Alex Miller kicked off his summer tour schedule in his hometown of Lancaster, Kentucky Saturday night to a sold-out audience at the Grand Theatre. The music was fabulous to say the least. The band was awesome as the sound, and the light show was exceptional. Alex and his band, which he nicknamed the Highlights during show, captivated his hometown and this writer.
Alex’s voice was country pure, and his selection of songs included old favorites and originals made the evening more than enjoyable. Alex opened the show with “Too Much Fun” by Daryle Singletary followed by the Don Williams classic “Tulsa Time.”
His next song, “She Makes Dirt Look Good,” was for his girlfriend who was in attendance along with his mother, grandmother, and father. This song was written by Texas country singer Robert Stowell. Next, Alex paid tribute to Hank Williams with “Mind Your Own Business.” His next piece was “Odessa.”
Alex took a break from his music to tell the story about his next original when he met Tracy Byrd on an elevator at an Indianapolis hotel where both country artists were staying. Alex said, “the elevator door opened and there stood Tracy.” Alex exclaimed, “hey you are Tracy Byrd” and Tracy responded with “hey you are Alex Miller.” Tracy invited Alex to lunch, bought Alex’s lunch, and exchanged cell numbers. Now you know the rest of the story to the duet by Tracy Byrd and Alex Miller “Give Them The Byrd” which was the next song in the song list.
Alex and his band followed his latest hit with the George Jones favorite “White Lightening.” Alex nailed this one. Alex followed with “Don’t Let The Barn Door Hit Ya,” which was Alex’s second released single by Billy Jam Records in October 2021 and written by Bill Whyte, Paul Bogart and Dan Wilson. Next came “Folsom Prison” which brought back memories of Johnny Cash without the train whistle.
Alex played another original with “Boys In Uniform” which was written for his veteran friends. Then, it was another Hank Williams special or “Honky Tonk Blues.” Alex followed with “Puttin’ Up Hay” written by Alex Miller, Larry Cordle, and Jerry Salley and about his first job on his grandfather’s farm.
Alex told another memory about writing a song in the sixth grade when he broke up with his girlfriend entitled “I’m Over You, So Get Over Me.” The audience really enjoyed this one and his story.
A tribute to Johnny Rodriguez “Pass Me By (If You Are Only Passing Through)” followed, and Alex told the crowd that his band had just worked this song into the show after the death of Johnny. Alex played a future release entitled “Second Hand Smoke” which was co-written by Alan Jackson. Then, Alex paid tribute to Red Foley with “Tennessee Saturday Night.”
“My Daddy’s Dad” for his granddad brought a tear to my eye and is another Alex original. “House of The Rising Son” was a nice addition as well as “When God Made The South” which is another original.
Alex closed his show with “Freeborn Man” and “When I Get To Glory, I Am Going To Sing, Sing, Sing” by the Drifting Cowboys and Hank Williams. Alex did not let the crowd down when he came back with his Merle Haggard encore “I Think I’ll Just Stay Here And Drink.”
This writer wishes Alex and his bank nothing but the best and wants to sincerely thank him for staying true to country. His voice is unbelievably pure, and his band members are some incredible musicians who only add to Alex’s talent.
Finally, thank you Alex Miller for inviting Don Brandenburg to be your opening act. Don was a great addition to the hometown show!
