Northeast Tennessee was so fortunate to have both Michael Ray and Michael Tyler on stage this past Saturday, to help celebrate our Hometown Heroes, hosted by The Mall at Johnson City. (For more information about the event, see our article about Michael Ray’s performance by clicking here).
Michael Tyler may be new to country music, but with two hits already under his belt, we are looking for more great things from this up-and-coming artist in the near future. Those singles, “Hey Mama” and “They Can’t See” can both be found on his album, “317” (which was released on 3-17, and actually got its name because Michael’s hometown of Thayer, Mo. is 317 miles from Nashville).
Recording for Nashville’s Reviver Records, Tyler is not only a great singer, but a pretty awesome songwriter. He wrote two of the songs on Jason Aldean’s new album, and penned “Somewhere on a Beach”, recorded by Dierks Bentley. The entire audience seemed happy that Michael chose to end his set Saturday evening with “Somewhere on a Beach”. It’s a fun song, and definitely the right one to help put a close on a fun day.
Being a country music fan for more than 60 years, I’ve really had to learn to adjust to the new sounds that keep finding their way on to country radio. But, that’s part of what keeps it all interesting. Each new singer, like Tyler, brings his own brand of uniqueness to the stage. We aren’t going to find any more singers like Charlie Louvin, Chet Atkins, Don Williams, Bill Monroe, Faron Young or Ray Price … but, that’s alright. The world keeps changing, and so does our country music.
Any time I can listen to an album from a new artist, and find more than on song I can add to my ever-growing list of favorites, I’m happy.. On the album “317” I found a lot more than one. I’m not from Missouri. I’ve never even been there. But, I think my very favorite song on this new album is “Songs About Missouri” (very closely followed by my No. 2 pick, “Here’s to the Nights”).
Tyler is very comfortable on stage, and very comfortable around his fans. He took the time to talk to any of us who were near where he was, and didn’t mind the extra minute or two it took to pose for pictures. He did a brief on-air interview with WXBQ’s Marc Tragler before the show, as was as relaxed talking and joking with Marc as he was on stage performing for his audience.
To find out where you can see Michael in concert, and for all the latest news about Michael Tyler, visit his website and Facebook page. Follow him on Twitter @MichaelTyler93, and check out the other social media links listed on his website, too.
Sponsors for the Johnson City, Tennessee Hometown Heroes Celebration included the U.S. Army, East Tennessee State University, Home Trust Bank, Olson’s Martial Arts Academy, The Baxter-Milhorn Group, Keller-Williams Tri-Cities, Ballad Health, Office of Veterans Affairs, Childress Commercial Property Maintenance, The Mall at Johnson City, and WXBQ 96.9 FM.
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Michael Ray headlines Hometown Heroes Celebration in Johnson City, Tenn.