Biography

Michael began performing when he was 7 years old, doing a song or two with his Father's band, The Honky-Tonk Goodtime Band, whenever they played a "family friendly" venue. His first live appearance was in Mocksville, NC. He performed Ricky Skaggs' "Cryin' My Heart Out Over You."

Michael's early years were filled with music by artists like George Jones, Gene Watson, Johnny Paycheck, Merle Haggard, Buck Owens and others. This provided the foundation from which his musical identity would form in later years.

Even though he had learned a few chords when he was younger, Michael really started to learn how to play the guitar in his teenage years. It was at this time that he also began writing songs.
Michael was heavily influenced at this time, not only vocally, but lyrically and melodically, by artists like Randy Travis, Keith Whitley, Alan Jackson and Joe Diffie.

In 1998, Michael became lead singer and "frontman" for a very successful regionally touring band called Native Son. During this time, Michael learned the skills necessay to be a great entertainer as well as vocalist.
Michael left Native Son in 2001 and concentrated on songwriting.

In 2007, Michael teamed with hit songwriter/producer Byron Hill, whose production credits include Gary Allan and Kathy Mattea, to write music and songs for a film project. Since that time they have continued to write together and in March of 2012, with Byron producing, Michael recorded STAY COUNTRY, his first collection of original material, which was independently released in September of 2012.

Over the years Michael has shared the stage with many great, well-known artists like Gary Allan, Shenandoah, Sara Evans, Sawyer Brown, Gene Watson, Jerry Lee Lewis, Marty Raybon, Wade Hayes and others.

In March of 2013, Michael was signed to BHP Recordings, Nashville.