Michael Reno Harrell
Hailing from the
Southern Appalachian Mountains, where stories were a part of everyday life,
Michael grew up learning, then embellishing family history and regional
anecdotes. As a boy he was the one who asked, “Uncle Roy, please tell me again
the story about when…”
At the heart of Michael’s tales is an essence which extends far beyond his
Appalachian roots or even the Southern experience. His stories and songs have
charmed audiences from Dallas to Dublin. One reviewer noted, “His songs are
stories and there’s a story behind every song.” His wit has been compared to an
old timer’s pocket knife…smooth on the outside, but there’s and edge and a point
in there as well.
Here’s what 4 time
Grammy winner and nationally acclaimed storyteller David Holt has to say...
“Michael Reno Harrell is one of those natural born Southern storytellers fi lled
with wit, charm and surprises. Whether the story is in song or narrative,
Michael will draw you
in and entertain you, all the while making you feel right at home.”
Michael Reno Harrell was born on the Tennessee side of the Southern Appalachian
Mountains. His family migrated there from Western North Carolina the year he was
born and he spent his youth traveling back and forth between the two states on
winding mountain roads through places like Del Rio and Hot Springs. With
mountain roots running many generations deep, it's not hard to see where much of
Michael's love for story telling arises.
His songs have been described as "Appalachian grit and wit" but, as his writing
shows, Michael's awareness is much broader than the bounds of his boyhood home
or even the Southern experience. Having toured throughout the British Isles and
much of Europe, as well as most of the USA, the songs he writes reflect an
insight into people's experiences that catch the ear like an old friend's voice.
Having been a teenager when the Folk Boom of the early 60's was in bloom,
Michael traded in his drum kit for a used Kay guitar and decided to it was time
to hit the road in search of what Woody Guthrie was singing about. His travels
took him to folk festivals, fiddler's conventions and Bluegrass festivals all
over. Traveling around with pals like David Holt and Steve Keith, he listened to
the old time sounds of some of the great old mountain singers like Clarence
Ashley and Bascom Lamar Lunsford. And there were cowboy singers in little towns
like Cerillos, New Mexico and Atlantic City, Wyoming. And bluesmen in Memphis
and Clarksdale and rock 'n rollers everywhere, not to mention Country music from
Nashville. It's only natural that writers like Michael are called "Americana".
Trying his hand in the Music City songwriter's scene in the late 80's, Michael
seemed on the road to Country Music success. Artists like Doug Stone and Perfect
Stranger were cutting his songs. But, the farther down that road he traveled,
the more he realized that it wasn't the right path for him. He moved to North
Carolina and got completely away from not only the music industry, but from
music all together...sometimes not even picking up his guitar for months at a
time. Then, slowly, he began to regain his musical strength and now and again a
line or two would sprout and a couple of chords would fit together. With the
encouragement of his wife, Joan, and his close friends, he began to write and
soon got the urge to play again.
Michael released a cassette tape in 1995 entitled "There Are No Angels Here"
which is now available as a re-mastered CD. This was followed by a compilation
CD called "Known On The Underground" with fellow Charlotte, NC Americana
artistes. Michael's two songs on that record got a lot of national recognition
but, it was his cut of "Caroline", an ode to his home state, that got him
started as a real favorite son in his native South. In 1997 Michael recorded his
first Solo CD with an all star line up of Nashville pals like Jerry Douglas,
Byron House and Brent Truitt.
The record leapt onto the Gavin Americana charts and stayed for twenty-three
weeks reaching #16 nationally. Michael followed up with his next effort "Second
Wind" which remained at #12 and #11 for six weeks and stayed on the charts for
five months. With the release of "Southern Son", Michael took his songwriting to
a new level. Look for his newest effort, "Closer Home" for an even closer look
into the soul of a true song crafter and storyteller.
If you get the chance to see Michael Reno Harrell live, either solo or with his
band, "No Angels", you owe it to yourself to hear one of the real songwriters
and performers out there.
Call or Click for Tickets
865-983-3330 or click here for tickets
You can also stop by the Palace Cafe on Harper Street and pick up your tickets!
The Palace Theater is conveniently located in Downtown Maryville just 17 miles south of Knoxville, TN.
South from Knoxville: Travel 129 South past the airport. Take the right fork and turn left at the first light.
Pass 4 or 5 lights and Take the first right onto Broadway.
The Palace is will be on the right.
Plenty of Free Parking in the city municipal lot.
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