Mike Blackwell

Mike Blackwell has been writing songs for over 50 years. Raised in Coble, Tennessee, he started singing with his mother when he was just a tyke. Writing songs and singing was in the family, as his aunt was a song writer.
 
When Blackwell was 14 years old, he sang as a guest on the Lawrence Durham Radio Show, and at 18, began playing the rhythm guitar. He can also play the electric guitar but prefers the rhythm guitar by far. His first rhythm guitar was a Yamaha, which he played for 35 years; the instrument is now retired.
 
Blackwell likes early Rock-n-Roll and Mo-Town, but his favorite music is country: Waylon and Willie style. His own music was influenced by Johnny Cash and Merle Haggard.
 
From 1978 until 1980, Blackwell was the kickoff player for Del Reeves, and opened before Reeves came on stage. And in 1980, Blackwell recorded a number of his songs at the RCA studio in Nashville, TN.
 
In 2004, Blackwell was the first guest player to grace the stage of The Grinders Switch Hour, with Charlie Garner as host. Blackwell and Garner had been friends for years before his appearance on the radio show. Blackwell is a member of the Grinders Switch Ensemble, which plays on The Grinders Switch Hour. He greatly enjoys the laid-back atmosphere, talent and fellowship of the band. They are like brothers.
 
Blackwell’s CD, Now and Then, was produced by Doyle Grisham. Most of the songs were written by Blackwell and were sold at the radio show and online.  The Grinders Switch Hour is broadcasted all over the world, and many of the worldwide listening audience would purchase the popular CD. 
 
Blackwell’s hobbies are the 3 M’s: Music, Masonry (He volunteers his time with the Shriner's helping children.) and Motorcycles. He has owned 5 motorcycles and loves the freedom he feels when he rides.
 
His words of wisdom? He believes in being charitable, honest, truthful, and living life according to the Ten Commandments.

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