Wyatt Ellis is a teen multi-instrumentalist from East Tennessee who has rapidly emerged as one of bluegrass music’s brightest stars. The 15-year-old musician has achieved milestones in his career that few artists reach in a lifetime. With a fiery passion and a profound respect for the genre’s traditions, Wyatt skillfully blends the influences of bluegrass pioneers with youthful energy. The Wyatt Ellis Band features exceptional musicians at every live show, including Alex Leach on guitar, Gibson Davis on banjo, Noah Goebel on fiddle, and Sarah Griffin on bass. Their performances often center around the old-school single microphone, capturing the true spirit of bluegrass while infusing creativity, youthful intensity, and virtuosity that sets them apart. Wyatt’s talent has earned him notable recognition, 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. He has collaborated with bluegrass pioneers Peter Rowan, Marty Stuart, and Bobby Osborne, and his rise to prominence has been featured in Rolling Stone and The Tennessean. Wyatt made his solo debut at the Newport Folk Festival in 2024, and his band became a fan favorite at major festivals such as Gray Fox, MerleFest, and Big Ears. He 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. Wyatt released “Winds of Rowan County” alongside bluegrass legend Peter Rowan in January 2025. This collaboration 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. Wyatt is a talented young musician who is making a lasting impression on the bluegrass world and beyond. With relentless dedication to his craft, he is poised to captivate music lovers around the world.

Collaborations and Recognition

Wyatt has collaborated with bluegrass pioneers Peter Rowan, Marty Stuart, and Bobby Osborne, showcasing his understanding of the roots of traditional bluegrass. He has been recognized for his talent, 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. Wyatt has also performed at major festivals such as Gray Fox, MerleFest, and Big Ears, and has become a regular performer on the Grand Ole Opry. He made his Official Opry Debut playing original music with his own band at just 14 years old.

Wyatt’s Musical Style

Wyatt’s music is a unique blend of traditional bluegrass with youthful energy. He skillfully blends the influences of bluegrass pioneers with his own original songwriting and virtuosic mandolin playing. His band performances often center around the old-school single microphone, capturing the true spirit of bluegrass. Wyatt’s music is characterized by raw energy, tight harmonies, and dynamic stage presence. His band features exceptional musicians at every live show, including Alex Leach on guitar, Gibson Davis on banjo, Noah Goebel on fiddle, and Sarah Griffin on bass.

Wyatt’s Career Milestones

Wyatt has achieved significant milestones in his career, including:

• Reaching number one on Billboard’s bluegrass sales chart with his debut album

• Releasing his debut album with multiple songs charting as bluegrass airplay number one hits

• Performing at major festivals such as Gray Fox, MerleFest, and Big Ears

• Becoming a regular performer on the Grand Ole Opry

• Collaborating with bluegrass pioneers Peter Rowan, Marty Stuart, and Bobby Osborne

• Receiving 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

Wyatt’s Future Plans

Wyatt is currently 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. Wyatt is also planning to tour extensively, sharing his music with fans around the world. With relentless dedication to his craft, he is poised to captivate music lovers and leave a lasting impression on the bluegrass world.

Supporting WDVX and Yee Haw Brewing Company

Wyatt Ellis and his band will be performing live at Yee Haw Brewing Company on North Broadway in Knoxville, Tennessee, as part of WDVX Summer Nights… Live Music. This event is supported by Yee Haw Brewing Company and ORNL Federal Credit Union. Wyatt is excited to bring his music to his hometown fans and to support WDVX and Yee Haw Brewing Company. He is looking forward to performing live and sharing his passion for bluegrass music with the community.

Wyatt’s Inspiration

Wyatt’s inspiration comes from the rich traditions of bluegrass music, as well as his own original songwriting and virtuosic mandolin playing. He is deeply rooted in the genre’s history and is committed to carrying on its legacy. Wyatt’s music is a testament to the power of bluegrass to bring people together and to transcend generations. His unique sound and style are a reflection of his passion for the genre and his dedication to its preservation.

Wyatt’s Legacy

Wyatt’s legacy is already being felt in the bluegrass world and beyond. With his unique sound and style, he is poised to leave a lasting impact on the genre and to inspire future generations of musicians. As a talented young musician, Wyatt is making a lasting impression on the bluegrass world and beyond. With relentless dedication to his craft, he is poised to captivate music lovers around the world and to cement his place as one of the genre’s brightest stars.