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WDVX Summer Nights – 5/14 – Wyatt Ellis
May 14 @ 7:00 pm
Support for WDVX comes from Yee Haw Brewing Company on North Broadway in Knoxville and ORNL Federal Credit Union supporting WDVX Summer Nights… Live Music at Yee Haw kicking off Wednesday night May 14th at seven with your host Alex Leach featuring Wyatt Ellis.
Wyatt Ellis has reached more milestones in just 15 years than most musicians achieve in a lifetime. The teen multi-instrumentalist from East Tennessee, is rapidly emerging as one of bluegrass music’s brightest stars. With a fiery passion and a profound respect for the genre’s traditions, he skillfully blends the influences of bluegrass pioneers with youthful energy. Known for his virtuosic mandolin playing, soulful vocals, and original songwriting, Wyatt has built a dedicated fanbase excited to support him as he grows up before their eyes. His band performances, marked by raw energy and tight harmonies, breathe new life into traditional bluegrass, seamlessly fusing the rich traditions of Appalachia with an energetic, modern edge.
Leading his band with undeniable presence, Wyatt is supported by exceptional musicians at every live show. Wyatt is proud to tour with Alex Leach on guitar, Gibson Davis on banjo, Noah Goebel on fiddle, and Sarah Griffin on bass. His band performances, often centered around the old-school single microphone, capture the true spirit of bluegrass while infusing creativity, youthful intensity, and virtuosity that sets them apart. With intricate harmonies, world-class musicianship, and dynamic stage presence, this young band creates a unique sound that resonates with bluegrass fans old and new.
Wyatt’s talent has earned him notable recognition in, including the title of Momentum Instrumentalist of the Year and an unprecedented nomination at age 15 for New Artist at the International Bluegrass Music Association Award Show in 2024. His virtuosity and understanding of the roots of traditional bluegrass has earned collaborations with bluegrass pioneers Peter Rowan, Marty Stuart, and Bobby Osborne. His rise to prominence has been featured in Rolling Stone and The Tennessean cementing his place in the spotlight. Wyatt’s innovative approach to traditional bluegrass has already begun to influence the next wave of acoustic musicians, furthering his generational impact on the genre.
In 2024, Wyatt made his solo debut at the Newport Folk Festival, and his band became a fan favorite at major festivals such as Gray Fox, MerleFest, and Big Ears. 2024 saw Wyatt was a guest of Dailey & Vincent at age 13 and became a regular performer on the Grand Ole Opry after making his Official Opry Debut playing original music with his own band at just 14 years old. Wyatt’s debut album reached number one on Billboard’s bluegrass sales chart in its first month of release with multiple songs charting as bluegrass airplay number one hits. Ten of his twelve tracks charted in the Top 10, with “Blue Smoke” holding steady there for most of the year—solidifying his status as one of the genre’s most promising emerging talents.
In January of 2025, Wyatt released “Winds of Rowan County” alongside bluegrass legend Peter Rowan. A collaboration that honors Rowan’s legacy while passing the torch of the “old-school” to bluegrass music’s newest flame-keeper. Currently, Wyatt is preparing to release an album with his touring band, which will feature a mix of fan favorites and exciting new original material. This album marks a significant milestone in his career and promises to showcase even more of his unique sound and growing artistry. With relentless dedication to his craft, Wyatt is making a lasting impression on the bluegrass world and beyond. As he continues to push boundaries, Wyatt is poised to captivate music lovers around the world—you won’t want to miss the next chapter in this unstoppable young artist’s journey.
