Updated: 2 days ago
The Story of AJ Lee & Blue Summit: From Child Prodigy to Bluegrass Trailblazer
The sun was high over Northern California, its golden light spilling over a small gathering of musicians on a wooden stage.
A little girl, no older than Six, clutched a ukulele nearly half her size, her fingers pressing against the strings with surprising precision.
The moment she opened her mouth, the crowd stilled. Her voice, high and sweet, carried the weight of something far beyond her years.
This was AJ Lee’s first taste of bluegrass, and though she might not have known it then, she was already walking a path that would lead her to become one of the most respected voices in modern bluegrass.
A Star in the Making
Born AIssa Joelle Lee AJ was raised in a household where music was more than just a pastime—it was a way of life.
Her mother played in a bluegrass band, filling their home with the sounds of Bill Monroe, Alison Krauss, and Tony Rice. By the time AJ was six, she wasn’t just listening—she was playing.
The ukulele became an extension of herself, and her voice carried the kind of raw emotion that even seasoned musicians longed to capture.
Festivals became her second home. At first, she was the little girl who charmed audiences with her talent.
But soon, she was more than a novelty—she was a serious musician. As a pre-teen, she joined The Tuttles with AJ Lee, a family band that featured the now-famous Molly Tuttle, her brothers, and their father.
Together, they traveled from festival to festival, leaving crowds in awe of their skill and chemistry.
It wasn’t long before AJ began winning awards, collecting nine Northern California Bluegrass Society “Best Female Vocalist” titles before she was even in her twenties. She was no longer just a promising talent—she was one of the best young bluegrass singers in the country.
Breaking the Mold: The Birth of Blue Summit
Despite her deep love for traditional bluegrass, AJ had a restless creativity that pushed her toward something new. She wanted to explore different sounds, to tell her own stories, and to shape a band that could bring a fresh voice to the genre.
In 2015, she formed Blue Summit, assembling a group of like-minded musicians who could bring her vision to life.
Guitarist Sully Tuttle (Molly Tuttle’s brother), bassist Chad Bowen, fiddler Jan Purat, and guitarist Jesse Fichman joined her, and together they began crafting a sound that was distinctly their own.
Unlike many bluegrass bands that strictly adhered to tradition, Blue Summit wove elements of swing, jazz, and folk into their music. As Blue Summit became AJ's School where she honed her chops and stage presence.
Audiences who came expecting another bluegrass band left realizing they had witnessed something different—something special.
The Breakthrough Moment
For years, they played small clubs, festival campgrounds, and any stage that would have them, building a dedicated following. Then, in 2019, they released their debut album, "Like I Used To."
It was more than just an album—it was a statement. The record showcased AJ’s growth as a songwriter, proving she wasn’t just a great singer—she was a storyteller. The songs carried the soul of bluegrass but the heart of something modern, appealing to both traditionalists and new listeners alike.
The album caught fire. Festivals started booking them as to play main stage, industry professionals took notice, and fans who had followed AJ since childhood watched as she finally stepped into the national spotlight.
From a mandolin-wielding prodigy to the leader of one of the most exciting bluegrass bands today, AJ Lee had carved her own place in music history. And as she and Blue Summit continue to evolve, one thing is certain—their story is far from over.
AJ Lee’s Early Standout Performances: A Rising Star in Bluegrass
Before AJ Lee & Blue Summit came to life, AJ was already making waves in the bluegrass world as a young prodigy.
Her earliest performances were not just impressive for her age—they were genuinely remarkable by any standard. Here are some of the key performances that made her stand out before Blue Summit was formed:
1. Winning Hearts at The Good Old Fashioned Bluegrass Festival (2005-2010)
One of AJ’s earliest breakthroughs came on the stages of The Good Old Fashioned Bluegrass Festival in California, hosted by the Northern California Bluegrass Society.
She performed here multiple times throughout her childhood, earning a reputation as the “little girl with the big voice.”
Even at age 7 or 8, her command of bluegrass standards like "Blue Moon of Kentucky" and "Nine Pound Hammer" stunned audiences.
It wasn’t just the novelty of a child singing—she delivered with the emotion, phrasing, and depth of a seasoned performer. Fans and musicians alike recognized that she wasn’t just talented—she was something special.
Her performances at this festival led to her first major award—being named Best Female Vocalist by the Northern California Bluegrass Society for the first time. She would go on to win this title nine times in the following years.
2. Playing with The Tuttles: A Family Band That Turned Heads (Mid-2000s)
By the time she was 10 or 11, AJ had joined The Tuttles with AJ Lee, a bluegrass band that included Molly Tuttle, her father Jack Tuttle, and Molly’s brothers.
One of their most standout performances was at the Father’s Day Bluegrass Festival in Grass Valley, where the band showcased mind-blowing harmonies, intricate picking, and AJ’s powerhouse vocals.
Audiences were particularly drawn to AJ's take on "Dark Hollow" and "Angeline the Baker."
Performing with the Tuttles, AJ quickly became a festival favorite. She held her own alongside Molly Tuttle, a guitarist who would later go on to become a Grammy-winning bluegrass artist. The chemistry between them was undeniable, and they both helped each other shine.
Their YouTube videos from this era went viral in bluegrass circles, further cementing AJ’s reputation as a rising star.
3. Breaking Out on the National Scene: The International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Performances
As her reputation grew, AJ started getting invited to perform at larger events, including the IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Association) showcases.
At just 12 years old, she took the stage at IBMA’s Kids on Bluegrass showcase, performing alongside some of the most talented young bluegrass musicians in the country.
The audience—full of industry professionals, veteran musicians, and festival bookers—watched in awe as this young girl sang with the confidence and soul of someone far beyond her years.
Her standout performances at IBMA caught the attention of prominent bluegrass figures, and many predicted she would become one of the next big voices in the genre.
4. Winning First Place at the California State Old Time Fiddle & Picking Championships (2010s)
Another major milestone came when AJ entered the California State Old Time Fiddle & Picking Championships.
Competing in the mandolin picking category, she blew away the competition—not just with speed and technique, but with musicality, tone, and feel.
This victory solidified her reputation not only as a vocalist but as one of the most talented young instrumentalists in bluegrass.
5. Early Studio Work & Viral Covers
Even before forming Blue Summit, AJ was making waves in the studio. Her collaborations with The Tuttles led to several recorded performances that gained traction online.
One of the most notable was her version of "Landslide" by Fleetwood Mac, which showcased her ability to bridge traditional bluegrass with folk and contemporary influences.
Her YouTube performances of bluegrass classics and original songs introduced her to a global audience, with many discovering her music through these early recordings.
The Making of a Legend
Before forming Blue Summit, AJ Lee had already built a name for herself in the bluegrass world. Her festival performances, award-winning musicianship, and viral recordings all contributed to her eventual rise as a leader in the genre.
By the time Blue Summit was formed in 2018, AJ was no longer just a promising young talent—she was already a recognized force in bluegrass.
The First Lineup of AJ Lee & Blue Summit and Their Road to Their First Album
By the time AJ Lee & Blue Summit officially formed in 2018, AJ was already a well-known name in the California bluegrass scene.
She had grown up on festival stages, honed her skills with The Tuttles with AJ Lee, and won multiple awards as a vocalist and mandolin player. However, she wanted something different—a band of her own, where she could explore new musical directions while staying rooted in bluegrass.
That vision became a reality when she brought together a group of like-minded, talented musicians from the West Coast bluegrass scene, forming what would become one of the most innovative and exciting young bluegrass bands of their generation.
The First Lineup of Blue Summit (2015-2019)
The original lineup of Blue Summit was composed of musicians who shared AJ’s love for bluegrass but were also eager to push the genre’s boundaries:
AJ Lee – Lead vocals, mandolin, and songwriter
Sully Tuttle – Guitar, vocals (brother of Grammy-winning artist Molly Tuttle)
Jesse Fichman – Guitar, vocals
This core group of musicians built the sound of Blue Summit—a sound that was rooted in bluegrass but incorporated folk, swing, jazz, and indie influences.
From Festival Stages to a Rising Force in Bluegrass (2015-2019)
Blue Summit started off playing local venues, smaller bluegrass festivals, and California music events, gradually building a dedicated following. Their tight harmonies, virtuosic instrumentals, and AJ’s soulful voice set them apart from other young bluegrass bands.
They gained national attention with standout performances at:
Strawberry Music Festival
The Father’s Day Bluegrass Festival
Delfest
The International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) showcases
Each of these performances helped them establish their reputation as one of the most exciting young bluegrass bands in the country.
The band’s ability to blend traditional bluegrass with modern influences appealed to both hardcore bluegrass fans and newer audiences, making them festival favorites.
The Breakthrough: Their First Album – "Like I Used To" (2018)
After four years of refining their sound and gaining a following, AJ Lee & Blue Summit released their debut album, Like I Used To, in August 2019.
What Made This Album Special?
It was the first full-length project where AJ showcased her songwriting ability, proving she wasn’t just an incredible vocalist but also a powerful lyricist.
The album blended classic bluegrass instrumentation with a more modern, singer-songwriter approach, making it appealing to both bluegrass traditionalists and indie-folk fans.
Songs like "Like I Used To" and "Put Your Head Down" demonstrated their genre-blurring sound, featuring swing-infused melodies and introspective lyrics.
The album was met with critical acclaim, with many praising it as a fresh and exciting take on bluegrass.
The Impact of Their First Album
Following the release of Like I Used To, Blue Summit's career skyrocketed:
✅ They played major festivals (not on stages yet) across the country.
✅ They started touring nationally, reaching new audiences outside of California
.✅ AJ Lee cemented herself as one of the most promising young voices in bluegrass.
The album was a turning point, proving that AJ Lee & Blue Summit were not just another bluegrass band—they were innovators shaping the future of the genre.
A New Era for Blue Summit
The release of Like I Used To marked the end of Blue Summit’s early years and the beginning of a new chapter. As they continued to evolve, they embraced even more influences, pushing their sound further while still honoring their bluegrass roots.
AJ Lee & Blue Summit (2018-2019): Band Changes, Albums, and Touring Growth
Between 2018 and 2019, AJ Lee & Blue Summit evolved from a rising bluegrass act into a nationally recognized band. This period saw lineup changes, the release of their debut album, and major touring milestones that helped establish them as a force in modern bluegrass.
Band Changes: A Shift Toward Stability (2018-2019)
While AJ Lee & Blue Summit had been active since 2015, the lineup wasn’t fully solidified until around 2018-2019.
Core Members (2019 and beyond)
By the time they released their first album in 2019, the core lineup had settled into:
AJ Lee – Lead vocals, mandolin, songwriter
Sully Tuttle – Guitar, vocals (brother of Molly Tuttle)
Jesse Fichman – Guitar, vocals
various touring bass players sat in – Bass
**Jan Purat – (joined shortly after 2019)
This lineup brought stability to the band and helped shape their signature bluegrass-meets-Americana sound, blending traditional and modern influences.
2019: The Release of Like I Used To
After years of performing and honing their sound, AJ Lee & Blue Summit released their debut album, Like I Used To, in August 2019.
Why This Album Was a Big Deal
First full-length studio album showcasing their mix of bluegrass, folk, and swing influences.
AJ’s songwriting took center stage, proving she was more than just an incredible vocalist.
Songs like "Like I Used To" and "Put Your Head Down" showed their genre-fluid style—bluegrass roots with a modern storytelling approach.
The album was critically well-received, earning praise for its tight musicianship, AJ’s commanding vocals, and fresh take on bluegrass traditions.
Live Touring & Festival Circuit (2018-2019)
During this period, AJ Lee & Blue Summit expanded beyond local California festivals to a national touring act. Some of their major performances included:
✅ Delfest (2019) – One of their biggest national festival appearances, putting them on the map for bluegrass and Americana fans.
✅ Strawberry Music Festival – A California-based festival where their performances drew large crowds and new fans.
✅ RockyGrass Festival – A Colorado festival known for featuring top-tier bluegrass acts, where they held their own against seasoned veterans.
✅ Wintergrass Festival – A major event that helped them connect with a broader bluegrass audience.
✅ IBMA Showcases – Performing at the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) conference, gaining attention from industry professionals and bluegrass radio.
Their touring schedule intensified after the album release, leading to sold-out shows in key markets across the country.
Musical Growth & Expanding Their Sound
During this time, the band began experimenting even more with their sound, incorporating:
🎵 Swing & jazz elements – Sully Tuttle’s guitar style and Jan Purat’s fiddle work added a smooth, vintage swing feel to many tracks.
🎵 More original songwriting – AJ stepped into her own as a songwriter, making their music more personal and distinctive.
🎵 More vocal harmony arrangements – The three-part harmonies between AJ, Jesse, and Sully became a defining feature of their live shows.
A Pivotal Era
Between 2018-2019, AJ Lee & Blue Summit transformed from a promising California-based bluegrass band into a national touring act. The release of Like I Used To and their festival performances solidified their place in the modern bluegrass scene.
AJ Lee & Blue Summit (2020-Present): Adapting Through the Pandemic
When 2020 began, AJ Lee & Blue Summit were on a rising trajectory, fresh off the success of their 2019 debut album Like I Used To.
They had major festival bookings and a growing national audience. However, the COVID-19 pandemic forced them—like many artists—to rethink their approach to music, touring, and connecting with fans.
Early 2020: Building Momentum Before the Lockdowns
At the start of the year, AJ Lee & Blue Summit were gearing up for another year of heavy touring and festival appearances. They had built a reputation as a must-see live act, blending tight harmonies, virtuosic instrumentation, and a genre-blurring style.
Some of their planned appearances included:
✅ Wintergrass Festival (February 2020) – One of the last major performances before lockdowns began.
✅ California Bluegrass Association (CBA) events – Key shows in their home state
✅ A growing national presence – They were set to tour outside the West Coast more frequently.
Then, the world shut down in March 2020, halting live music indefinitely.
Mid-2020: Pivoting to Online Performances
Like many musicians, AJ Lee & Blue Summit had to adapt quickly to a world without live shows. Instead of touring, they leaned into:
🎥 Livestream concerts – The band performed online, streaming from their homes and small venues when restrictions allowed.
🎵 Recording and releasing new music – They used the downtime to write and refine material for their next album.
📱 Engaging fans online – They maintained their audience through social media, sharing behind-the-scenes content and personal updates.
Despite the challenges, this period allowed them to focus on songwriting and develop their next project.
2021: Returning to Live Music & A New Album
As live music slowly returned, AJ Lee & Blue Summit picked up where they left off, playing outdoor, socially distanced gigs and gradually re-entering the festival circuit.
2021 – I’ll Come Back
In August 2021, they released their second full-length album, I’ll Come Back, a more mature and introspective follow-up to Like I Used To.
Key Aspects of the Album:
Showcased AJ’s growth as a songwriter, with deeper themes of change, longing, and resilience.
Continued blending bluegrass, folk, country, and swing influences, pushing the boundaries of traditional bluegrass.
Songs like "I'll Come Back" and "Lemons and Tangerines" highlighted their evolving sound—more personal, soulful, and expansive.
The album was well-received, reinforcing their reputation as one of the most innovative young bands in bluegrass.
2022-Present: Back on the Road & New Horizons
After the release of I’ll Come Back, the band returned to full-time touring, playing festivals and venues across the country. Some highlights include:
✅ MerleFest – One of the most prestigious roots music festivals.
✅ Delfest (again!) – Reinforcing their standing in the bluegrass/jam scene.
✅ More national touring – Moving beyond California into new markets across the U.S.
A Resilient and Evolving Band
The pandemic was a major challenge, but AJ Lee & Blue Summit emerged stronger, releasing their second album, expanding their fanbase, and refining their sound. Now, they’re back to touring regularly, proving that they’re not just a bluegrass band—they’re a forward-thinking, genre-defying musical force.
AJ Lee & Blue Summit (2023-2025): Lineup Changes, Albums, Live Touring, and Legacy
From 2023 to 2025, AJ Lee & Blue Summit have continued to grow, evolve, and solidify their place as one of the most exciting and innovative bluegrass bands in the country.
This period marked a few key changes in the band's lineup, the release of new music, a return to major live performances, and a deepening of their legacy in the bluegrass and Americana scenes.
Lineup Changes (2023-2025)
While the band's core members, including AJ Lee and Sully Tuttle, have remained at the forefront, a few musical shifts and lineup changes have contributed to the evolution of Blue Summit's sound and direction.
Key Changes:
2023:
Chad Bowen (bass) left the band to pursue other musical ventures, and series of touring bass players sat in
2024: Jan Purat, continued as the band's fiddle player,
classical techniques with roots influences, which added a more textured and diverse sound to their music.
Jesse Fischman left band (Late 2022)
during co-vid - Reached out to old friend scotty Gates
These changes brought in a fresh dynamic, with new musicians contributing their own influences to the band's sound. However, the core identity of AJ Lee & Blue Summit—with its blend of bluegrass, folk, and Americana influences—has remained intact, helping to keep the group grounded in its roots while pushing its boundaries.
album release at the grand ole opry
Albums: New Music and Continued Innovation (2023-2025)
2024: The Release of city of glass (signed with signature of sound record label)
Key Features of city of glass:
Themes of change: The album's tracks reflected the band's evolution, , as well as broader changes. where 2 songs were written from sully Tuttle and 3 songs were written by Scotty Gates
previously aj lee wrote all the songs for blue summitt.
New influences: While still rooted in bluegrass, the album incorporated more indie-folk and alt-country elements, with some tracks experimenting with sparser arrangements and more intricate raw instrumentation.
Standout tracks: Songs like "Hillside" and "Seaside town" highlighted AJ's introspective lyrics, while tracks like "CIty of Glass" and "ToYS" captured the band’s more expansive, genre-blurring direction.
produced by California Honeydrop's Lech Wierzynski
City of Glass was well received by critics, earning praise for its lyrical depth, bold experimentation, and the band's ability to stay authentic while embracing change. producing their signature sound.
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at this point they started to showcase their electrifying stage presence and musical chemistry in front of a live audience. It included reworked versions of fan favorites and a few unreleased tracks, giving fans a taste of the band’s evolving sound in a live performance context.
Live Touring and Performances (2023-2025)
The band’s live performances have always been a huge part of their identity, and as the pandemic restrictions eased, AJ Lee & Blue Summit hit the road again, quickly becoming festival favorites across the country. Some of their standout performances and tours included:
MerleFest 2023 & 2024 – As one of the most prestigious Americana/bluegrass festivals, their performances here helped solidify their place in the broader bluegrass community.
Bluegrass in the Mountains (2023-2024) – A series of sell-out shows in the Appalachian region, a key area for bluegrass music.
Summer 2024 Tour – A full national tour that took the band through major cities and music venues across the U.S. They headlined multiple bluegrass festivals and performed at iconic venues, further expanding their fan base.
Winter 2024 West Coast Tour – A string of shows along the West Coast, where the band has always had a strong following.
These tours helped to not only rebuild their momentum post-pandemic but also expand their reach, attracting new fans from across the country and beyond.
Legacy as of 2025
As of 2025, AJ Lee & Blue Summit have firmly established themselves as one of the most exciting young bands in the bluegrass and Americana scenes. Their legacy can be seen in several ways:
Revolutionizing Bluegrass: The band's ability to blend traditional bluegrass with modern, genre-blurring influences (folk, jazz, swing, and alt-country) has allowed them to expand the boundaries of what bluegrass music can be while keeping it grounded in its roots.
Strong Songwriting and Lyrics: AJ Lee's songwriting continues to grow in both complexity and emotional depth. Her ability to capture universal themes like love, change, and resilience has made their music resonate with a wide variety of listeners beyond just bluegrass fans.
A Mentoring Influence: As the band gains more attention, AJ has become a role model for young women in bluegrass, encouraging more women to take up the mandolin and pursue bluegrass music. She's been pushing for greater representation in the genre and has worked to create a more inclusive environment for up-and-coming musicians.
A Genre-Spanning Appeal: AJ Lee & Blue Summit have drawn fans from not just bluegrass circles, but from a variety of genres, including folk, indie, and country. This broad appeal has made them stand out as innovators in the bluegrass world, with their music being embraced by multiple generations of listeners.
Critical Acclaim and Growing Recognition: With their latest album Glass and consistent live performances, the band has been increasingly recognized by critics and peers alike, earning nominations and accolades within the bluegrass and Americana communities.
2025 onward
AJ Lee – Lead vocals, mandolin, songwriter
Sully Tuttle – Guitar, vocals
Scotty Gates – Guitar
SEAN NEWMAN – Bass
Jan Purat – Fiddle
By 2025, AJ Lee & Blue Summit have carved out a significant place in the bluegrass world while remaining one of the genre's most forward-thinking and dynamic bands.
PLAYING RYMAN IN JULY 2025 - A LIFELONG DREAM
Their ability to evolve musically, maintain a strong connection with their fans, and push the boundaries of bluegrass while staying true to its roots ensures that they will be a powerful force in the music industry for years to come.
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