7-Year-Old Ricky Skaggs Performs “Foggy Mountain Special” On Live TV

Archie Shaw/YouTube

At just seven years old, Ricky Skaggs proved that he was destined to be a superstar.

In this rare 1961 footage, we are lucky enough to see Skaggs before he became the country and bluegrass legend he is today. The Kentucky-native began playing that mandolin when he was just five years old and a year or two later, he was playing with the likes of Bill Monroe, Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs.

During this variety show, a young Skaggs, with all the confidence in the world, walked up to Lester Flatt to tell him that he wanted a turn to “pick.” He was guided to a shorter microphone, where he said he would be playing “Foggy Mountain Special,” a Flatt and Scruggs classic.

Performing live is nerve-wracking enough, but to perform a song in front of the people who made it famous is a tall order! After the incredible performance, Skaggs went off stage for a while, but was invited back to sing and play again!

What a treat this video is for country music fans. Check out the video below to see little Ricky Skaggs; you’ll be glad you did!

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