Trey Hensley

A change in career direction is common in a tumultuous economy. But for Trey Hensley, it’s been one of choice not of necessity. After picking up a guitar at the age of 10, he quickly took the bluegrass world by storm —even performing on the Grand Ole Opry when he was 11. Three years ago, the now 19-year old artist followed his heart and interests into the world of country music.

Now, with his second country CD, titled “It Is What It Is,” that was released on July 4th, the Jonesborough, TN native is heading out playing his own brand of traditional honky-tonk music. Called a “bona fide hillbilly rock star” by Marty Stuart, Trey’s new CD is a combination of new, radio-friendly contemporary songs as well as songs with the classic sound of some of his heroes. The release offers covers originally performed by Elton John, Conway Twitty, Jimmy Dickens and The Gaither Vocal band. He’s also included covers written by Charlie Daniels, Larry Gatlin and Jeannie Seeley, along with songs that have never been released written by Steve Wariner, the great Johnny Russell and Chuck Allan Floyd. Some legendary singers even stopped in to sing with Hensley on the CD.

Last summer, Hensley hit the road with his four-piece band for a tour that will carried him from Philadelphia to Los Angeles , Nebraska to North Carolina and beyond. His tour included headlining dates in theaters and outdoor venues as well as opening for artists like Steve Wariner, former Alabama front-man Randy Owen and Marty Stuart.