Wyatt Ellis Releases New Single Choo Choo Coming.
Bluegrass mandolin player 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 new track was premiered on SXM’s “Bluegrass Junction” with host Joey Black on Wednesday May,15th. and can be previewed here.
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.
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.
About Wyatt Ellis:
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 is 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.
Wyatt Ellis has reached more milestones in his 16 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 a modern edge.
Wyatt and his bluegrass band are picking up steam as one of the most exciting young acts in bluegrass today. Each member brings their own authentic Appalachian flavor: Alex Leach (guitar, vocals) from Knoxville, TN, is a seasoned performer and respected WDVX radio DJ, known for his deep love of traditional bluegrass history; Noah Goebel (fiddle) from Elkton, KY, is the reigning Kentucky and Tennessee State Fiddle Champion admired for his smooth style and precision; Sarah Griffin (bass, vocals), a true mountain girl from Boone, NC, lays down the groove with steady power and soaring harmony vocals; and representing the fourth generation of bluegrass in his family, Gibson Davis (banjo) from Huntington, WV, adds creativity, drive, and punch to the rhythm section.
Performing around a single microphone in the classic Appalachian style, the band’s live shows echo with the sound of high-lonesome harmony, powerful rhythm, and blazing solos. Their stage presence and chemistry evoke the timeless spirit of bluegrass while offering something fresh and compelling. From the Grand Ole Opry to festivals like MerleFest, Gray Fox, and Big Ears, Wyatt Ellis and his bluegrass band are gaining momentum and turning heads at every stop. With a debut band album on the horizon and a growing national fanbase climbing aboard, Wyatt Ellis and his bluegrass band are rolling forward on a track laid by the legends, bringing youthful energy to the heart of tradition.
Marty Stuart and Wyatt Ellis
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. His virtuosity and understanding of the roots of traditional bluegrass have 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. That same year, 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.
