Mike Farris is an American musician who has captivated audiences with his soulful blend of blues, gospel, and rock music. Born in Tennessee, he grew up singing in church, which laid the foundation for his music style. With a career spanning several decades, Farris has become a highly respected musician known for his powerful vocals and dynamic stage presence.
Initially, Farris was a member of the rock band Screamin' Cheetah Wheelies, which gained popularity in the 1990s. However, he later turned to gospel music and released his first solo album, "The Night the Cumberland Came Alive," in 2002. Since then, he has released several more albums, including "Salvation in Lights" and "Shine for All the People." The latter won him a Grammy Award for Best Roots Gospel Album in 2015, cementing his position as a major force in the music industry.
Today, we’re taking a look at Farris’ newest release: His very own version of the classic “Honeysuckle Blue” by ‘Drivin N Cryin’.
"Honeysuckle Blue" is a song that captures the essence of Southern rock, a genre that emerged in the American South in the 1970s. The song features a bluesy guitar riff that sets the tone for the rest of the track. The lyrics are filled with vivid imagery that evokes a sense of nostalgia for the South, with references to honeysuckle, magnolias, and other symbols of the region. The song has been covered by several other artists and has become a staple of classic rock radio. Overall, "Honeysuckle Blue" is a great example of how Southern rock blends elements of blues, country, and rock and roll to create a distinctive sound that is uniquely American.
This fantastic cover by Mike Farris reinvigorates the classic and it does so with a very clear intent: A huge compilation of covers spanning the lengthy and illustrious career of legendary Kevn Kinney. Everything from Farris’ signing down to the brilliant guitar work and the uplifting backup vocals make the song truly stand out not just as a gorgeous tribute, but also as a testament to the performer’s own prowess.
The story of the Kevn Kinney compilation album, titled Let's Go Dancing, is truly remarkable. What started as a 60th birthday surprise video during lockdown has now grown into an incredible proper compilation album that is sure to go down in history as one of the most unique and impressive ever produced. The album features elite artists of all ages, stages, genders, and genres, coming together to celebrate one of the world's most important yet undersung heroes: Kevn Kinney.
The ambitious plan is to distill Kevn's vast catalog of hundreds of songs into a collection of 100 gems that will be digitally released in sets of 25 per quarter, with the possibility of a CD release. Each seasonal installment will also feature 40 minutes of exceptional material on vinyl.
If you’re a fan of the original, I don’t think you could ask for a better cover than what Farris has provided, especially when you look at his credentials. His live performances are legendary, earning him a loyal fan base around the world. He has toured extensively throughout the United States and Europe and has shared the stage with many other notable musicians, including Stevie Ray Vaughan, Bonnie Raitt, and Patti Griffin. Farris's powerful vocals and dynamic stage presence have made him a sought-after performer, and his music continues to inspire and uplift audiences everywhere.
Let's Go Dancing will donate proceeds to charities, including SIMS Foundation, How Big Is Your Dream, Out of the Woods, and FarmLink. These charities support mental health, education, children with spinal cord and brain injuries, and partnerships between farmers and food banks. Artists like Alejandro Escovedo, Ike Stubblefield, Shelly Colvin, Dylan LeBlanc, and Tom Gray contributed to the project. The album will feature a variety of songs and styles as a tribute to Kevn Kinney and his influence on the music industry.
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