Back To Tennessee is much more than just another album in one man's remarkable and enduring career. This is an extremely meaningful homecoming in that man's singular journey back to the musical roots that have long sustained him. "This album is everything I am at this second," says Cyrus. "It's everything that I've been through and every step along the way to this point -- Ironically, sometimes looking back, in my case BACK TO TENNESEE, is the best way to move forward."
Sensing it was now time to make another musical statement, Cyrus earlier this year carved out time in his busy schedule to go to Tennessee and dedicate himself one hundred percent to making a new album. As he recalls, "I lived in the studio, just like I used to, working with Mark and an amazing group of musicians."
To the public, Cyrus has played many parts, yet on Back To Tennessee, he is only himself as he sings songs from the inspirational ("Somebody Said A Prayer") to the simply entertaining ("Thrillbilly"). It's an album that sums up Cyrus's entire path.
Asked what he's most proud of in his career so far, Cyrus takes his guest today to a prized place in his West Coast home where he keeps a letter than means more to him than any other world possession. That letter came from Hendersonville, Tennessee and written on June 12, 1992. The letter came from the one and only Johnny Cash. As the Man In Black wrote Cyrus:
"I was very impressed recently to hear you give God the credit for your success. It's good to be reminded where all goodness comes from. Thirty-six years ago today I was working with Elvis and saw him take the same flak you're taking now. Congratulations on the way you're handling it all. In your case, as in Elvis', the good outweighs the bad. Let 'em have it. I'm in your corner."
Those words meant the world to Cyrus, then and now. "There was a storm brewing in my life right then, and he sent me that letter. I held to it because if Johnny thinks I'm okay, I figure I'm okay. Bruce Springsteen also stood up for me - which was amazing. Those men and Carl Perkins taught me something I still live by. If I don't fit in, then I don't fit in. I'd rather have friends like that. And I'd rather be myself."
Take a listen to Back To Tennessee, and hear the deeply felt sound of Billy Ray Cyrus being himself, as only he can.
PLEASE READ
This is the official Billy Ray Cyrus profile. Although every attempt is made to involve Billy Ray and provide his friends with unique, relevant content and messaging, know that he cannot always personally respond to your emails and comments. Thank you for being a part of this page and for supporting Billy Ray Cyrus's music.
Hello Mr.Billy Ray Cyrus ... Thank you for your friendship ... i hope to sing on your tv. show Hannah Montana ! she is so good... i love to sing the climb and lets dance ! Hope to hear from you ! love TIGER JOE
<font size="2"><br> Check out my page <br><b> http://www.doulike.us/photos/5536404.html?b=4&w=46</b></font><br><br><br/><embed src="http://cm.doulike.us/themes/main/img/nflash/flash6.swf" quality="high" scale="noscale" wmode="transparent" flashvars="uid=5536404&domain=cm.doulike.us&s=0&w=9" width="260" height="322" name="flashsticker" aligh="middle" /><br><font size="2">Let me know if you like me YES or NO <br><b> http://www.doulike.us/photos/5536404.html?b=4&w=46</b></font> <br>
I WAS SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT THE LOSS OF YOUR MUSIC FAMILY PEOPLE SAY NOT TO ASK WHY BUT SOMETIMES WE JUST DONT UNDERSTAND WE NEED TO BE THANKFUL FOR THE TIMES WE HAVE TOGETHER AND THE MEMORYS WE MAKE PEACE AND LOVE TO ALL OF YOU
miley i heard miley 's bus was in an acccident i have been worried ever since! is she and the band doing ok! wish everyone well for me! stopping by to wisheveryone a very happy thanksgiving ! best wishes!