Owensboro native Natasha Henry, a country singer and entertainer, has lived in Nashville since 2005 but has never stopped enjoying when opportunities arise to sing for the city that raised her. Henry returned to Owensboro to perform alongside The Downtown Band at the city’s fireworks show.
“My favorite part about singing in my hometown is seeing all the familiar faces,” Henry said. “I love seeing family, friends, and people I met performing at Goldie’s in the audience. It’s just a pretty cool feeling seeing your loved ones right there.”
Goldie’s Opera House is where Henry truly uncovered her passion for performance. She was a part of the main cast there every weekend until Goldie Payne, the owner, retired and closed the house down in 2008.
“I tell Goldie all the time that I would not be doing what I do for a living if it weren’t for her,” Henry said. “She got me the opportunity and got me started in the music business. I have a huge country music passion from being so exposed to that growing up because of Goldie’s.”
This passion drove her to where she is today. She now primarily travels and sings with The Downtown Band, which she has been a part of for almost 7 years. Henry said that she loves working with such a talented and dependable group of musicians who do their part and crush it every time.
“I love working with The Downtown Band because it’s always high energy. The horn players and the other musicians will dance, not just the singers. Our goal is to make the audience dance and have fun,” Henry said. “We mostly play private events, so to be able to be booked for a public event, especially in my hometown, is just so rare and cool.”
Aside from touring with this band, Henry has worked as a Dolly Parton impersonator for 10 years, which has taken her to many fun venues across several states and given her many stories to tell.
“I’ve had so many unique opportunities as Dolly. The opportunities have just piled up over the years,” Henry said. “I performed as Dolly on the Ryman Auditorium stage, I was hired by Naomi Judd to sing for her doctor, and I know there are some other really cool things that I can’t think of right now.”
In addition to these exciting gigs, Henry put together her own traditional all-girl country music band, performs at the Wildhorse Saloon in downtown Nashville, and has worked on the General Jackson Showboat for 8 years.
“I love to sing,” Henry said. “I love country music, I love working with a live band, and I love the audience interaction.”
