Arlington, Texas has a lot of hometown talent to croon about, but these days everyone’s abuzz about singer/songwriter Maren Morris, winner of the 2017 Grammy for Best Country Solo Performance for her song, “My Church.” The entire Morris clan was there for her acceptance speech, just as they’ve been from the very beginning.

The family discovered Maren’s musical talent by accident. When Scott and Kellie Morris opened Maren Karsen Aveda Salon in Arlington 21 years ago, there wasn’t a guitar in sight. Their daughters (and salon namesakes) Maren and Karsen grew up at the salon, playing in the back room when they were younger and working as front desk and guest coordinators as they got older.

When Maren was ten years old, she tried out her friend’s Karaoke machine and surprised her family with her natural ability.

“We bought her a guitar and encouraged her to play and write music,” Scott said. As Maren cultivated her talent and the family learned the music business, she began performing across Texas at restaurants and clubs. In particular, Maren remembers performing weekly at The Grease Monkey Burger and Social Club in Downtown Arlington.

“They let me host a song swap every Thursday, and I would just bring a new friend of mine each week to come and play with me,” Maren said.

About 4-5 years ago, when she was in her early twenties, Maren knew it was time to take it to the next level. She moved to Nashville and focused on honing her songwriting skills. After winning the 2012 New Music Seminar's Artist on the Verge award, she had cuts on Tim McGraw’s Last Turn Home and Kelly Clarkson’s Second Wind. Last summer, she hit the road with Keith Urban on his RipCORD World Tour.

Now Maren is starting her first solo concert tour. The HERO Tour 2017 kicked off on February 2 and includes a sold-out stop in Dallas. Earlier this month, Maren announced that proceeds from the meet and greets held after each concert during the tour would be donated to the fine arts program at Bowie High School in Arlington, her alma mater.

Arlington Mayor Jeff Williams visited the Morris’ at the salon recently to present Maren a proclamation on behalf of the City of Arlington, which is aptly dubbed “The American Dream City.”

This hometown girl certainly has made her dreams come true.

Click here to view a video of Maren talking about growing up in The American Dream City.