Yes, That’s a String Version of Brandi Carlile’s ‘The Joke’ in a New American Express Ad [WATCH]
In case you're having trouble placing that gorgeous and familiar violin performance in a new American Express advertisement, it's a version of Brandi Carlile's multi-Grammy Awards-winning song "The Joke." Press play above to watch.
A little girl's recital piece soundtracks a collage of regular people enjoying simple pleasures. In line with the commercial's "Don't live life without it" slogan, the violinist is grown up by the song's end, as if to compare the security of carrying a credit card to the comfort of figuratively growing up onstage.
Carlile performed a show-stealing version of "The Joke" in February during the Grammy Awards. That same night, she won three trophies: one for Best Americana Album for By the Way, I Forgive You and two (American Roots Song and American Roots Performance) for "The Joke." During her one of her acceptance speeches, Carlile focused in on how the Americana community allowed her to become a critically acclaimed and award-winning performer.
“Americana music is the island of the misfit toys. I am such a misfit. It is this music that has shaped my life and made me who I am, and even given me my family," she reflected. "I came out of the closet at 15 years old, when in high school, and I can assure you that I never got invited to any parties, and never got to attend a dance.
"To be embraced by this community has been the dance of a lifetime," she added. "Thank you for being my island.”
The commercial builds on Carlile's own acoustic renditions of her music. Examples range from her busking with the Foo Fighters in Seattle to performing "The Joke" with Hozier at the Newport Folk Festival.
Beyond her spread of "The Joke," Carlile works tirelessly to further Tanya Tucker's legendary career and help her fellow Highwomen make some space for diversity in country music.
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