Born country? Exactly. Charley Jenkins has country roots that run deep. Raised on a farm in Eastern Utah, Charley learned to rope, ride and work hard. Life on the Jenkins’ farm revolved around cows, horses and rodeos. The horse trailer was a constant companion to the family’s truck. But, whether he was on the road or on the tractor, he was always singing.
At the age of 5, Charley made his public singing debut winning a local talent contest,. From that point on he was found singing in church and other public functions. He quickly gained a reputation as the “little kid with the big voice.” He soon became a hometown favorite and was singing throughout the Eastern Utah region winning contest after contest.
With the success of his first album and personal advice from George Strait, Charley moved to Nashville, Tenn. in 2001. While in Nashville, Charley sat back and watched and learned. He soon found himself rubbing shoulders with country music’s best. Charley’s natural abilities at writing, singing and playing grew even more. He has played at hundreds of writer’s shows and bars on the famous Broadway Street in downtown Nashville.
Over the past two years Charley has been writing and gathering songs for a new album, “Round Here.” He wanted this album to show who he is and what his music is all about. The title is so fitting. Charley is proud of where he is from and the people who have influenced his life. It was this love that brought Charley back home in the summer of 2004 to help with the farm and to be with his family and his father who was battling cancer. “Coming home was an easy decision for me, and I will never regret it. The time I had with my father until his passing in August will always be sacred to me,” said Charley. This album is a tribute to his father and he personally wrote the song “Hero at Home” for him.
His love for country music has been a life-long passion. “Country is who and what I am. It is only natural for me to sing the songs that I love and relate to,” Charley added. He just doesn’t sing, he is an entertainer. His high energy and raw emotion makes the audience feel a part of every performance. Charley has sung country music for thousands. His ability to write, sing, and play great country songs along with his compelling ability to entertain has made him not only a hometown favorite, but a favorite wherever he plays.
Charley can be seen at the upcoming Emery County Fair, Aug. 5 at 7 p.m. in Castle Dale. He will be opening for Little Texas.
Charley Jenkins is coming to the Emery County Fair
