Joe Hott

Joe Hott first turned heads in the Bluegrass and Gospel world with his unique sound—a blend often compared to Hank Williams, Sr. and Dr. Ralph Stanley—quickly earning him spots on the Bluegrass Today Charts and appearances on the Grand Ole Opry stage. Over the years, he has shared stages with legends including Vince Gill, Rhonda Vincent, Ralph Stanley II, and more, while working in the studio with iconic producers like Glen Duncan.

A unique blend of retro-bluegrass, traditional country, gospel and original Appalachian mountain music provides the mixture needed to make the Virginia native a rare treasure on today’s 
music scene. Named a 2017 National Brand Ambassador for top boot retailer Durango Boots, the 22-year-old artist is, in a word: authentic. His 6-foot-4-inch, lanky frame and handsome boyish resemblance to Hank Williams, Sr. were God’s gift to Joe Hott. Joe’s gift to God is his music. “I really cherish the family and spiritual values I grew up with,” notes the minister’s son whom, at an early age, found a fascination with the tradition-steeped sounds native to his birthplace in Winchester, Virginia. When Joe was a child he moved to West Virginia and readily picked up a love for music from both his father and two uncles who played and sang traditional music. Joe’s youthful fascination with the blended soundtracks of Dr. Ralph Stanley, Bill Monroe, Flatt & Scruggs, and Hank Williams, Sr. spun the fabric of his creative inspiration, formed his vocal and musical interpretations and 
set the foundation for his songwriting.

In 2012, Joe formed the “Short Mountain Brothers” trio—the group’s name a tribute to Short Mountain that sits just behind Joe’s boyhood home. The house itself is, in fact, the same home that his great-grandfather lived in when he moved to West Virginia back in the 1920’s. Joe’s childhood surroundings richly contributed to his love of history, deep family heritage and the sounds that built American culture. With the addition of a fourth musician, Joe now tours with his renamed “Short Mountain Boys,” featuring guitar, banjo, bass and mandolin. They have shared the stage with artists such as Rhonda Vincent and Vince Gill, connecting with new fans at each concert. 

Aware of today’s music and the maze of radio programmers and charts needed to reach an audience, Joe and his creative team are confident he has the originality and authenticity to reach both old and young with his presentation of the traditional.

With support from a nationwide fanbase, his label and agency team, and his family, Joe is gearing up to hit the road and share his latest music with the world. His new release, JOE, leaves little doubt that all things old are new again. Featuring 12 songs, a selection of both self-penned tracks, Gospel favorites and some rousing covers, the collection showcases Joe’s genuine authenticity and commitment to being true to both himself and his influences. 

“People like what’s real—and that defines my music,” he notes.