When it comes to hometowns, most people have a thread of nostalgia forever connecting them to the place they grew up. With that connection comes plenty of memories, good and bad, that helped them grow into who they are today. Even for people who live in places far from home, they always yearn to come back for the nostalgic times they had.
Decades ago, John Denver wrote a song about West Virginia.
The band found inspiration to write the song when Bill Danoff and his wife Taffy Nivert were driving along with the countryside beauty of Clopper Road.
They weren’t even locals, but they appreciated the placeās āalmost heavenā aesthetics.
Eventually, the song made it to the hearts of the West Virginians, and it’s now one of their stateās iconic symbols and anthems. In relation to this, let’s take a look at how this musically-inclined family revisited their fondest moments as if they were living back home in the hills of West Virginia.
Before we get to the music, you should know a thing or two about The Petersens.
The Petersens are a bluegrass family band who currently live in Branson, Missouriāneedless to say, they’re no strangers to fresh air and mountainous views of the Ozarks. They try to make a living by sharing their talent in music, singing various American roots-based music at their home.
For over 10 years, they catered their music full-time to the people who traveled to Branson.
Then they took a step up by going online, as most musicians do.
In the Petersens’ recent YouTube upload, they shared about how their family lived in West Virginia for a while and thought it would be nice to share their rendition of the classic.
āOur dad grew up in West Virginia and some of our fondest childhood memories take place in those hills,ā the family wrote on the video description. They also mentioned that John Denver was a āfamily favorite.ā
The family recreated the song in the most satisfying way!
Katie Petersen, the eldest sibling, leads the intro of the song.
She also plays the fiddle. Beside her are her siblings Julianne Petersen and Matthew Petersen, the only boy of the family. After Katie skimmed through the first verse, you could hear the vibrant sound of the instruments as they roared out in unison during the chorus.
Julianne and Matthew helped Katie with the vocals to create an angelic three-way harmony.
Emmet Franz, the newest member of the family band played his rare dobro instrument, which could only be seen in a few traditional countries and bluegrass bands.
Behind them are Ellen Petersen, the banjo player of the band who also auditioned on American Idol, and their mother Karen Petersen, who grooves with her bass.
The family doesn’t fail to amaze as they perform with a heavenly feel.
It’s easy to appreciate their shared passion for music when you hear this cover.
Whether you’re from West Virginia or not, it’s impossible not to be hooked by their rendition. If you liked this, definitely check out their other videos as wellāsome of which have garnered almost 8 million views.
If you love listening to their music video and are looking for more, be sure to support the band on YouTube and Patreon.
Congratulations to the Petersens on all their success!
Watch the amazing cover in its entirety in the video below!
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