Biography

Contact:
Red Light Management
neil.mason@redlightmanagement.com

Publicity:
Erin Morris Huttlinger / Alison Auerbach
erin@morrispr.biz / alisonapr@aol.com
615.419.9988 / 615.957.4670

Radio Assets and Promotion:
Knee High Records
connect@wyattellis.com
865.317.2697


"Wyatt has the fluidity, feel, timing, and 'ancient tones' that make seasoned pros scratch their head in wonder." - BLUEGRASS TODAY

"Ellis has quickly cemented himself as a sterling newcomer in the bluegrass scene." - BILLBOARD


“Wyatt's got the goods.” - MARTY STUART


WYATT ELLIS - WINDS OF ROWAN COUNTY

Release Date: January 10, 2025


Side A: Winds of Rowan County Wyatt Ellis ft. Peter Rowan

Side B: Memories of You Wyatt Ellis ft. Peter Rowan


ABOUT THE PROJECT

Knee High Records is proud to announce a new project, Winds of Rowan County, from bluegrass wunderkind Wyatt Ellis ft. the legendary Peter Rowan, which pairs two songs on a limited-edition 7” 45 RPM vinyl. The project is a milestone in bluegrass music history, symbolizing both a tribute to the past and a bridge to the future. "Winds of Rowan County", an original composition co-written by Wyatt and Peter, pairs seamlessly with the duo’s cover of Bill Monroe's "Memories of You". This limited first pressing is not only a nostalgic physical format but a celebration of the intergenerational spirit that defines bluegrass and a nod to the early recordings of the genre. A tradition that can only be kept alive by the hands and hearts of musicians like Wyatt Ellis and Peter Rowan. It’s a historic release that honors Rowan's legacy while passing the torch of the “old school” to bluegrass music's newest flame-keeper Wyatt Ellis.

Wyatt Performs "Winds of Rowan County" on From the Top

Side A: Winds of Rowan County - Wyatt Ellis, Peter Rowan

ISRC Code - QMFME24405000

Written by: Wyatt Ellis (Wyatt Ellis Music, BMI) and Peter Rowan (Sea Lion Music, BMI)
Produced by: Peter Rowan
Recorded at: The Tractor Shed
Engineered by: Sean Sullivan
Mixed by: Sean Sullivan
Mastered by: David Glasser

Musicians:
Wyatt Ellis, Christopher Henry – Mandolin
Peter Rowan – Guitar, Vocals
David Mansfield – Fiddle
Christian Ward – Fiddle
Max Wareham – Banjo
Mike Bub – Bass

"Winds of Rowan County" began as an instrumental, composed by Wyatt Ellis on mandolin. The haunting and meandering tune was inspired by Wyatt's experience performing alongside Peter Rowan at the bluegrass legend's induction into the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame at age 13. The composition reflects Wyatt’s deep connection to the tradition while showcasing the magic of bluegrass music as it is handed down through generations. After the induction, Wyatt and Peter conversed, reflecting on the history of a mandolin Wyatt had played that night, an instrument once used to raise funds for Bill Monroe’s gravestone. As they discussed Monroe’s legacy, a sudden wind swept through, lifting Peter’s hat and knocking his guitar case to the ground. The moment felt charged with meaning, and the two musicians exchanged a knowing look, sensing the spirit of Monroe all around them. A few years later, while traveling in Ireland, Rowan, a gifted lyricist known for weaving stories into songs, formed lyrics inspired by the young musician's melody. Peter explained to Wyatt that the lyrics seemed to emerge from the landscape around him, fitting with his tune. Upon returning to the States, the former Bluegrass Boy was eager to record the song with Wyatt in Nashville, honoring their connection to the windy moment they shared a few years earlier. The composition unites two generations, Wyatt Ellis on mandolin and Peter Rowan on guitar. Supported by David Mansfield and Christian Ward on twin fiddles, Max Wareham on banjo, Mike Bub on bass, and Christopher Henry on mandolin, the track brings out the unique talents of each artist. Wyatt’s mandolin lines flow throughout, culminating in a twin-mandolin passage with his mentor, Christopher. Peter’s guitar solo resonates with both ancient and modern tones, while his voice, a rare and unmistakable instrument, carries the melody with deep, soul-stirring clarity as if each note was shaped by the history and heart of bluegrass itself. Winds of Rowan County reflects a lineage tied back to Bill Monroe, the father of bluegrass, whose influence echoes in Peter Rowan and young Wyatt Ellis today. From his formative years with Monroe to his groundbreaking work in Old and In the Way, Peter is a bridge between eras in bluegrass music, extending a path now to the next generation through Wyatt Ellis. Together, two once-in-a-generation musicians have created a timeless song with the qualities of a bluegrass classic: a melody that lingers, lyrics that stir, and a performance that binds past and present.

Side B: Memories of You - Wyatt Ellis, Peter Rowan

ISRC Code - QMFME24405010

Written by: Bill Monroe (Bill Monroe Music, BMI)
Produced by: Christopher Henry
Recorded at: The Tractor Shed, Goodlettsville, TN
Engineered by: Sean Sullivan
Mixed by: Sean Sullivan
Mastered by: David Glasser

Musicians:
Wyatt Ellis – Mandolin, Vocals
Peter Rowan – Guitar, Vocals
David Mansfield – Fiddle
Christian Ward – Fiddle
Max Wareham – Banjo
Mike Bub – Bass


"Memories of You", a song originally written by Bill Monroe, the father of bluegrass music, was first released in 1966 and is one of the cornerstones of the bluegrass canon. Imbued with heartache and nostalgia, the original recording captures the essence of Monroe's unmistakable mandolin style, defined by its rhythmic drive and emotional depth. Wyatt Ellis and Peter Rowan breathe new life into the song, interpreting it with the respect and reverence it deserves while adding nuanced layers. Wyatt's mastery of the mandolin, showcased by the classic Monroe cross-tuning, carries the torch of tradition, while his and Peter’s harmonized vocals elevate the song's timeless melancholy. The accompanying twin fiddles, banjo, and bass provide a backdrop that underscores the energy and intensity of this revered classic. Working closely with his mentor, Christopher Henry, Wyatt Ellis brings his understanding of Monroe-style mandolin playing to the forefront. The recording highlights the raw energy of the Monroe sound and showcases Wyatt as a player who has learned from and respects the roots of bluegrass. As Wyatt’s vocals blend with Peter Rowan's, we hear a fresh interpretation of a classic song that stays true to bluegrass tradition. Produced by Henry, this track also showcases an incredible lineup of musicians supporting the performance. David Mansfield and Christian Ward’s twin fiddles provide the perfect harmonies, while Max Wareham’s banjo and Mike Bub’s bass give the rhythm section a foundation that drives the tune forward. Memories of You punctuates the collaboration of these generational musicians, each bringing their unique sound and interpretation of tradition, creating a powerful, authentic snapshot of bluegrass history that honors the legacy of Peter Rowan and secures his lasting influence on future generations.

ABOUT WYATT ELLIS

Born in the rich music bed of East Tennessee, Wyatt Ellis has quickly become one of the most-watched young musicians in bluegrass music. A devotee of Bill Monroe, Ellis has been mentored by many iconic bluegrass musicians, including Sierra Hull, Bobby Osborne, Mike Compton, and many more. Wyatt has studied with mandolin masters, composed his own original instrumentals, and transitioned from playing alone in his living room to performing seamlessly alongside bluegrass legends and Hall of Famers.

Wyatt grew up not far from the Great Smoky Mountains. His first recollection of hearing the mandolin, Bobby Osborne’s solo on the bluegrass classic “Rocky Top,” led Wyatt to set his sights on learning to play mandolin.

During the pandemic, music became Wyatt’s preferred pastime. With no close neighbors, and the music world suddenly at his fingertips, his passion for the instrument grew. As word circulated in the bluegrass community about his accelerated abilities, Wyatt befriended many of the genre’s top mandolin players through camps, workshops, and lessons.

In three short years, Ellis has mastered the mandolin and morphed into a multi-instrumentalist. He has been invited to perform on stage with some of the most iconic musicians of this era, including Billy Strings, Dierks Bentley, Peter Rowan, Sam Bush, Del McCoury, Dailey & Vincent, and Marty Stuart.

As a young musician just starting out on his musical journey, Wyatt has found that the bluegrass community is full of supporters, kind words, and encouragement. He has accrued more than 90,000 followers on combined social media before ever releasing a single. In 2024, Wyatt was named Internatioal Bluegrass Music Association Momentum Instrumentalist of the Year.