Photo by Bob Fowler/News Sentinel

News Sentinel

Laycee Lee Mack, 16, sings one of the bluegrass songs she’s written while performing in the recording studio her dad made for her next to the family home off Granite Road near Clinton.

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CLINTON — Dubbed “Miss Bluegrass,” a 16-year-old Clinton girl with a quick smile and distinctive voice has quickly risen to the forefront of that musical genre.

Self-taught musician Laycee Lee Mack has given more than 100 performances in the last two years and has appeared on TV and radio and in Nashville.

She’s the Tennessee Country Music Association’s Female Vocalist for 2008 and Bluegrass Entertainer of 2008 for her age group.

Laycee Lee has been singing since she was 3, says her dad, Harold Mack, who is also her publicist and biggest fan.

“She would drive us crazy as a young kid, singing in the house, in the van, everywhere,” said Mack. He had to cajole his daughter for three months before she’d sing on stage, he said.

Since she’s hit her teenage years, Laycee Lee has written more than 100 songs.

She’s also taught herself to play the guitar, bass, fiddle and mandolin and is starting to become a banjo-picker, her dad says.

Harold Mack said he converted an old garage next to the family’s house off Granite Road into a recording studio for his daughter. Mack said he had to evict his prized 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air in the process.

Laycee Lee and her band, Granite Station, record their music on a homemade stage surrounded by egg crate foam for enhanced sound quality.

“I like performing and being on stage and seeing the people,” Laycee Lee said. “I tell them, ‘Aw, you like my music? Great!’ … My dream is to get signed by Rounder Records. They’re pretty much awesome.

“I want to perform, but I have my education to back me up,” she said.

Laycee Lee attended Anderson County schools until she was a high school freshman.

She’s now homeschooled by her dad because her performing schedule keeps her on the road.

“I drive her and the guys in the band everywhere to show people that bluegrass is in good, youthful hands,” Harold Mack said.

While on tour, Laycee Lee has rubbed elbows with some bluegrass legends, he said.

She’s been featured on bluegrass and gospel music television shows in Nashville and regularly performs at the Bradbury Community Center on Buttermilk Road, a former school in Roane County that’s become a Tuesday night mecca for bluegrass performers.

And the “Miss Bluegrass” moniker? Laycee Lee says Leona Williams, Merle Haggard’s ex-wife, gave her that nickname.

Bob Fowler, News Sentinel Anderson County editor, may be reached at 865-481-3625.

© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel
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