Biography

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Michelle Canning
info@michellecanning.net
781-990-6273

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About Michelle Canning:
Michelle Canning was just 8 years old the day her grandfather put a banjo in her arms and in that moment, she knew she’d found her anchor. She hasn’t looked back.

A singer-songwriter with Massachusetts roots, Michelle makes her home in Nashville, TN where she divides her time between performing, recording, writing, teaching banjo, and as a guide at the Grand Ole Opry.

“I love being a performer, I love being on stage,” Michelle says. “And I truly love writing music.” She writes daily, even if it’s just to drop words and ideas into her phone for later contemplation. Her performances are a combination of her original compositions and familiar favorites.

She has produced two albums. “The Flower and the Serpent” (2015), a collection of songs about love that feels sweet but has a poisonous bite.

Her second is “The Next Eleven Miles” (2018), about her journey from college into the unknown but very real world.

Michelle is a graduate of Morehead State University with a Bachelors degree in traditional music and a Masters in business administration. She is the only female and youngest person to earn the title New England Banjo Champion.

In 2020, Michelle was nominated by industry peers for membership in The Recording Academy, the preeminent membership organization for performers, songwriters, producers and engineers, who work together to build a better and more inspiring world for music and its makers.

Whether wrapped in blue velvet and satin, or simple jeans and a shirt, Michelle sparkles with passion for the music that fuels her soul. To hear her perform is a joy.

Her best advice: “Be unapologetically yourself and don't let your head get in the way of your heart.”

~Written by Penny Richards~


Try to Be:

(2:52)
Michelle Canning/Carlin Mayes (Michelle Canning Music, BMI/CarlinMary Music Publishing, ASCAP)

The debut single off of Michelle Canning's upcoming album, "Try to Be" is a relatable song about the struggles of every day life.

Musicians:
Michelle Canning: Lead Vocals, Banjo
Liz Bowman: Harmony Vocals
Raymond McLain: Fiddle
Sarah Kate Morgan: Harmony Vocals
Erika Nalow: Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar
Eli Simon: Drums
Peter Tissot: Bass

Produced & Mixed by: Erika Nalow
Mastered by: Peter Tissot
Engineers: Peter Tissot, Erika Nalow
Release Date: September 29, 2023


Flower of the Holy Night:

Michelle Canning/Carlin Mayes (Michelle Canning Music, BMI/CarlinMary Music Publishing, ASCAP)

"Flower of the Holy Night" tells the story of a Mexican legend. The story explains how a little girl's humble gift blooms into the "Flower of the Holy Night."

Musicians:
Michelle Canning: Lead & Harmony Vocals, Banjo
Carlin Mayes: Piano, Harmony Vocals
Raymond McLain: Harmony Vocals
Erika Nalow: Guitar
Andrew Preston: Harmony Vocals
Bob Sachs: Harmony Vocals
Eli Simon: Drums
Peter Tissot: Bass
Charlotte Varnum: Harmony Vocals

Produced & Mixed by: Erika Nalow
Mastered by: Raelynn Janicke, Infrasonic Mastering
Engineers: Peter Tissot, Mike Ryan, Erika Nalow, Michelle Canning
Release Date: November 18, 2022
MC-2022


The Next Eleven Miles:

On September 29, 2018, Michelle Canning releases her long-awaited album, The Next Eleven Miles. The album, named after a track written by Canning, symbolizes the excitement and worry associated with moving forward in life. This theme was chosen because Canning feels that it is relatable to fans of all ages. Anticipation of what’s to come is present in every stage of life. The album features original material, bluegrass standards, classic country music, and even an old pop song.

Musicians:
Michelle Canning: Banjo(1,2,4,6,7,9-11,13), Bass(1-6,8-14), Acoustic Guitar(8,12), Lead Vocals(1-6,8-14), Harmony Vocals(2)
Elizabeth Bowman: Harmony Vocals(14)
Dave Carter: Steel Guitar(14)
Justin Harrison: Mandolin(1,3-6,8-13)
Matt Holleran: Percussion(14)
Raymond McLain: Fiddle(1-13), Acoustic Guitar(1-13), Percussion(11), Harmony Vocals(1,3-6,8-13)
Ruth McLain: Bass(7)
Elijah Miller: Electric Guitar(14)
Scott Miller: Acoustic Guitar(14)
Sarah Kate Morgan: Harmony Vocals(1,3-5,8,10-14), Mountain Dulcimer(7)

Produced by: Michelle Canning
Recorded by: Andrew Preston and Jesse Wells
Mixed and Mastered by: Jesse Wells
Recorded, Mixed, and Mastered at: the Kentucky Center for Traditional Music, Morehead State University, Morehead, KY
Photography by: Normand Lareau, Jr., Natural Expressions Photography, Dracut, MA
Graphic Design by: Mary E. Morris
Release Date: September 29, 2018
MC-2018

1. Open Up Your Heart (and Let My Love Come In) (2:07)
Buck Owens (SONY/ATV Tree Publishing BMI)

Sometimes it is best to stop being fearful of the past and start being excited for the good things to come in the future!

2. Kickin’ Our Hearts Around (2:29)
Wanda Jackson (Central Songs Ado Beechwood Music Corporation, BMI)

Sometimes you just have to make up and move on. Since the moment I heard Wanda Jackson's recording of this classic country shuffle, I knew that I wanted to record it and make it sound like Buck Owens and Don Rich. I later found out that Buck Owens did record this song.

3. ‘Til I Die (3:43)
Michelle Canning (Michelle Canning Music, BMI)

I wrote this song as a promise for my beautiful Godson, Ray Canning, just a couple of days after he was born.

4. Hallelujah, I’m Ready (2:30)
William York (Fort Knox Music, In., BMI, Trio Music Company, Inc., BMI)

This bluegrass standard makes a proclamation that Heaven is waiting. “Hallelujah, I’m ready to go!”

5. Hopelessly Yours (4:02)
C. Putnam, D. Cook, K. Whitley (SONY/ATV Cross Keys Publishing, ASCAP, SONY/ATV Tree Publishing, BMI)

The emotion behind the lyric in this song is extremely powerful. That emotion is echoed by the beautiful intricacies of the mandolin and fiddle in this recording.

6. The Guessing Game (2:42)
Michelle Canning (Michelle Canning Music, BMI)

We’ve all gone through it. I like him. Does he like me back? “Darlin’ tell me did I win the guessing game?”

7. Blowin’ Up a Storm (3:24)
Jesse McReynolds (Carfax Publishing Co., BMI)

"Harmonica player, Mike Stevens worked with Jesse McReynolds to create this well named masterpiece for virtuoso players. Michelle Canning fills the 'roll' with style playing up a storm so well that twice she set off the burglar alarm in her apartment while rehearsing for this recording. Here is Michelle doing her stuff, 'Blowing up A Storm!!!'"-Raymond McLain

8. The Next Eleven Miles (4:26)
Michelle Canning (Michelle Canning Music, BMI)

This song relays the feelings of a person moving on to the next stage in life. The fear of the unknown is something that we all experience at some point. It’s scary not knowing what will happen “in the next eleven miles.”

9. I’ll Come Running to You (2:08)
Connie Smith (SONY/ATV Acuff Rose Music, BMI)

This song is about a love so deep that no matter what, you will always be waiting for them. When the time finally comes, you’ll be ready to run right back into their arms.

10. Butterfly (3:11)
Michelle Canning (Michelle Canning Music, BMI)

This is a true story Gospel song that I wrote about my good friend, John.

11. Knock Three Times (2:56)
L. Russell Brown, Irwin Levine (EMI Sosaha Music, Inc., BMI, Spirit One Music OBO Irwin Levine Grand Music, BMI, 40 West Music Corp., BMI)

Here’s a bluegrass take on an old pop song!

12. It’ll Take Him Away (3:55)
Michelle Canning, Bob Dean (Michelle Canning Music, BMI)

This song quickly became a fan favorite from the moment I began performing it. Alzheimer’s Disease affects so many people every day, and I feel honored to work with the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America through my annual benefit concert, “A Night on the Edge!,” to raise money to help families going through this terrible disease.

13. ‘Til The End of the World Goes Round (2:55)
Newton S. Thomas (Universal – Songs of Polygram International, Inc., BMI)

This is the first bluegrass song I ever heard and has been one of my favorites every since. “As long as the sun comes up and comes down and the big blue sky goes down to the ground, as long as the world goes around and around, I’ll keep on loving you.”

Bonus Track. Sparkle On! (2:41)
Michelle Canning (Michelle Canning Music, BMI)

Always be yourself no matter what. The way I do that is to “Sparkle On!”


2018 Single:

This "double single" is in the old style of an A side and B side to a single record. It also serves as a sneak peak to Michelle Canning's new album, "The Next Eleven Miles," which will be released later this year. Follow the progress of the new album on Facebook at The Restoration Project.

Musicians:
Michelle Canning: Banjo, Bass(1), Lead & Harmony Vocals (1)
Raymond McLain: Guitar, Fiddle
Ruth McLain: Bass(2)
Sarah Kate Morgan: Mountain Dulcimer(2)

Produced by: Michelle Canning
Recorded, Mixed, and Mastered by: Jesse Wells at the Kentucky Center for Traditional Music, Morehead State University, Morehead, KY
Photography and Graphic Design by: Normand Lareau, Jr., Natural Expressions Photography, Dracut, MA
Release Date: January 20, 2018

1. Kickin' Our Hearts Around (2:29)
Wanda Jackson (Central Songs Ado Beechwood Music Corporation, BMI)

Sometimes you just have to make up and move on. Since the moment I heard Wanda Jackson's recording of this classic country shuffle, I knew that I wanted to record it and make it sound like Buck Owens and Don Rich. I later found out that Buck Owens did record this song.

2. Blowin' Up a Storm (3:24)
Jesse McReynolds (Carfax Publishing Co., BMI)

"Harmonica player, Mike Stevens worked with Jesse McReynolds to create this well named masterpiece for virtuoso players. Michelle Canning fills the 'roll' with style playing up a storm so well that twice she set off the burglar alarm in her apartment while rehearsing for this recording. Here is Michelle doing her stuff, 'Blowing up A Storm!!!'"-Raymond McLain


The Flower and the Serpent:

"The Flower and the Serpent" represents the good and the bad of a relationship. This collection of love songs takes an approach from all angles including excitement, depression, anger, and hope. The album closes with a final thought about this concept: "What the World Needs Now is Love."

"If this first CD is any indication of what is ahead for Canning, I can't wait to see what she creates next." -Bluegrass Unlimited

Musicians:
Michelle Canning: Banjo(1-3,5,7-12), Bass(3), Guitar(4), Lead Vocals(1-4,6-8,10-12), Harmony Vocals(8)
Thomas Albert: Harmony Vocals(2-4,6,10)
Becki Alfrey: Harmony Vocals(11)
T. Shaun Batho: Guitar
Dan Bui: Mandolin, Harmony Vocals(7)
Cosmo Cavicchio: Bass(1,2,4-12)
Raymond McLain: Harmony Vocals(2-4,6,10)
Ruth McLain: Harmony Vocals(11)
Conor Smith: Fiddle, Harmony Vocals(7,10)
Rhonda Vincent: Lead and Harmony Vocals(8)

Produced by: Michelle Canning
Recorded by: Tyler Mullins at the Kentucky Center for Traditional Music, Morehead State University, Morehead, KY; Steve Drown at The Studio, Portland, ME; Joey Crawford at Joey Crawford Music, Nashville, TN
Mixed and Mastered by: Jesse Wells at the Kentucky Center for Traditional Music, Morehead State University, Morehead, KY
Photography and Graphic Design by: Normand Lareau, Jr., Natural Expressions Photography, Dracut, MA
Release Date: April 1, 2015
Rhonda Vincent appears courtesy of Upper Management Music.
MC-2015

1. I'd Jump the Mississippi (2:25)
George Jones, Johnny Mathis (Glad Music Pub & Recording LLP, BMI/Pappy Daily Music LLP, BMI)

We do crazy things when love is new! This song is about just that.

2. Take Good Care of Him (2:52)
Ed Warren, Arthur Kent (Music Sales Corporation, ASCAP)

This song is about moving on. Many people have experienced watching someone they love fall in love with someone else. What can one do but let go gracefully so long as the new lover will "Take Good Care of Him"?

3. Love's Gonna Live Here (2:26)
Buck Owens (Sony/ATV Tree Publishing, BMI)

This is a song of hope. Sometimes we get hurt, but love always has a way of finding us again.

4. The Flower and the Serpent (3:06)
Michelle Canning (Michelle Canning Music, BMI)

This song dives deep into the emotions of a victim of cheating. Encompassing metaphors for deception, temptation, and secrets, the lyric warns the listener that "'round the flower a serpent lurkes."

5. Katy Hill (2:42)
Bill Monroe (Unichappell Music, Inc., BMI)

This classic fiddle tune makes you want to dance!

6. Hangin' Out With the Moon (3:05)
Carl Goodman (SOCAN)

This song is the lament of a young woman going through a heartbreak.

7. Rough Edges (2:14)
Randall Hylton (BMG Platinum Songs OBO Paul Craft Music, BMI/BMG Platinum Songs OBO Dennis Morgan Music, BMI)

This song explains that no matter how much you love someone, no one will ever be able to change who you truly are.

8. The Blues Ain't Workin' On Me (2:44)
Tom Curtis Shapiro, George Gustav Taren III (Warner-Tamerlane Pub Corp./Music of Stage Three/Mike Curb Music/Universal Music-Z Songs/Sony/ATV Tree Publishing, BMI)

A duet with the Queen of Bluegrass, Rhonda Vincent, this song is about two girls, each talking about their latest crush!

9. Carolina Cookout (3:01)
Gina Britt, Gail Rudisill (Doobie Shea Music, Inc., BMI)

This contemporary banjo tune was written by Gina Britt and Gail Rudisill. The feeling portrays that of love just starting to go wrong.

10. Breaking Up is Hard to Do (2:49)
Howard Greenfield, Neil Sedaka (Screen Gems-EMI Music Inc., BMI, Universal Music-Careers, BMI)

This collaboration of bluegrass and doowop, which I refer to as bluewop, brings the high-energy, driving sounds of a banjo to the playful, harmonized sounds of doowop. This song is about a young woman begging her boyfriend not to break up with her.

11. High Above the Mountains (3:37)
Michelle Canning (Michelle Canning Music, BMI)

Some people just have cheating down to a science. Other people learn that about someone a little too late.

12. What the World Needs Now is Love (3:16)
Hal David, Burt F Bacharach (Universal Music Corp OBO New Hidden Valley Music, ASCAP, BMG Gold Songs OBO Casa David LP, ASCAP)

This album has shown love from a lot of different angles. It has shown how wonderful it can be when it's there, how sad it can be when it was once there, and how ugly it can be when it was never there at all. In conclusion, my message to the world comes from an old pop song, "What the World Needs Now is Love."