices would be amazing.

[@mattbrown6066]

As amazing as Sierra is, you can't gloss over how great Nate is on the fiddle. For the folks that didn't grow up with the guitar + fiddle combo, welcome to the promised land.

[@Shredfiddle]

Matt Brown thanks Matt:) would love to have tunes with you someday soon.

[@mattbrown6066]

@@Shredfiddle If you're on tour with her in Denver, gimme a shout! I'll be there and would love to say hey!

[@mattpardy2826]

Anyone who likes fiddle and guitar needs to listen to stan Rogers

[@Trollificusv2]

@@mattpardy2826 "Anyone should listen to Stan Rogers." Improved that a little, no offense meant, lol.

[@mattpardy2826]

@@Trollificusv2 that's a great point lol everyone needs to hear Stan at some point

[@mbrenneman0411]

the control she has over the breaks in her voice is fantastic

[@mediumdoubledouble9012]

Yeah she really controls her rolls you can barley tell she’s switched notes. Almost reminds me of how Joni Mitchell did it but still so unique it’s her own.

[@mybeautifulwhitedog]

her technique (and talent!) is absolutely ridiculous

[@petermcculloch4933]

I have been listening to country music for nearly sixty years and all I can say is this girl is seriously good.

[@suzybailey-koubti8342]

I agree, Peter. I grew up on this music in southern West Virginia. She’s awesome

[@shittysunglasses]

Well said Peter, it's wild how original and traditional her sound is.

[@spacewrangler701]

Are you related to Hat Mcculloch?

[@petermcculloch4933]

@@spacewrangler701 No.I will let you in on a little secret.I am an Australian.

[@davidwiseman7108]

Out of this world wish I could meet her

[@thegoldenarrow8484]

This is where it began about 16 months ago just by chance. I've not been the same musically since, she's simply off the scale. The most most beautiful, heartbreaking and heartmending voice i've ever heard. Thank you Sierra, come back to England soon.

[@Kunningstunts]

Literally just found this song right now, what a tune, and now I'm excited because I get to check out the rest of her music for the first time. It's good you're saying she's performed in England before, maybe I'll go see her if she comes back.

[@thegoldenarrow8484]

@@Kunningstunts I've posted 5 tracks from London and one from Oxford, i think the tour very nearly sold out. She's a special one musically and very approachable to fans.

[@bryanharrell4059]

I think I'm on the same time line as you. Woah- I've been hooked and can't say enough about this ruby-red voiced wonder that can pick a guitar and write a hook as good as the greats. And then I saw her and the current quartet live. Floored. Excited to check out your London tracks. Cheers friend!

[@thaynethetigerbarnes]

I agree! Good sir! Im goin thru hell incarnate that voice makes me strong and happy knowing theres all kinds out there

[@thegoldenarrow8484]

@@thaynethetigerbarnes I'm certain she helps many people deal with difficult things, her voice and songwriting talent is very special.

[@randyladiski3743]

It's funny how these days, playing country music that doesn't suck is like the new "rebel." All these great artists are all tattooed up, haha. This is awesome

[@josxiko]

Country music was saved by people with tattoos, pierced septums, and stretched ears.

[@sleepyheadbeats4352]

All the punk/hardcore kids grew up a bit, went through a lot of real shit, channeled their passion into another genre that supports authenticity just as much as punk scenes do. Both genres almost regulate themselves in the sense that the audience can tell who is “real” or not because everyone is obviously tired of the plastic world we’ve been fed our entire lives. Just my two cents

[@joshuapapka4477]

Hahaha such a cool phenomenon for sure! Mohawk and tattoo having punk kid turned into a folk and bluegrass loving hick checking in

[@humanze]

Yeah. This is how good music can be when you don't make it just to sell records (sorry, downloads).

[@tpp5151]

punk is dead so we're singing God's beautiful music instead.

[@danielabshear6515]

“if it’s good enough for old time it’s good enough for me.” *immediately falls in love*

[@agardenofink3000]

Sierra is outta this world

[@melvinpruitt6683]

I'm so in love with her. So so sexy

[@ditty88]

I love how she's old- timey. Her voice resonates in my Appalachian soul ❤ also, love the fiddle here 😁

[@yolo-hf9yf]

Surely im not the only one who keeps replaying the part when she sings "until one day, another lover comes my way till then i'll go to green river all alone"

[@JerDog1984]

I keep replaying the entire thing :P Her laugh at the start and that accent, my gosh

[@HB-yg3ke]

You’re not!!! Hits you in the gut

[@chiefchirpa1118]

EXACTLY

[@Bluemgwes]

The biggest problem I have with this song is that it ends.

[@arnoldoce]

right! we need more!

[@ginzingtonschnizer2330]

just pre ordered her first album, my biggest problem now is that this isn't on it.

[@tickledhorse]

loop

[@markduffield8110]

I totally agree

[@brentanllewellyn3898]

Yup. I am truly fasinated.

[@bleeknoir]

Sierra could sing me the phone book and break my heart.

[@user-qg1wj2yx5o]

Thanks to Western AF for introducing Sierra to me, flawless as usual. Love from Scotland

[@WesternAF]

Glad you like her! Check out more of her stuff at Gems on VHS! You won't regret it

[@user-qg1wj2yx5o]

@@WesternAF I already have 😊 subscribed to that too

[@stuartharte5617]

Glasgow love

[@peterward9446]

@@stuartharte5617 *_100%+ plus caledonian-celtic in THAT voice..._*

[@averagejoe407]

@@WesternAF western af get her and colter together the people have spoken

[@JohnDoe-lc9yj]

As with most acquired tastes; first there's fascination, then there's appreciation and finally it's adoration. This is one of the most 'authentic' artists, I have ever heard.

[@cindyhavey1497]

so well put. i am at the adoration stage. a late comer with here, maybe last 2 years or three. saw her a few days ago in hollywood. omg,. a dream come true. her, the band. and john c reilly were incredible. her style. before her i had a lot of the dresses. love of flowers. i have a lot of tattoos mostly of flowers.. because of her i got the septum piercing. next week planning on getting her name inked on my forearm in the style on her new album. yeah, i think adoration sums it up. so fortunate to have seen her. 72 years old. pray to see her again. i bet she would have loved to collaborate with graham parsons. adding her to the flying burrito brothers would have been magic

[@tamara8908]

There she is mink hat, yellow rose behind her ear, sleeveless summer dress and tatted all down her arms. She played the guitar and sang. Through her voice I heard the ancestors singing. Wow just wow.

[@2bitmarketanarchist337]

A whiskey soda & Sierra Ferrell's voice and I'm feeling perfectly content after work

[@robkunkel8833]

As it should be.

[@OctopusCircus]

Lmao sorry to do this but I remember your Ifunny account back in the day. It’s LU_FierceDeity if you remember me. You got great taste in music.

[@wallgod663]

You forgot sundown got to add the setting haha

[@heatherrae901]

❤

[@2bitmarketanarchist337]

@@wallgod663 I work graveyard unfortunately

[@Guitarman6689]

Anyone who thinks music is dead isn't looking hard enough. I'm constantly in awe of the musicians I find out about on a regular basis. Sierra is just great.

[@AquariusCrystalwave]

love how vintage her voice is ❤️ such a raw and pure sound, so relaxing to listen to 😊

[@awhitecouple]

Agree, but the ink is just ewww.

[@Ru77ian]

@@awhitecouple cry more

[@user-mo9gx1ns7l]

Fresh, about beyond words, close to magic .

[@IsThereAnybodyOutThere]

Starting to fall in love with this new wave of country music. It’s almost as powerful and sweet as traditional Irish music ! ;)

[@hovazane4091]

This new wave was the original wave, Irish immigrant roots included, before Nashville and the industry took over country.

[@bbdl7042]

@@hovazane4091 over the last decade there’s been a pretty strong come back of this and the 70/80s outlaw style.

[@replynotificationsdisabled]

Punk isn't dead, it turned into folk.

[@pizzaface4628]

American folk/bluegrass has roots in a mix of Irish and African folk music, among others

[@TheAboriginal1]

Agreed this definitely has Irish folk nuances all hail the new wave

[@BrockSamson810]

Makes me tear up everytime I hear this. Love music that you can feel deep in your soul.

[@peterblum613]

I went to interwebs a few days ago. One thing led to another, and I found Sierra Ferrell. Goodness. I've been listening to her over and over. I haven't been this excited by a new artist in 40 years.

[@lindarenninger5829]

Try Teddy Swims, too

[@cathycomenas5011]

well I really can't understand why anyone would give this song a thumbs down. Another wonderful tune with Nate and Sierra. So beautiful and talented.

[@BackwoodsFilms]

I don't even concern myself with any thumbs down. I know good music when I hear it, and this is it. Totally irrelevant what anyone else thinks. I don't know why so many people are obsessed with the number of thumbs down...

[@That_Idiot_Bass_Player]

It's odd, there's this constant low level use of the word "hipster" in the comment section of Sierra's videos. Even here. Clearly people who don't know anything about her feel like they can make themselves look savvy by "calling her out" as inauthentic or whatever

[@stephenferguson6945]

If it sounds good, it is good. Who said that? Anyway this sounds better than good. The people who give thumbs down are the same people you don't want to sit next to on a plane.

[@papakilo883]

Her beautiful voice seems to transport you back in time ..

[@ladycormix4456]

She has a voice like flowers.

[@mikemeans9461]

I grew up on the Elk River, she does it justice with her voice. Songs that give you cold chills and “that feeling” are so rare! Love it!

[@solarbeef4496]

The Elk River is where we used to take baths in Webster

[@janvalle8998]

I love how the fiddle sings its own lil verses 🎶❤

[@sivertutseth9079]

Just found this song randomly, think ive heard it 18 times now. My summer song of 2021 no doubt!

[@jansnow1537]

i have no words!!! her voice is out of this world

[@Peter-rg4ng]

This is "old time" quality. Authentic country.

[@bl00df4rt]

Can you recommend some good old country records that fall into this kind of genre? I was raised on Classic rock, metal, and punk and just now getting into country. I kind of don’t know where to start. I know Hank, Willie Nelson, Waylon, and Cash, but none of that even really fits into this “cowpoke” sort of sound. Marty Robbins has it, but who else? I love it and I just don’t know where to go.

[@norbonius]

@@bl00df4rt I’m also trying to listen to more country after many years of metal, grunge, and punk. I personally like Billie Joe Shaver and Slim Whitman (if you’ve watched Mars Attacks!, you’ll recognize his song “Indian Love Call”.) I hope we can find more good sounds.

[@bl00df4rt]

@@norbonius hey thanks!

[@bl00df4rt]

@@norbonius Indian love call is amazing. Thanks a bunch

[@anthonycorallo209]

Absolute magic! Stars like this only born once a generation. She's the Patsy Cline of the Millennials.

[@tiffanygrandstaff]

Her music matches the frequency of my soul and has become the bane of everyone's existence within earshot as I play her album incessantly.

[@bamspay]

I can't stop smiling. Something special about that voice.

[@federicoavino2042]

Oh Gott ist der Song berührend, danke.

[@katieled8909]

She is the most darling human I just love her

[@Riverstx1]

Love love love. Being a WV resident and a lover of old time music I rejoiced to stumble upon Sierras original, organic and fresh music. A true gem. Keep them coming....

[@Kris-kk8wv]

Can't get enough of her!!!! Super talented, gorgeous, authentic and has a unique style true to her soul and dances to her own drum. Love love love it.

[@CDA129]

The last thousand or so views were all me, why I just put it on loop kept it going. If I gotta have a voice stuck in my head, thats a right nice voice, and If I needed a rhythm to step to, well reckon this 'll be the one. Thanks you two for the tune.

[@Puddlef1sh]

Life is better because this video exists

[@queenbee24]

Her voice is spectacular! It really takes you back in time. Bravo! 👏

[@BTS12107]

Never been so mad about someone not being on Apple Music

[@detour413]

Get youtube music! I just got it and its a game changer.

[@Bella-dn2jp]

Me fucking too Matthew

[@ryanthomas6360]

She’s on Apple Music now!

[@sachawilliams7731]

Goodness! That voice brought tears to my eyes. I love it

[@Jstring304]

Tomorrow makes 27 yrs since Ernie Carpenter from Sutton ,WV passed. Good job Sierra keeping his heart felt passion for his home going. Losing his home to the Sutton Dam project had to be rough for him.

[@bluejack644]

Dam. Her voice is haunting. She'd make a good Siren, like on O'Brother'. She sounds old timey.

[@haroldwhite5761]

Been a long time since I've been so impressed. I'm an old fart and haven't heard this woman until now. Just when I think I've heard it all, she surprised me. I could die happy with her singing!

[@CH-ml4rz]

Check out “In Dreams”, “Jeremiah”, Before I Met You”, “Rosemary”, and “Silver Dollar”. Sorry for the spamming 🙂

[@ianriordan6382]

I feel like it's 1860 and I'm working passage across the Pacific from Rowdy Flat, just to get to Sutter's Mill and hear Sierra sing in a Calico saloon...........

[@joeyarnold9372]

Jesus Christ her voice is like heaven like I just want to stop everything to listen to her sing everyday and I was listening to the grunge band green river

[@SEIDAHO71]

I feel like it's the 30s and I'm listening to this on an old radio show and I love it!

[@wordgifts]

Nate Leath in a bunch of Sierra's vids shows such tremendous grace and subtlety. All about support and never showboating. Perfect.

[@markduffield8110]

God bless her I can’t get enough she’s got such a beautiful voice

[@biddibee3526]

Her voice is beautiful and unique, the music is soft and pretty and allows her voice and song to be heard.

[@appalachianoutdoorsman5769]

West Virginia has some talented people from our beautiful state

[@MrRogers-hood]

I could listen to her all day. It reaches down and makes me feel human again, slows my mind and does so many things for me.

[@johnsylliboy]

I love this song.

[@jaydenparker3446]

This song is literally getting me through my heartbreak. Thank you Sierra for your beautiful, emotional voice.

[@MrSwat55]

I can't get enough of Sierra and the sound Western AF provides on this channel. So much soul I can't stop listening.

[@Circularjungle]

Ikr!

[@milessimmons8278]

This song has been in my whistle all day

[@markduffield8110]

Just heard this artist for the first time very beautiful voice can’t get enough

[@emichgarden]

Awesome, Sierra

[@larryesser9024]

Even never having seen Sierra Ferrell live, the more videos I see of her, the more I can see how talented she is: Singing, writing, playing, dancing. So good!

[@Kevsadone]

Sierra has such guts and love for music she busked. You gotta be dedicated and have the heart of hearts to do that! Folks like her inspire me to write my own soundtrack to life.

[@BikingVikingHH]

Thank you Sierra for your music, and giving us something beautiful to love in this wild world

[@Punishment_for_Decadence]

There ain't nothin more soothing than a guitar, violin and a pretty voice

[@Punished_Mordequan]

This channel is the gift that keeps on giving. My grandpa is the reason why I fell in love with old music and big part of who I am today, when I discovered this channel I first found Nick Shoulders’ ‘Rather Low’ song and now I’ve found more music that’s new but keeps true to its roots. It’ll be a sad day when he’s gone, and even thinking about it makes me cry a little. Thank you western AF.

[@bl00df4rt]

Can you recommend some good old country records that fall into this kind of genre? I was raised on Classic rock, metal, and punk and just now getting into country. I kind of don’t know where to start. I know Hank, Willie Nelson, Waylon, and Cash, but none of that even really fits into this “cowpoke” sort of sound. Marty Robbins has it, but who else? I love it and I just don’t know where to go.

[@HB-yg3ke]

@@bl00df4rt Townes van Zandt, blaze foley, JOHN PRINE, Steve young, Loud Wainwright III has a few songs very similar to her... I’d start a station or radio with some of those guys. Folky-country but still have the fiddle, banjo etc. while maintaining that sad sound. Sorry, I eavesdropped hahahaha

[@scottcarl3086]

I'm seriously in love with her. Her voice is beyond words

[@getyourgameon4935]

Some music sooths the soul, calms, & melts your troubles away. Thank you Sierra.

[@alexfrizell5033]

I wish my grandparents could’ve been around to hear this, they’d love her.

[@mosampson8862]

what a voice

[@jadenmoneymusic]

I haven't been able to listen to her music without bawling my eyes out. Sierra, you are an absolute blessing from God.❤️❤️❤️

[@cagey-toxicity9734]

This is gorgeous love from Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@drakectoll]

**sees Sierra Ferrell and immediately clicks**

[@SgtStickyTits]

Same. I was just asking myself the other day "I wonder when Sierra is going to release more music?".

[@BoulderCreekSteve]

Drake Cannon Toll *Just like a sheep, copies everyone else’s writing style*

[@CH-ml4rz]

Same. “SOMETHING I HAVENT SEEN?! LETS GO!”

[@SpeedyMcGehee]

you forgot to mention the gasp of excitement

[@reddwing4368]

@@SgtStickyTits wow

[@hatfulloflove]

Much admiration from Cork, Ireland !

[@agrifolia504]

i've been in tough spot emotionaly, mentally and physical and this song gives me life

[@joshbarela7669]

I watch this like 5 times every day

[@adl42598]

I cannot stop listening to this song, so beautiful 💯

[@humanze]

This woman is an absolute phenom.

[@splitthemlanes8276]

Most beautiful woman I've ever heard, or in fact seen. 😍

[@Puddlef1sh]

Life is better because this exists.

[@viracocha03]

One of the best voices i have ever heard. I remember being a young one hearing music like this playing from my grandparents radio. Such a breath of fresh air.

[@Collective239]

Def sounds like shes from the 40s. Love this woman

[@Dan-yh7ve]

Music like this needs to be on vinyl!

[@rickbullock4331]

Always on key in my opinion. Sierra is pretty darn awesome. Her fellow musicians are always top drawer too. 👍👍🇨🇦

[@brianmyers1241]

That fiddle was timed and blended nicely 👌 with her picking.

[@shocklobster]

The polar caps melt a little faster with her voice in the world.

[@abbyblum2181]

I’m down by green river, where we used to go I’m down by green river, there she goes Until one day, another lover comes my way Till then I’ll go to green river all alone I’m down by green river just to watch to watch her flow Down by green river, now we’ll there she goes Until one day another lover comes my way Till then I’ll go to green river all alone

[@markduffield8110]

Simply put she has become my favorite artist can’t get enough

[@gregmiller350]

Sierra Ferrell your voice is like that of a divine angel: timeless, beautiful and full of personality.

[@seanmilam8437]

I literally listen to this jawn atleast 3 times a day going ever since it came out

[@bigskyrasta]

Sierra Ferrell you the bees knees!

[@Puddlef1sh]

And the cats pajamas

[@DavidSmith-zu6eu]

She literally has a bee tattooed on her knee. Check out the In Dreams video.

[@damotheman4196]

@@Puddlef1sh And the spiders elbows

[@ginosabatini7765]

I dont know how to say this without being weird, but your voice is immaculate. I found you and your music at the most opportune time. You're God sent.

[@keveenkorakor]

Oh boy. I’m in love with humans. So happy to be a part of this universe and get to hear you beautiful people. Thank you to everyone involved in making this video and bringing it to my ears. Love. Baba Bear

[@brentanllewellyn3898]

You sound like a great person.

[@keveenkorakor]

@@brentanllewellyn3898 I am a reflection of what I have been offered I supposed! Blessings to you and thank you for your kindness

[@brentanllewellyn3898]

@@keveenkorakor keep up the great work brother.

[@DD3allday]

I find myself coming back to this video every so often. It just captivates me.

[@magadc1]

I guess I was just following you.

[@laurenkrum]

Anybody have to listen to this once a day?

[@derekvolak5779]

Once???!??? Lol. At least

[@tbut155]

not just once, at LEAST thrice.

[@jamesfetcho6315]

Just heard it. Listened 3 times. LoL

[@deffo3249]

Right! I don't get how it only has 633k views... I've watched this at least a 1/3 of that

[@loishornbostel7253]

This "Elk River Blues" tune was composed by West Virginia fiddler Ernie Carpenter, in a lament to his homestead being flooded over when they built the Sutton Dam, on the Elk River. I love that Sierra is making beautiful songs from iconic old-time tunes like this! She's authentic.

[@Guy1105Fawkes]

I'm always down for some Sierra! 😁

[@williamhiggins842]

My God she is something special and the fiddle player is pretty dang good too!

[@TrautsEwol]

I think I’ve just fallen in love ❤️ love from England ❤️

[@christopher2215]

Never heard this artist before but her voice takes you back, wow

[@BillyBats773]

Well ain’t she just perfect! 😯🥰