Though his roots are in bluegrass and contemporary country, up-and-coming singer/songwriter Trey Hensley, 19, has eclectic taste in music.
"If you hit shuffle on my iPod, you'll go from Merle Haggard to the Beatles to Ray Charles," Hensley said. "Though my music fits into the genre of country, I never wanted to be tied down by any particular type of music. I try to incorporate all my influences into my songs and performances."
Hensley's musical inspirations are further evidenced on his new album "It is What it is."
He will perform tracks from the album Saturday at the Community Performance Center in downtown Rock Hill, along with original material and audience requests. The album features covers from Conway Twitty to Elton John, reborn in the soulful country flavor that has come to define Hensley's sound.
Influenced by his grandfather, who introduced him to country music greats Hank Williams and George Jones, Hensley discovered his voice at the age of 7, singing in church choirs in his hometown of Jonesborough, Tenn. Having received his first guitar at the age of 10, Hensley immediately knew what genre of music that he wanted to carve his niche in.
"I wanted to play bluegrass; that's what I loved and that's what I knew," Hensley said. "And the places my music took me from there really amazed and humbled me."
Opry, June and Johnny
Places such as the Grand Ole Opry, where he performed at the age of 11. And as word of his virtuoso talent spread, it gave Hensley the opportunity to rub shoulders with some of his musical heroes, such as Charlie Daniels.
But in June 2002, Hensley's talent caught the attention of one of music's most iconic figures, creating a moment that leaves the young singer at a loss for words.
"I performed at June Carter Cash's 73rd and final birthday party," Hensley said. "Johnny [Cash] was of course there and we played music together. Looking back, it was really surreal, like a dream. You play and don't think about it, but I was still in awe."
Yet, as he amassed success and memories at such a young age, Hensley wasn't content being pigeonholed into the bluegrass genre. He knew that, to reach his goals, he needed to make a change.
Trying a new genre
That change came at age 17, when he decided to go electric and enter the realm of contemporary country music. And like another one of his musical idols, Bob Dylan, Hensley's decision brought a backlash.
"It was the hardest year of my career thus far," Hensley said. "I thought people would jump for it, but a lot of the locals were not having it.
"I wanted to be accepted, but at the same time, I wanted to be happy with myself. And if I can wake up in the morning with no regrets, then there's nothing to worry about."
These days, Hensley balances his time between touring with his four-piece band and writing original material for a new album, which he hopes to begin recording this month.
Hensley said his new music will weave more of his influences into the sonic landscape.
"I want to be an artist that's around for the next 20 years and beyond," Hensley said. "Of course I'd like to be widely known, but if my music touches one person, then I'm content with it."
To hear and purchase Hensley's music, as well as view additional biographical information, visit www.TreyHensley.com.
Want to go?
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
Where: Community Performance Center, East Main Street, Rock Hill.
Tickets: $34, arts council members and $38, nonmembers. Tickets can be purchased at www.yorkcountyarts.org or by calling the Arts Council office at 803-328-2787 by 5 p.m. today. A limited number of tickets will be available at the door.
Other performances:
Feb. 19, Second City
April 2, Cashore Marionettes
May 7, International Tenors
