By Andrew Cristi
Photos Taken At The Villa Delle Stelle
6087 Harold Way, Los Angeles, CA 90028
323.876.8100
Photos by Trevor Pikhart
Assisted by Johnny Lane
Grooming by Madison Blue using American English Hair Products, Enzo Milano Pro Tools, Skincare Algenist, and Make Up Forever
Story and Styling by Andrew Cristi
Very few artists can say they redefined a genre, and yet, musical legend Billy Ray Cyrus didn’t just reinvent country music and bring the western and southern favorite across the globe, but the innovative artist also transcended categories- and continues to do so every day.
Skyrocketing to success in 1992 with the world famous mega-hit “Achy Breaky Heart,” the country crooner quickly defied expectations of the genre, becoming a world sensation- not only domestically, but also internationally as the single went triple platinum in Australia, got covered in 100 different languages, and introduced line-dancing into the mainstream even for the metropolitan folk. Since then, Cyrus has continued to remain a musical phenomenon, releasing countless other hit singles and over ten beloved albums, performing alongside greats and legends like Reba McEntire and Dolly Parton, transitioning from one musical genre to another, and even finding success acting in TV and film. But, to rave about the Kentucky native’s musical and career achievements has all been done before, and frankly, it’s almost shortchanging him.
While the revered musical icon has proven to be an unstoppable juggernaut as far as entertainment goes- seemingly larger than life in every grand move he makes, the real reason that Cyrus has perhaps resonated so much with fans is because he is very much what the world has always been looking for; an artist that bridges the divide between the heartland and the coasts, bringing the country together. Born the grandson of both a Pentecostal preacher and a caboose conductor on the railroad, the down-to-earth singer/songwriter swears he is very much still that same kid from Kentucky- and it shows in every move he makes and every message he puts out there. Case in point? His new track; “Goddess Of Democracy.”
With lyrics like “Talk about freedom boys, wouldn’t you love some now? When You gonna make the choice; the golden calf or the sacred cow?” it’s immediately very clear that on his new track Cyrus is singing exactly about what we’re all hungering for; America’s original promise without the greed and capitalism that we’ve been corrupted by. Fans are starving for this message, and heroes like Cyrus become more important than ever as he is the perfect deliverer- he’s a guy who achieved the American dream, and yet, still sees himself as the guy in the band playing to serve the people. Even when asked to choose his favorite city, the well-rounded performer refuses the question, replying that every audience is different and each has their own greatness and it’s not up to them to be good to him, but it’s up to him to be good for them- that’s a true musician, and furthermore, a true American.
But, that’s just one more reason why the hit-maker is so revered; his big heart is rooted in patriotism. Not only has he performed our national anthem at The World Series in Mississippi, but the benevolent musician is also highly dedicated to one of our favorite causes; our Veterans- so much so that he even considers Vietnam Veteran Don Von Tress his “musical soulmate.” The former helicopter pilot was a member of the United States Army in 1969, and not only did he write “Achy Breaky Heart,” but he also worked with Cyrus on “Goddess Of Democracy” now as well.
So much more than just a musician, Cyrus and his music have acted as a Trojan horse to bring people together for quite some time. The intuitive singer states that when he is up on stage playing and everyone of all different beliefs and cultures are line-dancing in complete unison, it’s a sign that people are forgetting their differences and coming together- and that is always a good thing. When his songs transcend genres and turn country fans into metal fans and turn metal fans into pop fans and give everyone something to agree on and smile about, that’s one more way to heal our broken country and bridge the divide- and that’s the contribution Cyrus is making every day.
And it seems that the brilliant artist’s influence will have long term effects on the world long after he is gone- not just with his own hits, but with the incredible dynasty he has built. Having created quite an empire, Cyrus is the closest thing the music industry has seen to Frank Sinatra as far as famous families go, spawning talent left and right with multiple gifted children coming after him to help spread his powerful message of unity. Quite literally a wrecking ball to the music industry, Miley also has her own unique and powerful sound, and has proven any naysayer wrong as she has shown that she is in fact one of the most gifted musicians to come into the business in a very long time, while Cyrus also states that his other daughter Noah is the up and coming artist to watch out for.
And with a background and resume so invested in healing this country and bringing people together, it would only make sense that Cyrus’ next upcoming gig is playing in Vegas on none other than The Fourth Of July- the perfect date for the kid from Kentucky who just loves playin’ in the band. With “Goddess Of Democracy” set to soon heal the nation, and Cyrus back in the studio, Wingman knew we had to take an interview with the genius songster, and so, this summer, for our icon section, we give you Billy Ray Cyrus!
Check out Wingman Magazine at the end of June for full interview on Cyrus, as well as more exclusive pictures from our shoot!
Mike McCarthy