Here’s something you don’t see everyday. A girl fiddling, singing, tapping, and dancing by a river with a river boat passing by for good measure. Very American. It’s got all the feel good vibes to it too. You may know or not know the song but because it’s such a laid back happy video, you’ll be smiling by the end.
Her name is Hillary Klug.
She began dancing at eight and picked up the fiddle at thirteen. Now while there are many accomplished fiddlers around the world, with many amazing dancers as well, Hillary can do both. Simultaneously. And sing too. Like she can dance, sing, and play the fiddle all at the same time.
Now imagine driving your car, while talking on your cellphone, as you’re making coffee all at the same time.
Well Hillary has that rare ability to do so.
She’s become extremely popular as a result, earning her many fans around the world. She has all the followers any internet sensation could want and more. She’s decently tall, blonde, and always smiling. Americana.
This is “Oh! Susanna”, and with her western boots tap tapping on that wooden platform, she fills the river with her spot on fiddling as a boat approaches in the background. Grab a whiskey, this is good!
It was a minstrel song written by Stephen Foster (1826-1864) and among one of the most popular American songs ever written.
“Well, I come from Alabama with my banjo on my knee
And I’m bound for Louisiana, my true love for to see
Well, it rained all night the day I left
The weather it was dry
The sun so hot I froze myself
Susanna don’t you cry”
But who was Susanna? They say it was Foster’s late sister. Her middle name was Susannah.
Naturally, the comments were from awestruck viewers.
“She’s fiddling, dancing AND singing at the same time. No one has any right claiming that level of talent. :)”
Well he’s right. Except of course Hillary really dedicated herself to her own unique style. It’s working really well for her.
“Beautiful background, beautiful girl, beautiful playing, beautiful music, beautiful singing, beautiful dancing, wow life is beautiful….”
Well with adoring fans come adoring male fans of course. And that boat passing by must have been delightfully surprised at the attraction they’ve just witnessed. The General Jackson is a showboat meant to resemble the 19th century riverboats. It features live shows with dining available for evening cruises. It’s meant to give the classic American experience, with on board entertainment and cuisine very much southern style.
Well those passengers have never seen an act quite like Klug’s, that’s for sure.
They’d better enjoy it. Hillary has international tours and festivals on her busy schedule. She’s out to impress the rest of the world with her cool act.
She was born and raised in Fayeteville, Tennessee to parents who weren’t even musically talented, and yet she found the call to dance. She’s performed everywhere from small festivals and competitions to big stages. Even the streets. Yes, she was and maybe still is a busker.
Her incredibly rare combination of talents make her truly special and if you do see her somewhere, make sure to record the moment. It’s not something you will see again for a long time.
The fiddler is a singer along the river! Check out Hillary in the video below!
Please SHARE this with your friends and family
Source: YouTube, strings magazine, greennote
