Chattanooga Times Free Press - ChattanoogaNow
Teen prodigy Emi Sunshine takes the stage for Nightfall. FRIDAY
Teen prodigy EmiSunshine takes the stage Friday night
By t he t i me Emilie Sunshine Hamilton was 5, she’d made her first childlike attempts at songwriting. By age 6, she was a well- known performer in churches and festivals around East Tennessee. At 7, she recorded her first two albums, “Strong as the Tall Pine” and “Wide River To Cross,” with the help of her family.
But after a performance at a Tennessee flea market when she was 9, her career really took off when a video of her singing “Blue Yodel No. 6” was posted on YouTube and went viral. In addition to surpassing a million views, it gained her attention from the “Today” show.”
Now using the stage name EmiSunshine, she has performed at t he Grand Ole Opry, at CMA Fest, Merle Fest and at the Ryman. She plays more than 50 gigs a year, and one of those will be Friday night, May 25, when the Madisonville, Tennessee, singer and multi- instrumentalist headlines Nightfall. EmiSunshine and The Rain will take the stage at 8 p. m. after Mountain Creek House Fire opens.
The s i nger — who turns 14 next month — grew up surrounded by family members who had a genuine love for mountain melodies and lyrics. Also influenced by legends such as Loretta Lynn and The Louvin Brothers, EmiSunshine produces all of her music, whether live or in the studio.
Her ability to combine a youthful, bubbly disposition with meaningful song content brings her music to life. Although her music has been described as “old-timey,” she produces a blend of roots music that is equal parts Americana, bluegrass, gospel and country, with a sprinkle of blues.
The crooner is backed by a band made up of her father on upright bass, her brother on mandolin and “Uncle Bobby” Hill on drums.
Nightfall is produced by Chattanooga Presents. Concerts are held rain or shine. For more information on the free summer concert series: www.nightfallchattanooga.com.