Chris Young :: News Story

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Hazel Smith Dishes Out More on Chris

http://www.cmt.com/news/hot-dish/1633846/hot-dish-brad-paisley-bounces-back-after-the-fall.jhtml
Chris Young gave me a hug and asked if I recalled what happened during his last visit to my kitchen to tape CMT's Southern Fried Flicks. For the life of me, I could not remember. So he told me.

What happened was this: When I went to the restroom, I forgot about the wireless transmitter microphone fastened waist-high on my back, and I dropped it into the toilet! Of course, Chris recalled that boo-boo and is still laughing about it. I'll tell you what, though: It's never happened again. I am always aware of that very expensive wireless transmitter microphone. It ain't going in the toilet anymore when I'm wearing it.

So much has happened in Chris' career since that previous visit. For one thing, he's had a No. 1 single with "Gettin' You Home (The Black Dress Song)," a tune he co-wrote.

When I asked him who told him the song had reached No. 1, he smiled and explained that he was returning home from a tour of radio stations. Just as the plane landed, he called Keith Gale, one of the promotions reps for his record label. When he answered, Keith said, "Hold on. Somebody here wants to tell you what happened this week with your single."

"Congratulations on your first No. 1 hit," said a familiar voice Chris couldn't quite identify. "What a great song. I'm so proud for you and proud of you."

The mystery voice on the phone was none other than Kenny Chesney, who'd dropped by the Sony Music Nashville office that day. When he heard the news about Chris' single, he wanted to be the first one to congratulate him.

"Can you believe that?" Chris told me, still a little shocked that a superstar would go out of his way to tell him the news.

"Yep, Chris," I told him. "I believe it. That's the way it is in this town. Everybody is for everybody else. When someone hits No. 1 for writing or singing a song, there is always a brother or sister in music ready to offer congratulations. When you're as successful as Kenny, you know to say thanks and congratulations. A man like Kenny never forgets where he came from -- just a few miles up the road east of you, Chris."

Chris, who hails from Murfreesboro, Tenn., moved the 20 miles to Nashville about four months ago. He still drops by to visit his parents whenever he gets a chance, and the family-minded 24-year-old still goes to Columbia, Tenn., to visit his grandparents on every holiday.

"Grandpa won't ask the blessing until I get there," Chris said. It's no wonder Chris is such a nice boy. He comes from a good family that raised him right.

Chris has been called the sexiest man in country music and the handsomest man in country music, but he tells me he doesn't have a steady girlfriend. For the time being, he's too busy writing songs and performing. Right now, his mind is focused on opening the shows during Alan Jackson's big tour that's coming up. Having been an Alan Jackson fan forever, Chris is so humbled and happy for the opportunity to tour with his all-time hero. While planning for Alan's Freight Train tour, he's all smiles and counting the days until his dream comes true. Stay in touch, Chris!