Michael Martin Murphey has a long history of Western and Western-Themed music; his biggest pop hit “Wildfire” was about a horse, and his Cowboy Songs Volume I album was a landmark album in Western Music. Murphey also conceived and helped organize the first “West Fest,” which is the forerunner to the numerous Western festivals and gatherings.

He dresses Western, he lives Western, and he performs Western Music. He has become a spokesman for Western Music, the Western lifestyle, and issues affecting the American West.

“I’m a missionary for the Western lifestyle,” said Murphey.

Michael Martin Murphey was born and grew up in Dallas, Texas. He began performing at church, then at a folk music club, and a Western dude ranch. He attended North Texas State University and UCLA, where he made some connections in the music industry. Murphey was in an early version of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band as well as the New Christy Minstrels. He also hung out with Michael Nesmith and Mickey Dolenz, who later became “The Monkees.”

Out of those auditions, Dolenz and Nesmith both became members of “The Monkees.” “The Monkes” were developed by Screen-Gems, and Murphey ended up writing songs for their publishing company. One of his songs “What Am I Doin’ Hangin’ Round” was recorded by The Monkees and was his first major success as a songwriter.

Murphey teamed with Boomer Castleman to form “The Lewis and Clark Expedition;” the duo recorded several albums and made the pop charts with a single. After the duo disbanded, Murphey moved to Austin, Texas, where he became part of the “outlaw” music scene, In Austin, Murphey met producer Bob Johnstonm who invited him to Nashville to record, His first album had “Geronimo’s Cadillac” on it; his second was titled Cosmic Cowboy.

After Austin, Murphey moved to Colorado where he recorded the album  Blue Sky/Night Thunder, which contained the hit single “Wildfire,” which reached number 3 on the pop charts in 1975.

Beginning in 1976, Murphey became a regular presence on the country music charts, with some occasional crossovers into the pop charts. His biggest country hits were “What’s Forever For,” “Still Taking Chances,” “Will It Be Love By Morning,” “What She Wants.” “Carolina in the Pines,” “A Long Line of Love,” “I’m Gonna Miss You, Girl,” “Talkin’ To The Wrong Man,” and “From the Word Go.”

In 1996, Murphey started WestFest and that event has been a leader in a Western revival that has seen a number of Western festivals and gatherings.

Cowboy Songs Volume I was released in 1990 and gave a new lease on lief to his recording career. This album was a collection of mostly old, vintage cowboy songs and sold well enough for Murphey to hang a Gold Record on his wall. He followed this with three more “Cowboy Songs” albums. From this point forward, Murphey concentrated on Western Music. This led to the formation of Warner Western, the record label started by Warner Brothers which introduced artists like the Sons of the San Joaquin, Don Edwards, and Waddie Mitchell to a wider public.

Michael Martin Murphey continues to tour and perform as a Western artist; in addition he has several ranching operations.
Don Cusic

Talents: Musician, Singer, Songwriter

Awards:

• 2004 Hall of Fame Inductees