Latest news: Mike's song, Seguro Que Hell Yes (co-written with john Arthur martinez and Alex Harvey), has been released on Alan Jackson's new 3-disc box set called Genuine - the Alan Jackson Story, available at WalMart stores nationwide and at www.walmart.com.  The song is on disc 2, track 19.  

Award-winning novelist and singer/songwriter Mike Blakely has published 18 books, released by major New York City publishers. Mike's most recent release is titled A Song To Die For, released November, 2014. Among his last few releases were co-writes: One with Willie Nelson (A Tale Out of Luck), and the other with Kenny Rogers, titled "What Are the Chances" (released Sept. 2013).  

As a performing songwriter, Mike has released 11 CDs, performed all over the U.S., and made 16 tours to Europe.  His songs have been recorded by Alan Jackson, Gary P. Nunn, Red Steagall, Flaco Jimenez and Raul Malo, john Arthur martinez, Randy Brown, Geronimo Trevino III and Johnny Rodriguez, Johnny Bush, Pauline Reese, Debbi Walton and others. He is currently working in the studio on his next CD.

A native Texan, Mike served in the U.S. Air Force and later earned a bachelors degree in journalism from the University of Texas at Austin.  He released his first novel 1988 and his first CD in 1995.  One of his co-written tunes landed on a Grammy Award-winning album by Flaco Jimenez in 1995.  Another was played on the orbiting International Space Station in 2007.

Mike is a two-time winner of Western Writers of America’s Spur Award – once for best western novel of the year, and once for best western song of the year. 

Mike spent many years touring with his dancehall band, but now plays more shows as a solo artist, or in a duo or trio configuration at listening rooms, house concerts, festivals, and private parties.  His career as a novelist leads to many non-traditional concerts at book stores, libraries, writers conferences, and book clubs.

"Having celebrated our house concert anniversary with the seventh show by Mike, we can only attest that it just keeps getting better and better!  I'll personally guarantee it to be one of the musical highlights of your life!" - Paula Reynolds, Hilltop House Concerts, Kerrville, TX.

“Blakely is a consummate artist whose superb ability to capture an audience only serves to highlight his songwriting skills... which approach brilliance.” – Buddy Case, “The Loft,” Enola, AR

"Mike helped us establish our restaurant as a major music venue in the Hill Country of Texas. He has produced a weekly concert series for us for over eight years, consistently packing the house show after show. We have been named "Best Live Music Venue" four years in a row thanks to his efforts.  He is an established talent, a huge asset to our business and a real pro." - Paul Brady, Owner of River City Grille, Marble Falls, TX.

Website and photos by Annie Blakely.