Mike was born in 1960 in Roanoke, VA. He started out playing his Dad's flattop guitar with a pocket knife when he was five. From there it was a quick progression to lap steel and on the pedal steel by the time he was in his teens. He worked with local gospel and country groups on the weekends through his high school years and started working the road professionally after graduation. He was also doing recording sessions in the local studios at that time. After spending several years working the East Coast club circuit, he came to Nashville in 1990. Once in Nashville he quickly began doing sub work for other steel players like Jimmy Crawford and Stu Basore. He went to all the jam nights and would sit in wherever he could. Before long he was offered a job with the house band at The Broken Spoke. About three months later, while still working at The Broken Spoke, Clinton Gregory offered Mike a job in his band. He worked for Clinton for a few months but decided to stay at The Broken Spoke. In 1992 Mike took a position in the band for the Country Music U.S.A. show at Opryland during the day and continued to work his club job at night. He was also subbing for Doug Jernigan with Jack Greene's band at this time. In 1993 he left The Broken Spoke to work for Shawn Camp. He stayed with Shawn for fourteen months. Since he wanted to concentrate on doing recording work he took the job at The Nashville Palace in the house band. Mike stayed with the Palace for eight years. During that time he worked with too many artists to name. He also did the occasional road job with Jack Greene, Ray Price and Vern Gosdin. Today Mike is working as a freelance musician and teacher. He does one on one instruction as well as seminars. He plays several steel shows during the year. He has recorded several steel guitar CDs and to his suprise, he has developed a strong fan base. This is Mike's artist interview with Erica Lee. He also teaches a Mel Bay Pro lick. http://www.freeweb.com/steelguitarmusic/ http://www.melbay.com Produced by Rob Haines http://www.robhainesstudio.com

• published: 19 Dec 2013
• views: 164