Wyatt Ellis: Stoking the Fires of Bluegrass Tradition with “Choo Choo Coming”
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
In the ever-evolving landscape of traditional music, a new, vibrant force is emerging from the heart of East Tennessee. Sixteen-year-old bluegrass phenom Wyatt Ellis is not just playing the music; he’s breathing new life into it, demonstrating a profound understanding of its roots while infusing it with his own youthful energy and undeniable talent. His latest single, “Choo Choo Coming,” is a powerful testament to this, marking a significant step in his burgeoning career.
“Choo Choo Coming” is a high-octane rendition of the 1957 classic, originally penned by Pike County, Kentucky mandolinist Cuddles Newsome and first recorded by the Flat Mountain Boys. It gained legendary status when the Stanley Brothers put their stamp on it, cementing its place in the bluegrass canon. Now, nearly seven decades later, Ellis has taken this beloved track and, through his unique arrangement, performance, and production, added a compelling new layer to its history. This release is particularly notable as it’s Ellis’s first to feature his own vocals, unveiling him not just as a world-class picker but as a commanding vocalist and natural bandleader.
What truly sets Ellis apart is his ability to channel the raw spirit of old-time mountain music while igniting it with a fresh, youthful fire. His touring band matches his every move with an unfiltered intensity, delivering authentic bluegrass straight from the Smoky Mountains. The precision picking and tight harmonies are hallmarks of classic bluegrass, yet in Ellis’s hands, they feel entirely contemporary. It’s clear he’s not simply replicating; he’s reinterpreting and invigorating.
Ellis’s journey as a vocalist has been as meticulously honed as his instrumental prowess. Immersed in the legacy of vocal legends such as Bill Monroe, Ralph Stanley, Dudley Connell, and Keith Whitley, he has dedicated himself to mastering the art of bluegrass singing. For the past five years, he’s received vocal mentorship from Paul Brewster, a cornerstone of the “Knoxville Sound.” Brewster’s influence has been instrumental in shaping the clarity, tone, and emotional depth that now define Ellis’s singing, allowing him to step into the vocal spotlight with confidence and authenticity.
Born into the rich musical heritage of East Tennessee, Wyatt Ellis discovered his passion for the mandolin early on, inspired by Bobby Osborne’s iconic solo on “Rocky Top.” This inspiration came full circle when he was later mentored by the legendary Osborne himself and even featured on Bobby’s final recording of the Tennessee anthem. During the challenging times of the pandemic, Ellis dedicated himself entirely to his craft. He sought out and learned from master musicians, composed original tunes, and meticulously developed a voice and sound that are uniquely his.
His path from practicing in his living room to fronting a dynamic band on stages across the country has been nothing short of meteoric. His debut album, Happy Valley, a deeply personal reflection of his East Tennessee roots and a showcase of his virtuosity, debuted at #1 on the Billboard Bluegrass Albums chart. This achievement firmly announced the arrival of a bold new voice in traditional music – one that is profoundly grounded in tradition yet bravely pushing its boundaries. Wyatt Ellis is not just carrying the torch of bluegrass; he’s shoveling coal into its firebox, ensuring its powerful drive continues for generations to come.
Photo credit: Joseph Cash