Chris Young brings new music to Manchester Exhibition Centre

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

The country singer’s grandfather, Richard Yates, performed on the Louisiana Hayride, a country music show that introduced some of the greatest country and rock artists, including a very young Elvis Presley.

Young’s father never caught the music bug. However, Young, who made waves in 2006 when he won the fourth season of the reality singing show “Nashville Star,” has had a consistently solid career.

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

“I love writing,” Young said during a call from Texas. “It’s a passion of mine. I write all the time. It’s how I express myself.”

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

Putting together a setlist may not be easy for Young, who is touring in support of his new album, Young Love & Saturday Nights, his eighth, but he will put one together for his grandstand concert on July 11, 2024, at the Delaware County Fair in Manchester.

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

Young has been remarkably consistent, and his work has been 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 thought I would be invited to join,” he said. “There’s nothing better than being part of this institution. The reception has been incredible.”

Young can’t help but look back on his Grand Ole Opry debut with joy.

“It’s something I’ll never forget,” he said. “I didn’t know what to do. I was in a room tuning my guitar when I found out I was going to continue. Suddenly I was on stage and, well, there’s nothing better than playing at the Grand Ole Opry.”

Early in his career, it was clear that Young had the right calling.

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

Unlike many of his colleagues, Young keeps his private life to himself.

“I’ve always kept it 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 songs, because 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, a distinctive deep baritone.

“People recognize my voice, and that’s good,” he said. “I’m lucky to have this voice. I take care of it and just love what I do.”

His voice, songwriting skills and many friendships have boosted his career. Young has worked with artists such as Mitchell Tenpenny, Patty Loveless, the Doobie Brothers, Tracy Lawrence and Kane Brown.

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