Mason Ramsey is an 11-year-old boy from Golconda, Illinois, a town with a population of 700. Although he's young, he wants to be a country music superstar. As every artist knows, you have to start somewhere. So, he put on his finest belt buckle and went to the local Walmart to sing a yodeling rendition of Hank Williams "Lovesick Blues." The melancholy song struck a chord with viewers, and videos of his performance went viral. All of a sudden, 'Yodeling Walmart Kid' became the next Internet sensation.
Of course, the video inspired a lot of hilarious memes on social media. This Twitter user made a mash-up with the perfect clip from Spongebob Squarepants.
This Twitter user recreated the video on The Sims.
This Twitter user created an EDM version of the song, and it's a banger. Who knew yodeling went so well with electronic dance music?
And like every other meme, 'Yodeling Walmart Kid' was invited to appear on Ellen's daytime talk show. In the interview, he said his dream was to perform on stage at The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee. After singing for the studio audience, Ellen surprised him with a gift: $15,000 for college, and a scheduled performance at The Grand Ole Opry this Saturday night.
But before that show, Mason booked another high profile gig: performing on stage at Coachella, an annual music and arts festival held in the California desert. This year the headlining artists are The Weeknd, Beyoncé and Eminem. There are multiple stages, with artists from multiple genres of music, but this may be the first time they hosted a yodeler. After Mason's viral success, he was invited to share the stage with the up-and-coming DJ Whethan. On Instagram, the 'Yodeling Walmart Kid' announced the set, writing, "Can’t wait to see California again! Hope y’all are ready cause we’re bringing the country to @coachella ? Will be on at 2:45 [on Friday] in the Sahara Tent with Whethan"
This festival-goer recognized Mason immediately, and tweeted a photo to express his excitement.
Just as promised, Mason hit the stage on Friday at 2:45, getting the chance to yodel in front of an enormous crowd.
And rumor has it he'll be returning to Coachella for the second weekend. TMZ reports that singer/rapper Post Malone has invited him to share the stage. It would have happened this Saturday, but Mason was already booked at The Grand Ole Opry (oh, the problems with being popular.) But since Mason is free next weekend, it looks like stars will align. Malone made the hit singles "Congratulations" and "Rockstar," so it will be interesting how he collaborates with the 'Yodeling Walmart Kid.'
Mason went from performing for an audience of one at a Walmart in Golcanda, Illinois, to an audience at thousands at the Coachella Music Festival. You gotta love the Internet.