Ah, the magic of hometowns! They’re the places that shape us, filling our hearts with memories both sweet and bittersweet.
John Denver captured this sentiment perfectly in his iconic song about West Virginia.
But what happens when a talented family band decides to put their own spin on this classic?
Enter The Petersens, a bluegrass family band from Branson, Missouri, who recently took us on a musical journey back to the hills of West Virginia.
Before we dive into their performance, let’s get to know The Petersens a bit better.
They’re not just any family; they’re a bluegrass sensation that has been serenading the people of Branson for over a decade.
With the Ozarks as their backdrop, they’ve been sharing their love for American roots music right from their home.
But The Petersens aren’t content with just local fame. Like many musicians these days, they’ve taken their talents online.
And it’s on this digital stage that they decided to pay tribute to a place that holds special meaning for them: West Virginia.
“Our dad grew up in West Virginia and some of our fondest childhood memories take place in those hills,” the family shared in the video description.
They also revealed that John Denver was a “family favorite,” making their rendition of the song even more heartfelt.
As the video starts, Katie Petersen takes the lead, her voice as clear as a mountain stream. She’s not just the lead vocalist; she’s also a fiddle player.
Accompanying her are her siblings Julianne and Matthew, who add their own vocal harmonies to the mix.
But wait, there’s more! Meet Emmet Franz, the newest member of the family band.
He brings a unique touch to the performance with his rare dobro instrument, a staple in traditional country and bluegrass bands but seldom seen elsewhere.
And let’s not forget Ellen Petersen, who not only plays the banjo but also once auditioned for American Idol.
Last but not least is their mother, Karen Petersen, who keeps the rhythm going with her bass.
Together, they create a heavenly rendition of the classic song that’s sure to captivate anyone, whether you’re from West Virginia or not.
Their shared passion for music shines through, making it impossible not to get hooked on their performance.
If you’re as enchanted by The Petersens as we are, you can support them on YouTube and Patreon. Congratulations to The Petersens on all their success, and here’s to many more heavenly renditions!
These young performers are so talented, and it’s so fun to watch them playing together. We’re sure they have a bright future ahead of them with lots more great performances of iconic songs. We can’t wait to see which one they choose to do next.
Check out the full performance in the video below!
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