In addition, Mike has earned acceptance as a songwriter in the recording centers of Nashville, Tennessee, and Austin, Texas. He has written or co-written songs recorded by major label stars, including single and video releases.

Because of his experience in both the recording field and literature, Mike became interested in music of the Old West, stimulated by research on his latest released novel, Short Grass Songs, the story of a drifting cowboy musician. This research led to a treasure trove of virtually forgotten ballads and story songs. He has since begun composing original western music and has performed coast to coast and border to border as a cowboy balladeer.

Mike learned to play the guitar at age eight to The Red River Valley and Whoopie Ti Yi Yo, Git Along Little Dogies, so cowboy music is not exactly new to him. Having grown up herding cattle and working on ranches, he understands the lingo of the old songs. He goes beyond giving just another rendering of these classic and telling tunes. He relates the stories behind the songs, the old-world origins of the melodies, the histories of the men who preserved a fleeting lifestyle in verse and harmony. He laces this informative program with good, clean, cowboy humor, fascinating history, and homespun philosophy.

Mike has recorded one album of authentic cowboy music and original western tunes, and will soon begin work on his second album. His office/studio is located on his ranch near Marble Falls, Texas.

For a new understanding of the old west, invite Mike Blakely to perform at your next gathering. With just his guitar and a couple of microphones, Mike can show your group like no one else The Way the West Was Sung!

Mike Blakely often joins his father Doc Blakely in a two-man, musical comedy, theater show. This combination gives meeting planners a unique choice of a solo humorist for important speaking occasions, and/or an entertaining duo featuring cowboy ballads, old trail songs, fiddle tunes, and lots of humor. Blending tall tales and "hot licks" music, Doc and Mike take you on a figurative journey up the old Chisholm trail or tailor the show to your area. They have performed from Austin to Boston, from Daytona Beach to Eugene ... and points in between, including a tour of Australia; so the material is not only national but international in appeal. Mike also performs solo, handling a variety of assignments: break out sessions, spouse programs, etc. As "The Swing Riders Theatre Show," Doc and Mike have been called everything from "Motivational Musicians" to "Corporate Cowboys."