Billy Ray Cyrus

He gave us "Achy Breaky Heart". He gave the world Miley Cyrus. And not forgetting, he is the reason that so many people were rocking mullets in the early 90s. Country music sometimes has a reputation for being dated too niche, but Billy Ray Cyrus has certainly helped to bring this genre into the mainstream and has been incredibly successful in doing so.
Bursting on to the scene with "Achy Breaky Heart", Billy Ray had produced the country soundtrack to the 90s. Even the line dance in the video became something of a phenomenon and a part piece. And that mullet. It became an icon in and of itself. It was "business in the front, party in the back" as Cyrus himself describes it. It should've been a disaster but instead it was genius and inspired so many to do the same!
As a country music fan, I took a trip to Nashville a couple of years back to see where it all began. I was lucky enough to catch Billy Ray Cyrus live and what a treat it was! I've never experienced a crowd energy quite like it. His smooth country vocals made the night, and as a Londoner, it was my first time line-dancing as we recreated the scene from the "Achy Breaky Heart" music video!
For the past few years, Billy Ray has been living in the shadow of his ever-controversial daughter. He is truly an incredible country artist at heart and should be seen live to appreciate his talent.