Natalie Stovall is a firecracker on the fiddle, but that’s only one reason why she’s this week’s #WCW. We’ve compiled five interesting things you should know about the petite blonde from Columbia, TN.
1. Performing is in her blood. Stovall was acting by age 3, began playing violin at age of 4 and was an accomplished violinist by age 10. She had her first gig at The Opryland Kid’s Club Show where she auditioned with her violin, playing “Orange Blossom Special.” While the judges loved it, they explained that it was in fact a singing contest; so Stovall sang “Happy Birthday” and got the job.
2. Academics & Achievements. Stovall graduated in 2004 from the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston with a degree in Vocal Performance. (She’s been featured on the school’s alumni webpage). She’s received various awards at the APCA National Conference and Campus Activities Magazine for Best Band, Entertainer, and Music, and also won for Best Female Performer.
3. The Drive. Stovall and her four member band, The Drive, pack each show with high energy, playing covers from Shania to Garth, and even some Aerosmith mixed in. But there’s one staple you can always find at their shows: a killer rendition of the Charlie Daniels’ classic “Devil Went down to Georgia” in which Stovall is more than willing to show off her fiddle skills on the iconic tune. (A remake of the song, which adds a touch of Metallica, can be found on her second EP Standing My Ground.)
Watch Stovall join Charlie Daniels on stage as they battle their fiddles at his 2015 Volunteer Jam:
4. She’s conquered the Opry stage, television, film and….the White House! Stovall’s fiddle mastery has earned her performances at the Grand Ole Opry as well as opportunities to open for high profile artists such as Gretchen Wilson, Little Big Town, Gloriana, and Chris Young, to name a few. Her song “If I Run to You Now,” off her first album Late Night Conversations, was featured in the movie National Lampoon: Bag Boy. She’s performed at the age of 16 on Oprah and became the first female to perform at the White House Press Correspondents Dinner for President George W. Bush.
5. She loves our Troops! Daughter of a retired army colonel, Stovall’s dedication to our service men and women is personal and runs deep. She’s performed for our troops many times and in 2015, recorded the song “Miss You The Most,” in which proceeds were donated to the Boot Campaign.