Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Billy Ray Cyrus
How Billy Ray Cyrus built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.
Billy Ray Cyrus is an American singer, songwriter, and actor, most famously known for his hit single "Achy Breaky Heart." Released in 1992, the song topped the U.S. Hot Country Songs chart and achieved triple platinum status in Australia, becoming the best-selling single in that country for the year. The song's popularity also led to a surge in the popularity of line dancing. Cyrus has released 16 studio albums and 53 singles since his debut.
1992: Album Some Gave All
In 1992, Billy Ray Cyrus released the album Some Gave All, which featured songs he co-wrote with Cindy Smith.
1999: Starring in Radical Jack
In 1999, Billy Ray Cyrus starred in the independent film Radical Jack.
2001: Role in Mulholland Drive and Lead Role in Doc
In 2001, Billy Ray Cyrus had a role in David Lynch's film Mulholland Drive and played the lead role in the PAX comedy-drama Doc.
2004: Guest-Starring in Degrassi: The Next Generation
In 2004, Billy Ray Cyrus guest-starred in an episode of the Canadian teen drama Degrassi: The Next Generation.
2005: Stage Production of Annie Get Your Gun
In 2005, Billy Ray Cyrus appeared in a stage production of Annie Get Your Gun in Toronto, playing the role of Frank Butler.
2005: Start of Hannah Montana Co-Starring
In late 2005, Billy Ray Cyrus and his daughter Miley Cyrus began co-starring in the Disney Channel original television series, Hannah Montana.
March 24, 2006: Premiere of Hannah Montana
On March 24, 2006, Hannah Montana, a Disney Channel original television series co-starring Billy Ray Cyrus and his daughter Miley Cyrus, premiered.
March 2007: Participation in Dancing with the Stars
In March 2007, Billy Ray Cyrus joined the fourth season of the US version of Dancing with the Stars.
May 8, 2007: Elimination from Dancing with the Stars
On May 8, 2007, Billy Ray Cyrus and his partner Karina Smirnoff were eliminated in the eighth week of Dancing with the Stars.
2009: "A Good Day" single release
In 2009, Billy Ray Cyrus released his single "A Good Day".
January 2010: Release of The Spy Next Door
In January 2010, the film The Spy Next Door, starring Billy Ray Cyrus, was released.
November 2010: Suspension of Brother Clyde activities and album announcement
In November 2010, Billy Ray Cyrus suspended his activities in the band Brother Clyde and announced the release of his new solo patriotic album, entitled I'm American.
2010: Announcement of UFO: Unbelievably Freakin' Obvious
In 2010, it was announced that Billy Ray Cyrus and his son Trace Cyrus would participate in a new Syfy reality series called UFO: Unbelievably Freakin' Obvious.
April 2011: Single Changed to "Runway Lights"
In April 2011, the lead single for Billy Ray Cyrus's album I'm American was changed to "Runway Lights".
May 24, 2011: Release of I'm American album
On May 24, 2011, Billy Ray Cyrus's patriotic album, I'm American, was released after being pushed back from its original November 2010 release date.
June 28, 2011: I'm American album release
On June 28, 2011, Billy Ray Cyrus released his patriotic album "I'm American".
August 2011: "Nineteen" Single Release
In August 2011, Billy Ray Cyrus released "Nineteen" as a single.
October 8, 2011: "Nineteen" on Hot Country Songs chart
On October 8, 2011, Billy Ray Cyrus's song "Nineteen" debuted on the Hot Country Songs chart at number 58, marking his first charted single since "A Good Day" in 2009.
October 23, 2012: Release of Change My Mind album
On October 23, 2012, Billy Ray Cyrus released his album Change My Mind.
December 23, 2012: End of Broadway Engagement in Chicago
On December 23, 2012, Billy Ray Cyrus concluded his temporary engagement as Billy Flynn in the Broadway show Chicago.
April 2017: Name Change Announcement
In April 2017, Billy Ray Cyrus announced that he would be known as Cyrus, or "the artist formerly known as Billy Ray", after legally changing his name, which he later clarified was for an album title.
October 2019: "Old Town Road" Diamond Certification
In October 2019, the song "Old Town Road", featuring Billy Ray Cyrus, received a diamond certification by the RIAA, selling over ten million units in the United States and becoming the fastest song to achieve this milestone.
2021: Collaboration on "New Day"
In 2021, Billy Ray Cyrus and Firerose released "New Day", featuring Firerose's vocals and Cyrus on guitar.
2026: Appearance on The Masked Singer
In 2026, Billy Ray Cyrus, disguised as "Owl", participated in season fourteen of The Masked Singer and was eliminated on "Twilight Night".
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