Billy Ray Cyrus is a country star who has had many careers in his time since he first hit it big in May of 1992 when his song “Achy Breaky Heart” had everyone singing. His look at the time was a long mullet, usually a tank top showing off his muscles, jeans, and high-top tennis shoes. And there is no doubt he is a good-looking guy.
After his huge “Achy Breaky” success, and then some time doing various acting gigs, he hit the big time once again as the dad on the Disney Channel’s Hanna Montana in 2006. In the show, Billy Ray played the dad to his real daughter, Miley Cyrus, who became a superstar and still is today.
Fun fact: In the movie premiere for Hanna Montana, a relatively unknown new Nashville singer named Taylor Swift made her way on the red carpet. She, of course, had a song she wrote for the movie called “Crazier,” which she played in a scene in the film.
Needless to say, the Hanna Montana craze was Billy Ray’s second big career bump. Then there was the third that no one saw coming: Billy Ray teamed with Lil’ Nas X in 2019 for the smash hit. “Old Town Road” blending country and rap seamlessly. The duo even joined Keith Urban on stage at CMA Fest that year. “Old Town Road” became the highest certified song ever by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), reaching 14-times platinum status in the U.S.. The collaboration also won at the 62nd annual Grammy Awards for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance and Best Music Video. The YouTube five-minute mini-movie for “Old Town Road” has over 686 million views to date.
Cyrus has released sixteen full albums in his career and has scored many times on the country charts. As Billy Ray, who is engaged to be married to singer Firerose, celebrated his 62nd birthday today (8/25), we take a look at five songs that made him a superstar.