[photo by James Hernandez]
"My mom says that when I was young I say like any little girl except I almost never missed any notes or sang off-key," says Ellie.
Her parents, both singers, and dad Kenny the guitarist for Topeka band, Bridges, nurtured her talent and got her singing for audiences since before she can remember.
Ellie's strengths are in blues and folk. At a recent performance at the Topeka Farmers' Market, Ellie piqued the interest of Uncle Bo's Blues Club booking agent, Suki Willison, who, along with the Topeka Blues Society, took Ellie under her wing to mentor her for the next year in preparation for the International Blues Competition in Memphis.
"When she began singing this kind of stuff, it was sort of funny to me," says mom Vicky Luttrell. "She was a nine-year-old, and I wondered, 'when has she had time to know the blues?'"
Ellie raises eyebrows whenever she performs. Ellie has appeared at clubs and festivals in Topeka and in Nashville, Tenn. Her voice is sultry and soft, with just a touch of grit. She makes it sound easy.
Ellie is also an accomplished songwriter and a social justice activist. Compelled by an emotional response to awareness of human trafficking, Ellie composed a song for the KSAG Victims Service.
(Watch the video, with Ellie's song, below)
Ellie has been busy playing gigs and connecting with local talent. Her next shows are Friday Oct. 1 for the First Friday Artwalk at the Upstage Gallery (720 Jackson St.) from 5:30-8 and Oct. 22 for the First Annual Topeka Blues Showcase at Uncle Bo's Blues Club.
For booking info, please call (785) 608-3560
