Jeremy Glass, Special to the Post
Posted: Tuesday, February 17, 2009 3:41 pm

“Country gets classy!” is a phrase that’s been seen all over town ever since promotion began for country artist Chris Young's upcoming concert with the Murfreesboro Symphony at MTSU's Murphy Center.

The Murfreesboro native will take a break from promoting his upcoming RCA Records release to perform the 8 p.m. Feb. 21 concert, which will welcome both jeans and black ties among what is expected to be a diverse audience makeup.

To register to win tickets to the concert, e-mail Ann Wells at awells@murfreesboropost.com. Remember to include your name and contact information.

“It's my first time to play with the symphony, and it's rare for me to get to play in my home town of Murfreesboro,” Young said, “so I am very excited to do both at the same time.”

Growing up in Murfreesboro, Young — who is a classically trained vocalist — was always interested in music.

“For as long as I can remember, I told everyone I would be a country singer,” he said. “I didn't know I'd be successful, but I knew I would be singing, even if it meant doing it on the street with a cup in front of me. I love it that much.”

Such an assumption was not a bad one, as it turned out, shared Young, who — along with his band in high school — spent long hot summer days practicing in their small rented and un-air- conditioned storage unit. But their hard work paid off. The week Young aced his high-school senior finals, he released his now fan-treasured debut album.

After his second year of college, taking music business courses at MTSU, Young’s career took over. He soon landed a job playing four nights a week at Cowboys honky-tonk in Arlington. From there, one thing led to another, and even more career-building opportunities began to be presented until Young found himself with a record deal with RCA Nashville.

Speaking of his first radio single, “Drinkin' Me Lonely,” the singer said, “I've always believed in that song. There's a theory in Nashville that you don't start your career with a ballad, so maybe it goes against the grain. But I feel real confident about it because it's already opened doors for me.”

The latest door to open for Young, however, is the opportunity to sing with the symphony, something Young thought happened only after many years in the business, as suggested by past established artists who performed with symphonies, including Barbara Mandrell, the late Tammy Wynette, Alan Jackson and Randy Travis.

“It should be a great night,” said Young, referring to the Feb. 21 event.

For more concert information or tickets, visit www.ticketmaster.com or call 615-898-2103.

For more information on Young, visit www.chrisyoungcountry.com.