Tess Henley

Tess Henley

Henley in 2015
Background information
Born October 31, 1988
Origin Kent, Washington, United States
Genres Soul, rhythm and blues
Years active 2008–present.
Website http://www.tesshenley.com
Notable instruments
vocals, piano, keyboards

Tess Henley is an American singer-songwriter and pianist from Kent, Washington, United States.

Early life

Tess grew up as a middle child born to a professional singer.[1] She is the younger sister of musician Carson Henley.[2] She started taking Suzuki Method piano lessons at the age of 3.[3] Henley graduated as valedictorian from Kentlake High School in Kent, Washington in 2006 where she played year-round basketball and soccer.[4] In 2010, Henley graduated from University of Washington with a degree in Communications.[5]

Career

In 2008, Henley released her debut album, Easy To Love.[6] In 2011, Tess won Budweiser’s National Superfest Summer Block Party competition to win $25,000 and opened for Jill Scott and Anthony Hamilton (musician).[7] Also during 2011, Henley was a top three finalist in R&B category for the John Lennon Worldwide Songwriting Competition,[8] the winner of the 2011 International Song Competition for SoulTracks.[9] and the winner of an Independent Music Award in 2012.[10]

After releasing a Deluxe Edition of Easy To Love through Tower Records Japan in September 2011, Tess released a 7” vinyl in October 2011 of the duet, “What You Won’t Do For Love,” featuring Mycle Wastman from The Voice, for the Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Fund.

In September 2012, Tess’ track, “Boy In The Window,” appeared in the Hollywood movie, Hello I Must Be Going.[11] This song also garnered her an Independent Music Award.

In May 2013, Henley released her sophomore studio album, High Heels & Sneakers,[12] produced by Dice Raw from The Roots and Khari Mateen.

Also in 2013, Tess received the Vox Pop R&B/Soul Independent Music Award for "Daydreaming." [13] Henley was then named grand prize winner of the Show Me The Music Songwriting Contest with her song, "Who Are You." [14]

Producer Don Was selected Tess as the Guitar Center Singer-Songwriter III Grand Prize Winner in March, 2014.[15] She became the first female winner in the competition's history, receiving $25,000, music gear, and an EP to be recorded with Don Was.[16]

In mid-August 2014 Tess was in Henson Recording Studios in Los Angeles with producer Don Was and session musicians James Gadson, Mark Goldenberg, Michito Sanchez and James "Hutch" Hutchinson recording the above mentioned EP.

Discography

Albums

Title Album Details
Easy to Love.[17]
  • Released 2008
  • Independent
The Appetizer
  • Released 2010
  • Independent
Easy To Love (Deluxe Japanese Edition)
What You won't Do For Love
  • Released October 2011
  • A 7" vinyl for Japan Earthquake & Tsunami Relief Fund
Easy to Love Deluxe Edition (North America)[18]
  • Released September 2011
High Heels & Sneakers [19]
  • Released May 7, 2013

Singles

Title Song Details
Boy In The Window
  • Released 2010
  • SoulTracks Song Competition Winner [20]
  • Independent Music Award [21]
Christmas Won't Do Without You
  • Released 2010
Daydreaming
  • Released 2012
From the Get Go
  • Released 2013
Lead Me With Your Light
  • Released 2013

References

  1. ↑ "About Tess Henley". MTV. Retrieved July 14, 2013.
  2. ↑ "ACarson Henley - CD Baby". CD Baby. Retrieved July 14, 2013.
  3. ↑ "Covington siblings pursue musical stardom". Maple Valley Reporter. Retrieved July 14, 2013.
  4. ↑ "2006 Girls Basketball All-Star Teams". Scout.com. Retrieved August 9, 2013.
  5. ↑ "An Interview with Seattle's Own Tess Henley - Don't Judge This Book By Its Cover". Seaspot. Retrieved August 9, 2013.
  6. ↑ "Tess Henley - Easy To Love". KevinNottingham.com. Retrieved July 14, 2013.
  7. ↑ "Neo Soul Cafe - Budweiser's Opening Act". Neo Soul Cafe. Retrieved July 14, 2013.
  8. ↑ "Tess Henley -SoulTracks". SoulTracks. Retrieved July 14, 2013.
  9. ↑ "New Releases Tuesday May 7, 2013". Jigsaw Magazine. Retrieved August 3, 2013.
  10. ↑ "11th Annual Independent Music Awards Winners Announced!" Independent Music Awards, 2 May 2012. Retrieved on 4 Sept. 2013.
  11. ↑ "Hello I Must Be Going (2012) Soundtracks". IMDB. Retrieved July 14, 2013.
  12. ↑ "Tess Henley - High Heels & Sneakers [LP Stream] Okayplayer". IMDB. Retrieved July 21, 2013.
  13. ↑ http://www.independentmusicawards.com/ima/2013/12th-ima-vox-pop-winners/
  14. ↑ http://www.showmethemusiccontest.com/winners/2013-winners/
  15. ↑ http://songwriter.revimage.com
  16. ↑ http://www.americansongwriter.com/2014/03/tess-henley-wins-guitar-centers-3rd-annual-singer-songwriter-program/
  17. ↑ "Covington siblings pursue musical stardom". Maple Valley Reporter. Retrieved July 14, 2013.
  18. ↑ "Easy to Love (Deluxe Edition)". iTunes. Retrieved July 14, 2013.
  19. ↑ "Tess Henley to Release 'High Heels & Sneakers (US)". Renowned For Sound. Retrieved July 14, 2013.
  20. ↑ "Music - Tess Henley: Boy in the Window". Singers Room. Retrieved July 14, 2013.
  21. ↑ "The Independent Music Awards: Nominees: Song: R & B". Independent Music Awards. Retrieved July 21, 2013.

External links