Nashville Star is like the country version of American Idol. It’s brought us quite a few country hits – though none with such a deep baritone and classic-country sound as Chris Young. After winning the show in 2005, Chris signed a contract with the label RCA and has put out hit after hit ever since. But how did this small-town boy from Murfreesboro, Tennessee get such a profound sound at such a young age? Partly from his DNA. His grandfather was Louisiana Hayride performer Richard Yates.

The Pre- Nashville Star Star

Chris Young had fans before his shows and voice were ever televised. He was playing in clubs around Nashville and his hometown regularly by his senior year of high school. And while he had local, even state-wide success, he lived a humble life. He started out at Belmont University and finished his education at Middle Tennessee State. How he kept his grades up while playing a hundred plus shows a year is a mystery to this day.

Becoming a Big Shot

While Chris would never describe himself as a big shot, he quickly proved he was one. He flew through the 2005 Nashville Star competition, winning it by a big margin. With the help of RCA Records (the prize for winning Nashville Star), Young put out his first single the next year. He then released his self-titled debut album, to make sure he stayed fresh in America’s mind. His most popular hit to-date is “Tomorrow” which comes off his third album “Neon” from 2011. It reached number one on the country charts and helped the album go platinum.

Future records had hits like “Aw Naw”, which was poppier and more of a party anthem than any music he’d put out before. What’s impressive is how Chris Young somehow maintains his sound on every album without boring his fans. That’s how you know he has authentic talent. And like any good country star, Chris Young was “Raised on Country.”