Chris Young bringing new music to Manchester fairgrounds

Perhaps it was inevitable that Chris Young would make it in the entertainment business.

The country singer’s grandfather, Richard Yates, was a performer on “Louisiana Hayride,” a country music show that launched some of the great country and rock artists, including a very young Elvis Presley.

The music bug bypassed Young’s dad. However, Young, who became a sensation in 2006 after winning Season Four of the reality singing competition show “Nashville Star,” has enjoyed a consistently solid career.

Young, 39, effectively straddles the line between traditional country and the pop side of Music City. It’s not easy to find and keep that balance, but that’s part of Young’s appeal.

“I love to write,” Young said while calling from Texas. “That's a passion of mine. I’m writing all of the time. That’s the way I express myself.”

The Murfreesboro, Tenn., native has a gift for crafting and recording hits. “Voices,” “Gettin’ You Home (The Black Dress Song),” “The Man I Want to Be,” “Tomorrow” and “You” each hit the top of the country charts. “Aw Now,” “Who I Am with You” and “Lonely Eyes” each landed in the top five of the country charts.

It can’t be easy for Young, who is touring behind a new album, his eighth, “Young Love & Saturday Nights,” to craft a set list. But he’ll make one for his grandstand concert July 11, 2024, at the Delaware County Fair in Manchester.

“It’s a good thing to be in this situation,” he said. “The songs have added up over the years.”

Young has been remarkably consistent. His work was recognized by the Grand Ole Opry, which inducted him into its hallowed halls in 2017.

“When I was a kid growing up in Murfreesboro and listening to the Opry, I never dreamed that I would be invited to be a member,” he said. “There is nothing like being part of that institution. Being inducted was incredible.”

Young can’t help but look back fondly at his Grand Ole Opry debut.

“It’s something I’ll never forget,” he said. “I didn’t know what I was supposed to do. I was in a room tuning my guitar and I found out that I was going on. All of a sudden I was onstage and well, there’s nothing like playing the Grand Ole Opry.”

It was evident early in his career that Young had the right vocation.

“I knew this was what I should do from the very first time I stepped on stage with a band. It was all about music for me,” he said. “I loved music and still do. I never questioned what I wanted to do for a living and I’m glad, since I’m doing what I’m meant to do.”

Unlike many of his peers, Young keeps his personal life to himself.

“I’ve always kept that separate,” he said. “Certain relationships have inspired songs, but I’ve never been one to just talk about my personal life. For me, it’s always been about the music, and it continues to be about the music. But it’s good to take what I’ve experienced and put it into song, since it comes from a real place and I think that’s always good for a songwriter.”

Young has the songs but he also has the voice, an identifiable deep baritone.

“People can recognize my voice, which is a good thing,” he said. “I’m fortunate to have this voice. I take care of it and I just love what I do.”

His voice, songwriting skills and his many friendships have buoyed his career. Young has collaborated with recording artists ranging from Mitchell Tenpenny to Patty Loveless to the Doobie Brothers to Tracy Lawrence to Kane Brown.

“I’ve been very lucky to have such great relationships,” he said. “I’ve met some amazing people who wanted to work with me. I’m so thankful for how things have turned out.”