Teenage mandolin phenomenon Sierra Hull began playing as an eight year old prodigy, and has quickly become one of bluegrass music’s youngest favorites. The winner of numerous mandolin and guitar championships, Sierra was a featured performer on the Great High Mountain Tour, which included an all-star bluegrass lineup performing songs from the soundtracks of the hit movies “O Brother Where Art Thou” and “Cold Mountain.” She has also performed several times on the Grand Ole Opry radio and television shows, and shared the stage with bluegrass legends such as Alison Krauss, IIIrd Tyme Out, Sam Bush, and Ricky Skaggs.
A TN native, 14-year old Sierra’s exceptional talent as a multi-instrumentalist and vocalist has resulted in accolades from both peers and fans alike for her band Sierra Hull & Highway 111, which includes her similarly talented 16-year old brother Cody playing guitar; Tampa native Cory Walker, 16, on banjo, guitar and dobro; and John Fox of Cookeville, TN on acoustic and electric bass.
A seasoned performer, Sierra’s recent appearances include the National Wild Turkey Federation at Nashville’s Opryland Hotel (opening for country hitmakers Diamond Rio); the Blueridge Music, Strawberrry Park, and Festival of the Bluegrass music festivals; the Gibson Guitar showcase at the 2005 International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) convention; and the 2006 Gold Star Mother’s Day tribute event held at the TN state capitol, where she performed the “Star Spangled Banner” at the invitation of her state senator. Sierra was also privileged to participate in the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences (NARAS) Honors & Awards show honoring Alison Krauss, performing with renowned musicians Larry Sparks, Ron Block, Stewart Duncan and Dennis Crouch.
An active member of the IBMA, Sierra has been performing in that organization’s annual convention showcases of young bluegrass talent since she was ten. In addition, as co-host (with Ryan Holladay) of IBMA’s educational DVD release “Discover Bluegrass: Exploring American Roots Music,” Sierra played an integral part in the effort to introduce young audiences to this uniquely American genre.
After putting out an independent release, Angel Mountain, in 2002 at the tender age of ten, Sierra is now becoming a veteran of the recording studio as well. In 2006, she played mandolin with ace musicians Alison Krauss, Jerry Douglas, Ron Block, Larry Atamanuik and Todd Phillips at the recording session of “Momma’s Hand,” which will be included on the forthcoming Rounder Records release A Tribute to Hazel Dickens. Sierra is also looking forward to beginning preproduction on her debut release for Rounder Records in the fall of 2006.
