Tess Henley

Biography

Tess Henley is an acclaimed singer-songwriter and musician born and raised in Kent, Washington, near Seattle. She began Suzuki piano training at the age of three, and by five, she was already dissecting complex harmonies, inspired by her mother, a professional singer. Henley attended the University of Washington, where she continued to write and record original material, blending her early influences of Motown, soul, and R&B into her own unique style.[1][2]

Henley released her debut album, 'Easy To Love,' in 2008 at the age of twenty, followed by 'High Heels and Sneakers.' Her songwriting prowess quickly earned her recognition, winning multiple awards including Independent Music Awards and the grand prize in the 'Show Me The Music' songwriting competition. Her breakthrough came in 2014 when she became the first female winner of Guitar Center’s Singer/Songwriter Competition, selected by Grammy-winning producer Don Was from over 10,000 entrants. This led to the recording of her EP 'Wonderland' at Hollywood’s Henson Recording Studios, with Don Was describing her as 'a world class singer with a true gift.'[1][2]

Henley’s music is characterized by soulful vocals, warm arrangements, and a classic R&B sensibility that draws comparisons to artists from earlier eras. She has performed on national television, opened for artists like Jill Scott and Anthony Hamilton, and toured extensively in the US and Canada. Her artistry continues to evolve, earning her a reputation as a modern soul musician with deep roots in tradition and an eye toward the future.[2][1]

Fun Facts

• Tess Henley began Suzuki piano training at age three and could dissect complex harmonies by age five, impressing even her professional singer mother.[1][2]
• She was the first female winner of Guitar Center’s Singer/Songwriter Competition, selected by Don Was from over 10,000 entrants.[1][2]
• Her music has won over $100,000 in awards and honors, including multiple Independent Music Awards and the John Lennon International Songwriting Competition.[2]
• Henley’s songs have been featured in film, including the 2012 movie 'Hello I Must Be Going.'[1]

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Tess Henley's mother - Her mother, a professional singer, was Tess's earliest and most significant musical influence, introducing her to Motown, soul, and harmony singing. (Practiced Motown and soul covers together in childhood) [Early childhood through adolescence]
• Don Was - Multi-Grammy-winning producer who mentored and produced her EP after selecting her as the winner of Guitar Center’s Singer/Songwriter Competition. (Wonderland (EP)) [2014-2015]

Key Collaborators

• James Gadson - Legendary drummer who played on Tess Henley’s 'Wonderland' EP sessions. (Wonderland (EP)) [2014-2015]
• James Hutchinson - Bass player for 'Wonderland' EP, known for work with Bonnie Raitt and BB King. (Wonderland (EP)) [2014-2015]
• Mark Goldenberg - Guitarist on 'Wonderland' EP, has played with Linda Ronstadt and Bonnie Raitt. (Wonderland (EP)) [2014-2015]
• Mike Finnigan - Hammond organist on 'Wonderland' EP, known for work with Jimi Hendrix and Michael McDonald. (Wonderland (EP)) [2014-2015]
• Michito Sanchez - Percussionist on 'Wonderland' EP, has worked with Train and Aretha Franklin. (Wonderland (EP)) [2014-2015]
• Davide Rossi - String arranger for 'Wonderland' EP, known for work with Ed Sheeran and Coldplay. (Wonderland (EP)) [2014-2015]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Dean Martin (Better)
2. Same Girl (Same Girl)
3. White Christmas (Joy, A Holiday Pack)
4. Better (Better)
5. Love It or Leave It (Better)
6. Wonderland (Wonderland)
7. Win Or Lose (At Home) (At Home)
8. Love You More (At Home) (Love You More (At Home))
9. Not In The Mood (At Home) (Not In The Mood (At Home))
10. Better (At Home) (At Home)

External Links

• Spotify