Chris Young

• Genre: New Traditional
• Hometown: Murfreesboro
• Chris Young Website

About

This 2006 Nashville Star winner always knew he wanted music as a career, and he had the full support of his family while finding his way. Growing up in Murfreesboro, Tenn., Chris Young was always surrounded by music, perhaps because his grandfather was original Louisiana Hayride performer Richard Yates. Chris started his first band in high school, eventually juggling college and a vigorous gigging schedule. Despite his band's popularity, Chris couldn't get a deal. When the prestigious honky-tonk Cowboys Dancehall in Arlington, Tex., came calling, Young headed west to Texas, where he impressed the locals. It was one such local who persuaded Young to try out for Nashville Star, where he wowed the judges with a voice of an old soul and a handful of beautiful original songs. Young's self-titled debut was released in October 2006, and the self-penned first single, "Drinkin' Me Lonely," proved to be a winner on country radio. His sophomore effort was released in 2008.

- Linda Ryan