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Similar letters come often from all over the US and around the world:
wherever Michael's music is played on the radio or passed from one
friend to another. Ask anyone who loves his strong, clear singing and
his meaningful, melodic songs, and you will find someone excited to have
found another kindred spirit. Upon close listening, it becomes apparent
to many that it is not just his music that seems unique, Michael has
taken an unusual path in his life.
In the late 1980s, the Texas-born artist scored a Top 10 - Adult
Contemporary hit with his song, Dawning on a New Day. Suddenly,
his music, which had been known only at a handful of alternative
stations, was being featured on national TV and played on radio stations
in nearly every city. He began headlining major theaters, the Greek and
Universal Amphitheaters in LA, The Paramount in Denver, Wolftrap in
Washington DC, and many others. From the very first, his following was
loyal and passionate about this new songwriter who sang the songs that
they felt came from their own lives.
By his fourth release it seemed clear that a very successful career was
being launched, but behind the scenes Michael was growing weary of the
chaos and conflict that is so pervasive in the corporate music world,
where artists and label executives speak more often through attorneys
than face to face. In the early 1990s, Michael decided that he'd had
enough. Surprising his fans and many in radio, he walked away from it
all. In an almost unheard of move, he challenged his record label
and regained ownership of all his music, reclaiming full rights to all
his publishing, master recordings and copyrights. He then returned
to his home in Seattle to start his own small label, Desert Rain.
From that time on he began to fashion less a career than a life, an
ongoing process of merging his music and personal life into a growing
collection of songs, CDs, concerts and retreats.
Widely known for his friendly concerts, funny stories and warm
goodwill onstage, Michael took his performing a step further and began
hosting weekend retreats called A Gathering of Friends, using his
music to bring people together in friendship, laughter and goodwill.
They came from all over the US and Europe to a small, rustic village on
the Olympic Peninsula - to make new friends and laugh and tell stories.
He now hosts a new event called A Gathering of Dreams, intended to
encourage people to move toward their dreams and a life of purpose.
Michael continues to live in Seattle. His latest CD is Watching the
Storm Roll In. In 2004 he will release a new album and complete his
first book of interwoven stories about his life and music.
Press Quotes
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Email; mt@michaeltomlinson.com
Desert Rain Records
POBox 15248
Seattle,WA 98115-0248
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