John Prine, Steve Earle, John Hiatt, Lucinda Williams, Collective Soul, Billy Joe Shaver, Vince Gill, James Taylor, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Molly Hatchet, Depeche Mode, The Cult, The Clash, Elvis Costello, Neil Young, Squeeze, The Plimsouls, JJ Cale, Blackfoot, Merle Haggard, Hank Williams
Michael is a native Oklahoman and Oklahoma State University Alum. After a career in full-time law enforcement and then various corporate gigs including a stint as a CEO, he now devotes most of his time to songwriting as well as volunteering as a Reserve Deputy Sheriff, serving as a Hostage Negotiator on the SWAT team. He has been dividing his time between Nashville and Tulsa and co-writes with several Nashville writers and works with various publishers and producers. Michael performs often at writer's nights in Nashville and venues across the country, and has had dozens of indie cuts as well as a cut as an artist with a song about hurricane Katrina called "The Big Easy Got It Hard" on Australian Label Blue Pie's Hurricane Healing Volume 4. “Airstream Beauty Queen” and “Shot of Grace” have also been recorded by artists shopping for a record deal. Several of his songs are under publishing contracts in Nashville for country artists and a few in Los Angeles and Seattle for television, commercials and film.
In addition to writing, Michael also produces artists within the country, pop and Americana genres at Aristar Studio in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
His song "Shot of Grace", written with Jesse McRae and John Foster was recently featured on the Charlie Monk Show on Sirius Satellite radio thanks to the songs publisher Sherrill Blackman..
As of January 2009, Michael is residing full-time in Nashville.....
Experiencing a mood of gratitude for the people I care about. Glad you're one of 'em Pal. Howdy and a belated Happy (dog) Father's Day. Me - I got a great Greek meal out of the deal. Got taken out by Aaron and Matt and Aaron's girlfriend, and we had a big time! Spanikopatia(?), skewered lamb, roasted viggies, the best humus and pita I've EVER tasted! Baklava in Curacao reduced honey. Jeez it was good. First time I've ever been taken out to dinner on Father's Day, and to have both of my guys there was really special. I couldn't be happier. Hope all's well in your world. Holler at me when you have a minute. J.
Hey Michael - Made it to Nashville! Finally!!! Was here less than a week and got a day-job! Let me know when you play around town and I'll try to make it out. Brandi
Hey, buddy those song's sound great. Your right might have to cover them. Good talking to you as well. One way or another im coming down soon. Have a good day.
hey Mike, just wanted to say thank you for all your help on helpin us find a place to stay when we come down there and everything. I'm really excited to meet you and to come to Nashville. Hope youre doin good, see you soon :)
Hey Mike, I just wanted to say thank you so much for all your ideas on having me come down to Nashville, I'm really excited to meet you and look forward to a great 2009 of music! Thanks again :)
