Wyatt Ellis, 14-year-old mandolinist, rooted in East Tennessee history; plays song "Blue Smoke"

Wyatt Ellis shares his journey to the top of the bluegrass charts at age 14, and performs his original song "Blue Smoke." His meteoric rise comes with help from bluegrass royalty. Those artists provide a direct connection to Carl Butler and others at the root of old time, country, and bluegrass music in East Tennessee. This interview was done as part of the exhibit "They Sang What They Lived: The Story of Carl and Pearl Butler" at the East Tennessee History Center. See the exhibit in person through August 18, 2024. www.easttnhist...

[@stevenwalker2634]

So glad to learn of another young musician carrying on the tradition of this wonderful music. I liked his observation that the music of eastern Tennessee is soulful, as it certainly is. I love the oldest recordings that captured that quality of the music at its very best. I look forward to an important contribution to bluegrass music from this young talented musician who at such a young age has already earned the recognition and respect of his elder mentors.

[@bigdaddy3919]

Young dude ripping it up and his voice hasn't even changed yet !! You go hoss !

[@user-nj4jg7qv6m]

Wow, this is typical American story, that nowhere else is possible! Playing at this age with Bobby Osbourne, Ricky Skaggs, Sierra Hull Marty Stuart and the Del McCoury Band, releasing an album with Sierra Hull. I' m totally impressed. Gobo. Young man, your talent is phenomenal! You open the door to the next chapter of Bluegrass. You all young guys are the next generation. That's outstanding. In Germany where I'm from not similar like in USA . Good luck from Germany P.S.I forgot Bily Strings😅

[@donniebooth8478]

Your very talented

[@erinjones956]

Wow wow WOW!

[@bendummitt888]

Wyatt is a very talented young man and the future of music. Lucky for us.

[@ellisspear]

Wonderful interview. This young man is amazing. Just an amazing story that is only starting.

[@WyattEllis]

💙

[@garycottreau8442]

Love seeing the tradition being past down.

[@MoonStar-fq6oy]

Tennessee is a piece of Heaven So glad your part of it

[@yogy308]

Well wast tennessee anyway. Go vols!

[@MoonStar-fq6oy]

Ok

[@MoonStar-fq6oy]

Wyatt is So Amazing ❤❤

[@WyattEllis]

💙

[@terrygreennway9655]

Great picking Wyatt.

[@Annaleah_Music_Room]

I'm so proud of you Wyatt

[@WyattEllis]

💙

[@MikeCohenSF]

He's fantastic!

[@WyattEllis]

💙

[@teriw56]

He’s going to be a star.

[@budzier1591]

Great interview with some insight to the beginning of your continuing musical journey.

[@WyattEllis]

💙

[@alan4sure]

Yeah! Wyatt!!!😊

[@sharonanderson8375]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@jackieringersma7003]

🥰

[@davidmurphy5647]

hey wyatt..nice pickin' there, my friend. you've got the gift. finish school- do what ya gotta do. but i think the best education you'll ever get will happen on a tour bus. and if you want an old piano player in your band, i'm in. i'm sure you already know jarrod walker, but are you familiar with matt mundy? you need to be. keep the faith, young man. guys like you are the future, and it looks pretty bright 😊

[@WyattEllis]

😀

[@raychoquette5221]

High level hornpipe