Trey Wilson

Through his recent work experience in Nashville’s country music industry, Uvalde native Trey Wilson had the opportunity to be a part of the behind-the-scenes operations of Nashville recording artist Jason Aldean.
Then, in January, Wilson got the opportunity to experience being center stage when he performed two shows opening for Capital Recording Artists Little Big Town at Nashville’s Gaylord Opryland Convention Center with over 5,000 in attendance.
“Now I know how the big stars feel. I had the best in the business backing me up. There was a full crew of sound, light and camera techs that were hired for the sole purpose of making me look and sound my best,” said Wilson. “There was an event manager, Tom Adams, Director of Creative Production with Gavel International, and I even had my own stage manager, long-time Nashville music production manager Stephen Gudis, who took care of everything for me. All I had to do was walk out on stage and sing. I think I could get used to that.”
Wilson’s opportunity came about when the CNH production team began planning their 2011 Trade Fair for North American Case IH and New Holland dealers.
“Since we were planning a site inspection to Nashville, and because Trey is going to school in Nashville, we decided to hop a cab and meet Trey at his home for a brief ‘strum and hum,’” explained CNH communications representative Kris Harper. “And he goes to Belmont, one of the best schools in the business for what he’s doing. Brad Paisley, for instance, came out of Belmont.”
The team was looking for a musician with a perfect match for their “Building on a Strong Foundation” theme, and they found it.
“As a result of the audition, we walked away extremely impressed, not only with Trey’s musical talent but his professionalism, goals, aspirations and level of confidence at the young age of 20,” said Harper. “We knew that there would be a great message to the dealers that would tie in to the theme of our event – Building On A Strong Foundation – quite nicely.”
After the production crew met Wilson, they quickly put the wheels in motion to showcase the musician at the Nashville event.
A video production team flew to South Texas to tell Wilson’s story through a video biography.
Before each of Wilson’s performances, the audiences were provided a glimpse into the life of the young Texas country musician through the previously recorded video, which was shown on big screens scattered throughout the Gaylord’s Delta Ballroom.
In the video, Wilson described growing up in Uvalde and around the family-owned and run Agro Equipment dealership.
“My dad has run the dealership here in town ever since I can remember. My Grandpa owns the dealership. My first job was there, and I bought my first guitar when I was 9 years old from the money I made working there. It has been a huge part of my life,” Wilson said in the video. “Through the strong foundation I’ve gotten from my parents, I’ve learned that when times get tough, your foundation really is what holds you together and allows you to get through the bad times and the hard times. It is also there for you in the good times to make them better.”
Wilson’s parents, Kyle and Terrie Wilson, were also included in their son’s bio.
“Trey started working at the dealership at a very young age and gained the respect from everyone there through his hard work,” said his dad. “He knew what he wanted to do when he was 12 years old. So, we sent him off to chase his dream. It is really a nice feeling to see your son grow up and become the kind of man you want him to become.”
His mom told of her son’s love of music at a very early age.
“When he was 5, he wore the pages out of the JC Penney catalog looking at his first guitar,” she said.
After the video, Wilson was introduced by Eric Bippus, vice president of sales and marketing for CNH Parts and Service and host of the event. “In keeping with the family theme, we have a special treat in store for you. One of our own family members from CNH and the Agro Equipment Dealership in Uvalde, Texas, and up and coming country music star Trey Wilson.”
“The whole thing was just an incredible experience, but I don’t want to call it a once-in-a-lifetime experience because I plan on making it happen again,” laughed Wilson.
After Wilson’s performance of Jason Aldean’s “Amarillo Sky,” he told the audience “I can’t really sing a song like ‘Amarillo Sky’ without picturing the faces of farmers and customers that used to come through the doors of the dealership when I was growing up. And there would be times growing up in South Texas that it wouldn’t rain and prices would be too low to turn a profit. And you could kind of see that on their faces when they came through the door. I also remember that you could see their determination to persevere, and the faith that they had that everything was going to be alright. That’s really what this great brand means to me.”
Wilson then performed George Strait’s “Heartland” to prepare the audience for a trip to the Grand Ole Opry to hear Nashville recording group Little Big Town.
Wilson, who will graduate from Belmont University with a music business degree in May, left the audience with a heartfelt experience and a taste of Texas music, and this time he was center stage-Nashville.
“From my perspective, Trey’s performance was outstanding and we were so pleased to make him a part of one of our most successful Trade Fairs. His confidence and showmanship was first class and I have to believe, God willing, it won’t be long that we’ll see him on stage at the Grand Ole Opry,” added Harper.
To view a short video of one of Wilson’s shows go to treywilsonmusic.com and click on videos. - Uvalde Leader News