“He’ll Go Far!”: Randy Travis and Riley Green are Blown Away by Joe Henley’s Travis Tritt Cover on ‘The Voice’

Riley Green finally made his long awaited debut on The Voice last night (September 21), and a country singer from the 'Worst Way' singer's own backyard has already had a major impact on him.

Joe Henley is a 19-year-old country singer from Alabama, who before his performance on the hit NBC music show had never played a proper gig before.

A quick scroll through Henley’s Instagram makes his musical tastes pretty clear. The young man comes across as a big fan of what you'd call traditional country, whether that's classic or contemporary.

He can be found posting acoustic covers of songwriting greats like Vince Gill and Guy Clark, as well as more contemporary favourites like Kenny Whitmire. There’s a confidence and comfort to Henley’s performances, particularly with songs that favour storytelling and emotional weight.

It makes his choice of cover for his performance on The Voice even more natural. 'Anymore', Travis Tritt's 1991 No.1 classic, is one of those vulnerable country staples, emotionally forthright and straight to the point while letting the music carry the words.

What's particularly interesting about Henley's performance is the deep, natural burl of his voice. There are shades of Josh Turner and Scotty McCreery to Henley, but he doesn't yet possess the same control or polish. That's only natural for a 19-year-old singer with virtually no gigging experience, and working with an artist like Riley Green could be exactly how he develops that refinement.

Henley knew who he wanted in his corner on the show if anyone was to turn their chair in the blind audition.

“Country music is back on The Voice in a big way. Riley Green is here. I love him to death,” admitted Henley on the show before his performance. “Hopefully I could get more than one to turn. I would love to see new blood Riley Green and Kelly Clarkson go at it."

Henley got exactly what he wished for.

Clarkson and Green both immediately hit their buzzers, almost in tandem. Green couldn't help but mouth the words along with Henley, who noticed and made sure to give Green a nod and salute of appreciation for turning his chair. Clarkson wasn't going to go down without a fight though, leaving her seat and hilariously standing in front of Green in an attempt to grab his attention.

When it came to making his decision, there was only really one person Henley was going to pick to be his coach. When asked who his favourite artists were, Henley offered Travis Tritt, Keith Whitley, Don Williams, George Strait, and others. When asked where Green was in his list, Henley replied "I haven't got to my No. 1 yet". The kid is an entertainer to boot.

It only took Henley admitting that 'My Way' was his favourite song for Green to grab a guitar and start a duet with him right there and then. This time Henley couldn't help but grin with excitement at what was happening, as Clarkson even chimed in for a harmony on the chorus. Henley went in hoping that Clarkson and Green would turn their chairs for him. Now he's singing with both of them.

It wasn't just the two coaches that Henley impressed.

"Sure enjoyed this!!" commented Randy Travis on Instagram, "Joe's vocals and take on this song are incredible!"

Imagine going from sitting in your bedroom learning covers of Travis Tritt and Keith Whitley to Randy Travis singing your praises. That wasn't all he had to say, though.

"He'll go FAR!!!!"

Not a bad night's work for a 19-year-old kid from Alabama who'd never played a proper gig before.