Success has come early in life to Sierra Hull. Only 16, she’s in final contention to be named the International Bluegrass Music Association’s Mandolin Player of the Year next month during the IBMA awards show in Nashville, Tenn.

The nomination comes on the heels of Secrets, her first major-label CD release (on the Rounder Records label) this past May.

For being such a young performer, Sierra Hull is no stranger to the IBMA and its membership. She has been performing in that organization’s annual convention showcases of young bluegrass talent since she was 10. She also took a co-host role in IBMA’s educational DVD release Discover Bluegrass: Exploring American Roots Music. The production is designed to introduce young audiences to bluegrass.

Hull also has a featured role in the the upcoming movie, “Billy: The Early Years,” about America’s best-known preacher, Billy Graham. It will be released nationally on Oct. 10. Hull portrays Graham’s sister, Catherine Graham, and is featured in a scene of her singing the evangelist’s favorite song, “Just As I Am”.

Website: http://www.sierrahull.com/

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Read about all the 2008 IBMA Mandolin Player of the Year Nominees

• Sam Bush
• Sierra Hull
• Doyle Lawson
• Ronnie McCoury
• Adam Steffey

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