Music has a certain magic to it that all of us can appreciate. One of its magical abilities is that we all find ourselves appreciating time and time again is its ability to change and transform right before our very eyes. Through reinterpretations of songs as people cover songs mixing up the sound with their own unique voices and instruments. Each and every new time it is transformed it brings new life to the melody and new emotions to those taking a moment to listen. For one family and their increasing following, this is a frequent occurrence.
Meet the family!
In Branson, Missouri an award-winning bluegrass band named The Petersens live in the Ozark Mountains. In 2015, this family band started receiving international recognition when their banjo player competed on the very popular TV show, American Idol, and even placed in the top 48! Since then the band has only continued to grow their following as they perform variations of bluegrass, gospel, and many other melodies. This six-person family band consists of a variety of musical talent including Karen Petersen on the bass, Emmett Franz on the dobro, Ellen Petersen Haygood on the banjo, Julianne Petersen on the mandolin and as a vocalist, Matthew Petersen on the guitar and as a vocalist, and Katie Petersen on the fiddle and as a vocalist.
Singing a song that hits close to home.
Fans all over the world have been requesting the famous John Denver classic ‘Take Me Home, Country Roads‘, and the family finally decided it was time to give the fans what they wanted. In the caption of this video, they even share how close to their hearts this song is stating that their Dad actually grew up in West Virginia. Continuing to write in their caption,
“…some of our fondest childhood memories take place in those hills. Not to mention, John Denver is a family favorite.”
A very special way to spend time with the family.
As Katie and Julianne begin to start singing the first verses the rest of the band begins to play their instruments and you can see just how much happiness covering this song is bringing each of them. As the camera begins to zoom out and we see the whole family in their element.
One of a kind sound.
As they continue through the song each of their instruments and individual voices assist in transforming the song. One user, Brianmason3636, on youtube comments on their video his enthusiasm from watching this performance stating,
“From a born and raised West Virginian………this is an absolutely flawless cover!!!! Denver would be very, very proud!”
Something old made new.
As the song comes to the final verses the camera zooms in on Emmett as he plays the dobro and it is equally as interesting as it is magical. The instrument lays on his lap as he plucks at the strings precisely and carefully. Each instrument adding their own unique sound that transforms this old song into something new.
Each sound adding to the greater whole.
As the camera moves on from Emmett it then goes to Katie who picks up her fiddle and begins to add her special sound as it mixes perfectly with other instruments the band is playing.
Sharing their joy with the world.
The family ending this enchanting cover with all smiles as they are reminded of some of their very own childhood memories and appreciating the sound that is created when they all come together. Happiness flooding over them as they share these joyous moments with each other and each of us. Another youtube user, Rory Nesta, shares a sweet comment on how this performance affected them writing,
“Was having a sad day and nothing could perk me up till I found this! 10.37pm here in NZ and listening to this feels like the best way to end the night. What a beautiful family with beautiful souls. God Bless you all!”
After watching we can all understand why The Petersens have been awarded the #1 Branson Show on TripAdvisor since 2018. Now we can add another band to the list of a truly one of a kind performance that touches hearts with the magic of their music.
To keep up with The Petersens click the links to their social media pages and more below!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepetersens/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PetersenBand/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thepetersens
Website: https://www.petersenband.com/
Become a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/thepetersens
Behind-the-scenes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEgsNEvYEOlN6Zq8KgKGkvw
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