Young musician doesn't let disability slow her down | Arts & Culture

Two sisters have always loved music, but just recently started singing around the Memphis area together.

“Music is the one thing I’ve had pretty much my whole life. It means a lot to me to share that with the world,” said Chrissy Owens.

As both sisters played in venues separately before this year, it is only in the past six months that they started playing together.

They recently played a show at Hard Rock Cafe and were a part of the South Trolley Tour last month.

“It was neat, whole environment with people watching, video, singing along - neat, great experience,”
said Ashley.

Chrissy said that being in a wheelchair isn’t a reason to give up her dream.

“By being in a wheelchair I couldn't do a lot of other activities kids would do, so with the gift God gave me, I had my music. I think music is something that no matter what age or what you have been through, it is always there. I just want people to know that I didn't give up my dream of singing because I am in a wheelchair, I pursued it even more because it is apart of me and I'm just like anyone else,” she said.

Executive Director of the Memphis Music Commission, Johnnie Walker, said Chrissy Owens went through the same process with the commission as any other musician would in Memphis.

“I did not know she was in a wheelchair, I listened to the music and got an idea where to place the artist. I did not know, her mother called and said Chrissy was in a wheelchair and expressed her concerned,” said Walker.

Walker said after seeing her Chrissy and Ashley perform she immediately asked them to do a show for the Memphis Music Commision. They performed for the Memphis Music Revealed TV that aired in September.

“We realized that we didn’t have a ramp, and when I talked her about it she said, ‘just find a way to get me on the stage.’ She has the most amazing attitude, her handicap is to other people not her. She positions her guitar, and has amazing vocals,” said Walker.

Chrissy and Ashley said their motivation in their music is their Christian faith. They write original songs as well as sing covers.

Their next show is in November at the Race for Education in Bartlett, you can read more information about that event here.

You can visit Chrissy and Ashley Owens’ Facebook page here or their YouTube account here.