ETSU musician Trey Hensley wins Grammy
In a testament to the influence of East Tennessee State University’s Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Roots Music Studies program, an artist associated with ETSU has captured a Grammy Award, an incredible achievement for the university and Appalachia.
Trey Hensley
ETSU adjunct faculty member and musician Trey Hensley won the Grammy for “Best Traditional Blues Album” for his work on “Swingin’ Live at the Church in Tulsa” with the Taj Mahal Sextet. Known for his exceptional guitar playing and deep ties to traditional Appalachian and blues music, Hensley’s work underscores ETSU’s commitment to celebrating and advancing the musical heritage of the region.
When Hensley moved home to East Tennessee from Nashville a few years ago, he expressed an interest in teaching for the Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Roots Music Studies program.
“It’s just a great program, and I’ve worked with so many great people associated with it through the years,” he said. “I remember being younger than most of my students, and being so in love with the music and not really having anyone to share that with in the way that we interact within the program. It’s just great walking the halls and hearing the music and knowing what’s behind it. It’s inspiring, and really just such a definite honor to be a part of it.”
A Legacy of Excellence at ETSU
This recent Grammy win is part of a larger story of ETSU’s enduring influence on American music. The university’s Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Roots Music Studies program, founded in 1982 by legendary musician Jack Tottle, was the first of its kind at a four-year institution. Over the past four decades, it has become a global leader in preserving and redefining Appalachian music. Hensley’s Grammy is the seventh Grammy Award won by ETSU program faculty or alumni.
“ETSU continues to foster a space where tradition and innovation meet,” said Dr. Ron Roach, chair of the Department of Appalachian Studies and director of the Center of Excellence for Appalachian Studies and Services. “This Grammy win is not only a triumph for an extraordinary musician but also a celebration of Appalachian culture and ETSU’s impact on the music industry.”
From Kenny Chesney to Amythyst Kiah, ETSU alumni have left an indelible mark on music. It’s one of the reasons ETSU stands as the flagship institution of Appalachia.
East Tennessee State University was founded in 1911 with a singular mission: to improve the quality of life for people in the region and beyond. Through its world-class health sciences programs and interprofessional approach to health care education, ETSU is a highly respected leader in rural health research and practices. The university also boasts nationally ranked programs in the arts, technology, computing, and media studies. ETSU serves approximately 14,000 students each year and is ranked among the top 10 percent of colleges in the nation for students graduating with the least amount of debt.
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