Anyone can play the guitar. One way or another at least. But not everyone can play the banjo. That sharp twangy sound of a banjo automatically conjures up images of the country and the wild west. It did originate from early African Americans which then took its place among the rural whites of that era.
It never went away.
Famous bands such as The Eagles, Led Zeppelin, The Allman Brothers, and many more have used the banjo in their recordings. The instrument is actually quite versatile able to blend in with different genres and styles.
And as proof that the banjo is here to stay, check out young Willow Osborne. She started playing at the tender age of four and since then has embarked on an awesome career.
Willow is only twelve in this video. This was at the Country Tonite event in Tennessee. They’re called the best live country show in America. So for young Willow to have been invited to play, that tells you something.
That’s one confident twelve year old!
This young lady played Earl Scruggs’, “Ground Speed“. It’s only a little over two minutes but the comments are all praises for Willow.
“Refreshing to see a youngster with so much talent carrying on the family tradition!”
Says a man named Dean. Another guy named Felix says,
“WOW, she is a Prodigy! Amazing Skills, for a 12 yrs old girl. Beautiful performance!”
Those little lady fingers fly all over the banjo’s neck and the notes produced are as sharp as they come. Really clean too!
Earl Scruggs was one of those responsible for the resurgence of the banjo back in post World War 2. He was known for his speed and dexterity, giving birth to his own style which was dubbed the Scruggs Style. Pretty intense stuff.
And here you have a young girl of twelve pulling that same style off in front of hundreds, if not thousands, of onlookers.
Has she ever tried an electric guitar?
Willow’s got that spotlight solo and she makes good use of it. She shows off her skills with really precise plucks eliciting reactions and applause from the audience.
Osborne’s stage presence and skills ensured her slot at this event. She’s been at it for nine years!
Tapping those white boots, plucking those strings to an inch of their life, and Willow smiles through it all. And that’s only her solo. She calls on the band to help her. She launches into a flurry of notes along to a country jig that’s already got everyone clapping and cheering along.
Willow has 55 thousand subscribers on her YouTube channel so go check it out if you want to see and hear more from this talented young lady.
This video alone has over 1.6 million views.
Willow is also quite the dresser. Her fashion style is very much country but with deeper colors. She could be mistaken for a model or influencer on social media. But she lets her music do the talking. Don’t blink. Her fingers are crazy fast.
The future is looking very bright for this banjo rocking lady. If you find yourself at a country event, check the program. If her name’s on it, your ticket is so worth it.
Check out Willow’s mad banjo skills below!
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