Bio

[color="darkblue"][b]Mike's website www.mikebella.com[/b][/color] Mike started his music career at the very early age of eight years old with two sticks of wood, playing drums with his father's band. It was his first paid gig. Mike is fortunate to have come from a musical family where music is part of their way of life. While still playing drums for his Dad, Mike was learning to play guitar, bass, trumpet and more. By the age of thirteen Mike started his own little three-piece band, (when his father wasn’t booked) he would be playing the same Clubs, Bars, and Honky Tonks that he played with his father. “ I remember one time we where playing somewhere. I was drumming and I think I was singing a Randy Travis song. When I was done the crowd yelled and clapped, all right great, but the bad part about it was, they all thought it was my Dad who was singing. It hurt me a little, but I knew right then and there I had something.” Mike has many Country Legends that influenced him, like Merle Haggard, Wynn Stewart, Conway, and George Jones. But the one that made the most impact was the Great Country Legend, Buck Owens. As a young musician and singer Mike would listen and play those great songs of Buck and The Buckaroo’s. “ I think back in the 60’s Buck and The Guys were “IT”! That Bakersfield Sound, there was no better. Simplicity with Style”! At the core of Mike’s vision and his love and affection for the true Country music that inspired him throughout his life. In 1994, with this dream burning strong, he made the big move to Nashville. “I had no idea that years later my dream would come true and take me to the studios of Nashville and to be working throughout the US and Europe.” Mike is currently working on promoting his new album “Lost In The Shuffle”. His in-person dates have been expanding since a successful European Tour back in the summer of 2000. The reaction to his latest album and European success has Mike yearning for more of the same. The enjoyment Mike feels, and expresses in his music has been noted by reviewers and audiences alike, as it shows in his high energy concerts and is heard in his heartfelt vocals on record. Mike is enthused about the acceptance of his independent recordings that have found a growing audience in the U.S. and throughout the World where he continues to receive considerable air play. When asked what he enjoyed the most about singing on stage, Mike replied, "Seeing someone in the audience singing along with my songs, is one of the greatest thrills in performing. I know my music is reaching others who are responding with such enjoyment is something I never get tired of." Mike's goals include his desire to keep traditional country music alive. He attributes the down-to-earth- personality traits of the traditional artists with having been brought up with a strong family background. He calls it being 'Country raised'.[code][/code][indent][color="darkblue"][/color] [color="darkblue"][b]Mike's website www.mikebella.com[/b][/color]