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.
Thanks for the friendship. Please send all your friends over to PDXReviews to check out my review for the "Believe" CD that benefits The Relay for Life. Leave comments if you like. The response to my review has been overwhelming, so, please come by and check it out. Thanks. -Phil
hey its Miley; new and approved account you see ihave a music page thats owned by my manager and this is my personal add it i might talk to you ONLY IN COMMENTS THOUGH! and im not gonna say dont belive then dont add because i want my fans too add me there my fans! i have proof well lots of love MRC. MileyRayCyrus.<<3
just wanted to comment you on your music and Hannah Montana the movie. you music rocks and so does the movie. You and miley remind me of me and my daddy are.lol. well have a great week
Hey wass up just showing sum love check out our new videos please please download our single on itunes if you haven't already please show your support here
O LORD GOD, TO WHOM VENGENCE BELONGS- O GOD, TO WHOM VENGENCE BELONGS, SHINE FORTH! RISE UP, O JUDGE OF THE EARTH; RENDER PUNISHMENT TO THE PROUD. LORD, HOW LONG WILL THE WICKED, HOW LONG WILL THE WICKED TRIUMPH?
THEY UTTER SPEACH, ''AND'' SPEAK INSOLENT THINGS; ALL THE WORKERS OF INIQUITY BOAST IN THEMSELVES. THEY BREAK IN PIECES, YOUR PEOPLE, O LORD, AND AFFLICT YOUR HERITAGE. THEY SLAY THE WIDOW AND THE STRANGER, AND MURDER THE FATHERLESS. YET THEY SAY, "THE LORD DOES NOT SEE, NOR DOES THE GOD OF JACOB UNDERSTAND."
UNDERSTAND, YOU SENSELESS AMONG THE PEOPLE; AND YOU FOOLS, WHEN WILL YOU BE WISE? HE WHO PLANTED THE EAR, SHALL HE NOT HEAR? HE WHO FORMED THE EYE, SHALL HE NOT SEE? HE WHO INSTRUCTS THE NATIONS, SHALL HE NOT CORRECT, HE, WHO TEACHES MAN KNOWLEDGE? THE LORD KNOWS THE THOUGHTS OF MAN, THEY ARE FUTILE.
BLESSED IS THE MAN, WHOM YOU INSTRUCT, O LORD, AND TEACH OUT OF YOUR LAW, THAT YOU MAY GIVE HIM REST FROM THE DAYS OF ADVERSITY, UNTIL THE PIT IS DUG FOR THE WICKED. FOR THE LORD, WILL NOT CAST OFF HIS PEOPLE, NOR WILL HE FORSAKE HIS INHERITANCE. BUT JUDGEMENT WILL RETURN TO THE RIGHTEOUS, AND ALL THE UPRIGHT IN HEART WILL FOLLOW IT.
WHO WILL RISE UP FOR ME AGAINST THE EVILDOERS? WHO WILL STAND UP FOR ME AGAINST THE WORKERS OF INIQUITY? UNLESS THE LORD HAD BEEN MY HELP, MY SOUL WOULD SOON HAVE SETTLED IN SILENCE. IF I SAY, "MY FOOT SLIPS," YOUR MERCY, O LORD, WILL HOLD ME UP. IN THE MULTITUDE OF MY ANXIETIES WITHIN ME, YOUR COMFORT DELIGHTS MY SOUL.
SHALL THE THRONE OF INIQUITY, WHICH DEVISES EVIL BY LAW, HAVE FELLOWSHIP WITH YOU? THEY GATHER TOGETHER AGAINST THE LIFE OF THE RIGHTEOUS, AND CONDEMN INNOCENT BLOOD. BUT THE LORD, HAS BEEN MY DEFENSE, AND MY GOD, THE ROCK OF MY REFUGE. HE HAS BROUGHT ON THEM THEIR OWN INIQUITY, AND SHALL CUT THEM OFF, IN THEIR OWN WICKEDNESS; THE LORD OUR GOD SHALL CUT THEM OFF.
Online Now!
