The Honky Tonk Hitman
Mike Rodgers

   A man moves to Nashville, Tenn., from Arkansas to pursue his lifelong dream of becoming a country-music star. After living out of his car for a week or two, he enters the professional boxing ring to make some quick cash. He doesn't know if he can recapture his past glory as a distinguished amateur boxer. Much to his own surprise, he starts winning bout after bout and eventually wins a world title.
   One might think that this scenario forms the plot of a would-be novel or screenplay in the fertile imagination of a most creative writer. But it is not. This is the real life story of Mike Rodgers, a country music singer and professional boxer who has 25 wins - 20 by kayo - and only two losses.
   In 1997, Rodgers, an aspiring musician, traveled from his home state of Arkansas to the Music City to give his music career a boost. In the past, he had played on the club circuit throughout the south, opening for country music stars such as his idol, Merle Haggard. After performing on the road for three years with his band Gator-Dilla, Rodgers ventured to Nashville to make his dreams a reality.
   When he came to Nashville, Rodgers had little money and even lived out of his car for a period of time. "I came to Nashville with a beat-up car, a guitar and three garbage sacks full of clothes," he says.
   The story of his pro career is nothing short of legendary. Upon arriving in the Music City, Rodgers soon learned about weekly professional boxing shows held at the Music City Mix Factory. Rodgers first professional boxing license has the address of a local honky-tonk bar that he had been frequenting because he was living in his car. He keeps it in his wallet to this day as a reminder of his struggles. . In June 1997, Rodgers entered the ring with a pair of tennis shoes, swimming trunks and his ever-present cowboy hat. Before he could be introduced, some drunk in the crowd yelled: "Hey cowboy, who in the hell are you, The Honky Tonk Hitman?" The name stuck and a legend began.
   The promoters thought he would be an opponent, unaware of his extensive amateur career (155 wins-26 losses) in which he compiled numerous state and local titles. Instead, he became a crowd favorite after kayoing a string of foes in less than two rounds. "I went from homeless to hero with one punch," Rodgers says.
   Rodgers continues to pursue his dreams in boxing and music. He is busy in the studio with his producer Robert Ellis Orall, writing and recording his songs to be pitched to the labels. Many may question whether a young man can accomplish his lofty goals. But Rodgers does not doubt himself. He believes it's his destiny.
   "I come from a good heritage," Rodgers says. "I am the son of Silver & Golden Gloves Hall-Of-Famer Ray Rodgers and the Great grand nephew of country music Hall-Of-Famer, Jimmie Rodgers. It is in my blood so I really didn't have a chance. Some things in life you can choose, some you can't. I feel like this was my destiny, I was born to be the The Honky Tonk Hitman."

Click here to listen to The Honky Tonk Hitman sing "Honkytonk Hitman".

Visit The Honky Tonk Hitman's web site by clicking here.

A Message From Jerry Mac
Concerning Mike Rodgers

   In 1997, when Mike Rodgers first came to Nashville, I was doing shows every Sunday Night at The 16th Avenue Cafe, owned by my good friend, Eddie Rhines. One night Eddie showed up with a face I had not seen before. During the introduction to this new face, Eddie explained to me that he was a boxer and a singer. I believe that Mike had already had a fight or two at The Music City Mix Factory, and had already been given the title, Honky Tonk Hitman. The first time that I heard Mike sing was at The 16th Avenue Cafe. You might say that I was watching Mike from a distance in his early "dues-paying-stage" in Nashville. It seems like, for a while, that every time I saw Mike that he had just finished knocking someone out. I must admit that the first time that I ever heard Mike sing, I was KOed with the talent the young man possessed. I was knocked out even harder with what a fine human being he seemed to be. I suggest all the readers of this news visit his web site located at http://honkytonkhitman.com.
Jerry Mac

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Randy Ball In IBMA
Songwriter's Showcase

Press release submitted by: Trevor Lyman
http://www.musicSUBMIT.com
Music Promotion and Internet Marketing for musicians.

Randy at the Songwriter's Showcase at the IBMA World of Bluegrass, with hosts Linda and Robin Williams, Louisville, KY 10/05/04.

   Randy Ball, guitarist for the Ball Sisters Band, is one of ten songwriters that was selected to be showcased at the International Bluegrass Music Association's 2004 World of Bluegrass celebration in Louisville, Kentucky on October 5. 110 writers submitted songs for this showcase.
   The Ball Sisters Band features sisters Jessica and Cris Ball, along with their father, Randy, and friend John Skelton. Their most resent release is entitled Cold Frosty Morning, on Statue Records, a California independent label.

Band Name: The Ball Sisters Band
Website Address: http://www.ballsistersband.bigstep.com
Email Address: ballrn@chartertn.net
Address: 210 Austin Mill Rd
City: Rogersville
State: TN
Country: United States
Zip Code: 37857
Phone: 423-272-6139
Music Style: Bluegrass
Sound Files: Click here

   Hello visitors. I'm Jerry Mac, the editor.
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