Background
Tess grew up as a middle child born to a professional singer.
Tess grew up as a middle child born to a professional singer.
Born into a musical family, Henley studied and performed since childhood before launching a career performing soul music Henley graduated as valedictorian from Kentlake High School in Kent, Washington in 2006 where she played year-round basketball and soccer. In 2010, Henley graduated from University of Washington with a degree in Communications.
Since 2008, she has released several full-length albums, EPs, and singles and made her television debut on Jimmy Kimmel Live! in 2015. She is the younger sister of musician Carson Henley. She started taking Suzuki Method piano lessons at the age of 3.
In 2008, Henley released her debut album, Easy to Love.
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" film Hello I Must Be Going.
This song also garnered her an Independent Music Award. In May 2013, Henley released her sophomore studio album High Heels & Sneakers, produced by Dice Raw from The Roots and Khari Mateen.
In mid-August 2014, Henley went to Henson Recording Studios in Los Angeles with producer Was and session musicians Mike Finnigan, James Gadson, Mark Goldenberg, James "Hutch" Hutchinson, Davide Rossi, and Michito Sanchez to record.
The album Wonderland was released in early 2015. On January 22, 2015, Henley made her national television debut on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, performing "Positively Maine" and "Wonderland" from the album. Teen Vogue premiered the music video for "Wonderland".