Mike Farris

Biography

Mike Farris is a Grammy Award-winning American musician and vocalist known for his powerful blend of blues, gospel, and soul music. Born and raised in Tennessee, Farris began his professional music career at age nineteen after answering a newspaper advertisement for a soul singer, which led him to become the frontman of Screamin' Cheetah Wheelies, a southern rock band signed to Atlantic Records in the early 1990s. The band achieved significant success and toured internationally, but Farris' struggle with drug and alcohol addiction—which began at age fifteen—prevented him from reaching his full potential during this period. His career was marked by both tremendous opportunity and personal turmoil, including a stint as lead vocalist for Stevie Ray Vaughan's legendary blues band Double Trouble, yet his addictions ultimately left him homeless and living in his car in Knoxville, Tennessee.[1][2]

In 2005, at a pivotal moment standing at his nephew's grave site, Farris made the decision to get sober and redirect his life. He pursued healing through the music that had always moved him most: traditional black spirituals and gospel music. Encouraged by his longtime manager Rose McGathy, Farris began recording his own interpretations of these spirituals, which led to his solo career breakthrough. His dedication to this musical journey resulted in critical acclaim and numerous prestigious awards, including an Americana Music Award for New & Emerging Artist in 2008, a Dove Award for Traditional Gospel Album of the Year in 2010, and most notably, a Grammy Award in 2015 for Best Roots Gospel Album for his Kickstarter-funded project 'Shine For All The People'.[1][2]

Throughout his career, Farris has performed at major festivals including Bonnaroo, South by Southwest, Austin City Limits Festival, Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, and the Hollywood Bowl, as well as prestigious venues like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and TED-x Nashville. His music seamlessly blends blues, country, gospel, and soul traditions, drawing comparisons to legendary vocalists like Sam Cooke and Otis Redding. Despite experiencing a relapse with pain medications in the years following his initial sobriety, Farris sought comprehensive rehabilitation and counseling to address the root causes of his addiction. His artistic journey—marked by personal redemption, musical evolution, and unwavering commitment to his craft—has established him as a respected figure in American roots music with a distinctive vocal delivery and profound storytelling ability.[2][3][4]

Fun Facts

• Farris achieved sobriety after a profound moment at his nephew's grave site in 2005, when his estranged father drove away, prompting him to go 'cold turkey' and seek healing through music.[2]
• Despite his struggles with addiction, Farris was invited to perform at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 16th Annual American Masters concert in 2011, honoring Aretha Franklin alongside other major acts.[1]
• The title of his album 'Shine For All The People' refers to his wife Julie's wedding ring, and the album celebrates their 23 years of marriage and her steadfastness in supporting him through his addiction struggles.[4]
• After seven years between major projects, Farris made a triumphant return with 'The Sound of Muscle Shoals' album, which references the legendary Muscle Shoals studio in Alabama and blends his prolific history across blues, country, and gospel genres.[3]

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Stevie Ray Vaughan - Legendary blues guitarist and bandleader who employed Farris as lead vocalist for Double Trouble following the demise of Screamin' Cheetah Wheelies (Double Trouble band) [1990s]
• Rose McGathy - Longtime manager who encouraged Farris to pursue his healing through recording traditional black spirituals and guided his solo career development (Career management and artistic direction) [2000s onward]

Key Collaborators

• Patty Griffin - Collaborated on the Grammy-winning Downtown Church project, contributing vocals (Downtown Church) [2010s]
• Rodney Crowell - Collaborated on Crowell's album Tarpaper Sky, contributing vocals (Tarpaper Sky album) [2010s]
• Garry West - Producer and Compass Records co-founder who produced Farris' album 'Silver & Stone' at Compass Sound Studio in Nashville (Silver & Stone album) [2010s]
• Will McFarlane, Kelvin Holly, Wes Sheffield - Guitarists who collaborated with Farris on 'The Sound of Muscle Shoals' album, providing instrumental support (The Sound of Muscle Shoals album) [2020s]

Artists Influenced

• Sam Cooke - Vocal and stylistic influence; Farris' soulful vocal delivery is reminiscent of Cooke's approach (General vocal style and soul interpretation) [Ongoing influence]
• Otis Redding - Vocal and stylistic influence; Farris' delivery compared to Redding's soulful approach (General vocal style and soul interpretation) [Ongoing influence]
• Bill Withers - Musical influence; Farris covered Withers' 'Hope She'll be Happier' on 'Silver & Stone' (Hope She'll be Happier cover) [2010s]
• Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers - Musical influence; Farris covered 'Swingin'' on 'The Sound of Muscle Shoals', making the classic song distinctly his own (Swingin' cover) [2020s]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Ease On (The Sound Of Muscle Shoals)
2. I Don't Know What You've Got (The Blues Album)
3. Swingin' (The Sound Of Muscle Shoals)
4. Bird In The Rain (The Sound Of Muscle Shoals)
5. I'll Come Runnin' (The Sound Of Muscle Shoals)
6. Her (The Sound Of Muscle Shoals)
7. Heavy On The Humble (The Sound Of Muscle Shoals)
8. Mercy Now (Shine For All The People)
9. Ease On
10. Bright Lights (The Sound Of Muscle Shoals)

External Links

• Spotify
• [Wikipedia](Not found in search results)