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WYATT
ELLIS TURNS ON THE STEAM
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First New
Music Featuring Vocals
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"Ellis has quickly
cemented himself as a sterling newcomer in the bluegrass scene."
Billboard
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Nashville, TN -- May 16, 2025 -- Bluegrass phenom Wyatt Ellis
shovels coal into the firebox of tradition with his new single, “Choo Choo Coming,” a
high-octane version of the 1957 classic, arranged, performed, and
produced with his unique spin. Ellis breathes new life into the track,
and in the process, unveils his stellar touring band. “Choo Choo
Coming” is the East Tennessee native’s first release featuring vocals.
The track was premiered on SXM's "Bluegrass Junction" with host Joey
Black on Wednesday (5/14/25).
The
song was originally penned by Pike County, Kentucky mandolinist Cuddles
Newsome, and recorded by the Flat
Mountain Boys. When the Stanley Brothers recorded their
version a few years later, it became cemented in the bluegrass canon.
Now, nearly 70 years on, Ellis’ performance adds a new historical layer
to the classic, featuring precision picking, tight harmonies, and the
powerful drive that defines bluegrass music.
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"Mandolinist Wyatt
Ellis is a sight to behold."
Bluegrass Situation
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Rooted
in tradition, Ellis channels the spirit of old-time mountain music,
while igniting it with youthful fire. His band matches his every move
with raw, unfiltered intensity—authentic bluegrass straight from the
Smoky Mountains. Immersed in the legacy of vocal legends like Bill
Monroe, Ralph Stanley, Dudley
Connell, and Keith Whitley, Ellis has
honed his craft with relentless dedication and premieres himself as a
vocalist on this song. Over the past five years, he’s been mentored on
vocals by Paul Brewster, a cornerstone of the
"Knoxville Sound," whose influence has helped shape the
clarity, tone, and emotional power of Ellis’ singing. Now, at 16, he's
picking up the pace and emerging not only as a world-class picker, but
as a commanding vocalist and natural bandleader.
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Wyatt listening to SXM premiere of "Choo Choo
Coming" with bandmate Gibson Davis.
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ABOUT WYATT ELLIS
Born
in the rich musical bed of East Tennessee, Wyatt Ellis has quickly
become one of the most-watched young musicians in bluegrass. A skilled
vocalist, gifted multi-instrumentalist, and natural bandleader, Wyatt
is redefining what it means to carry tradition forward with heart and
authenticity. Raised near the Great Smoky Mountains, his first memory
of hearing the mandolin—Bobby Osborne’s solo on the bluegrass classic
“Rocky Top”—sparked a deep love for the instrument. That early
inspiration came full circle when Wyatt was mentored by the legendary
musician himself, and later featured on Bobby’s final recording of the
Tennessee anthem that first drew his heart to music. During the
pandemic, Wyatt poured himself into learning. He studied with master
musicians, composed original tunes, and developed a voice and sound all
his own. From pickin’ alone in his living room to fronting a dynamic
band on stages across the country, Wyatt’s path has been unparalleled.
His debut album, Happy Valley, a reflection of
his East Tennessee roots and musical virtuosity, debuted at #1 on the Billboard
Bluegrass Albums chart—marking the arrival of a bold new voice grounded
in tradition.
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P.O. Box 210588 |
Nashville, TN 37221 US
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