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 a multi-talented American singer, songwriter, and actor. Rising to fame in 1992, he released 16 studio albums and 53 singles. He is best known for his chart-topping hit "Achy Breaky Heart," which achieved triple platinum status in Australia and was the best-selling single there in 1992. The song's music video significantly contributed to the worldwide popularity of line dancing.
1990: Signing with PolyGram/Mercury and Opening for Reba McEntire
In 1990, Billy Ray Cyrus signed with PolyGram/Mercury Records and opened for Reba McEntire.
1992: Recording Debut Album
In 1992, Billy Ray Cyrus began recording and writing music for his debut album after being signed in 1990.
1992: Release of 'Some Gave All'
In 1992, Billy Ray Cyrus released his debut album, 'Some Gave All'. The album was an instant success, debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums and Billboard 200 charts.
1993: Success of 'Some Gave All' Singles
From 1992 to 1993, 'Some Gave All' produced four consecutive top 40 singles on the Hot Country Songs chart, including "Achy Breaky Heart".
1993: Release of 'It Won't Be the Last' and Appearance on Dolly Parton's 'Romeo'
In 1993, Billy Ray Cyrus released his second studio album, 'It Won't Be the Last', and also appeared on Dolly Parton's single "Romeo".
1993: First top 5 entry since 1993
In 2007, "Home at Last" was Billy Ray's first top 5 entry since 1993.
1994: Contribution to AIDS Benefit Album
In 1994, Billy Ray Cyrus contributed the song "Pictures Don't Lie" to the AIDS benefit album Red Hot + Country produced by the Red Hot Organization.
1994: Release of 'Storm in the Heartland'
In 1994, Billy Ray Cyrus released his third studio album, 'Storm in the Heartland'.
1995: Closure of PolyGram
In 1995, PolyGram, the label for which Billy Ray Cyrus recorded 'Storm in the Heartland', closed its doors.
1996: Release of 'Trail of Tears'
In 1996, Billy Ray Cyrus released his most critically acclaimed album, 'Trail of Tears', for Mercury Records.
1996: 'Some Gave All' certified 9x multi-platinum
In 1996, Billy Ray Cyrus' album 'Some Gave All' was certified 9x multi-platinum in the United States.
1998: Release of 'Shot Full of Love'
In 1998, Billy Ray Cyrus released his last album for Mercury Records, 'Shot Full of Love'.
1999: Signing with Monument Records
In 1999, Billy Ray Cyrus left Mercury Records and signed with Monument Records.
1999: First top 5 single since 1999
In 2008, "Ready, Set, Don't Go" was Billy Ray's first top 5 single since 1999.
2000: Release of 'Southern Rain'
In 2000, Billy Ray Cyrus released his debut album for Monument Records, 'Southern Rain'.
2001: Starring in "Doc"
In 2001, Billy Ray Cyrus began starring in the television series "Doc", which ran until 2004. The show focused on a country doctor who moved from Montana to New York City.
2003: Release of Christian Albums 'Time Flies' and 'The Other Side'
In 2003, Billy Ray Cyrus released two Christian albums, 'Time Flies' and 'The Other Side'.
2004: End of "Doc" Series
In 2004, Billy Ray Cyrus finished starring in the television series "Doc", which began in 2001. The show focused on a country doctor who moved from Montana to New York City.
2006: Appearance with Metal Skool
In 2006, Billy Ray Cyrus appeared with metal-rock group Metal Skool (now Steel Panther), performing songs including "Rebel Yell" and "I Want My Mullet Back".
2006: Starring in "Hannah Montana"
In 2006, Billy Ray Cyrus began starring as Robby Ray Stewart on the Disney Channel series "Hannah Montana" alongside his daughter Miley Cyrus.
2006: Singing "The Star Spangled Banner" at World Series
In 2006, Billy Ray Cyrus sang "The Star Spangled Banner" at Game 5 of the World Series in St. Louis, Missouri.
July 2007: Release of 'Home at Last'
In July 2007, Billy Ray Cyrus's album 'Home at Last' was released on Walt Disney Records, debuting at No. 3 on the country charts.
October 2007: Duet Performance on Dancing with the Stars
In October 2007, Billy Ray Cyrus and his daughter Miley performed a duet of "Ready, Set, Don't Go" on "Dancing with the Stars", which debuted at No. 27 on the Country charts.
2007: Contestant on Dancing with the Stars
In 2007, Billy Ray Cyrus was a celebrity contestant on the 4th season of "Dancing with the Stars", partnered with Karina Smirnoff, and finished in 5th place.
November 12, 2008: Presentation at Country Music Association Awards
On November 12, 2008, Billy Ray and Miley Cyrus presented the "Song of the Year" award at the 42nd Annual Country Music Association Awards.
December 2008: Cameo in Metro Station's Video
In December 2008, Billy Ray Cyrus made a cameo appearance in Metro Station's video for "Seventeen Forever".
2008: Participation in Country Sings Disney
In 2008, Billy Ray Cyrus was featured in the Disney collection "Country Sings Disney" with the songs "Ready, Set, Don't Go" and "Real Gone".
2008: Peak of "Ready, Set, Don't Go" on Charts
In 2008, the duet version of "Ready, Set, Don't Go" by Billy Ray and Miley Cyrus peaked at No. 4 on the Country charts, marking Billy Ray's first top 5 single since 1999 and Miley's first top 5 on any Billboard chart.
March 14, 2009: Debut of "Back to Tennessee" on Country Singles Chart
On March 14, 2009, the title track from Billy Ray Cyrus' album, "Back to Tennessee", debuted at No. 59 on the country singles chart.
September 5, 2009: Debut of "A Good Day" on Country Charts
For the chart week of September 5, 2009, Billy Ray Cyrus's song "A Good Day" debuted at No. 60 on the country charts.
2009: Formation of Supergroup Brother Clyde
In early 2009, Billy Ray Cyrus, Phil Vassar, Jeffrey Steele, and John Waite formed a supergroup called Brother Clyde.
June 30, 2010: Brother Clyde's New Members and Single Release
On June 30, 2010, Billy Ray Cyrus announced new members for Brother Clyde and the availability of their single "Lately" on iTunes.
2011: End of "Hannah Montana"
In 2011, Billy Ray Cyrus concluded his role as Robby Ray Stewart on the Disney Channel series "Hannah Montana", which began in 2006.
2016: Starring in "Still the King"
In 2016, Billy Ray Cyrus began starring as Vernon Brownmule on the CMT sitcom "Still the King".
2017: End of "Still the King"
In 2017, Billy Ray Cyrus finished his role as Vernon Brownmule on the CMT sitcom "Still the King", which began in 2016.
2019: Number One Hit with "Old Town Road"
In 2019, Billy Ray Cyrus achieved his first number-one single on the US Billboard Hot 100 as a featured artist on a remix of Lil Nas X's song "Old Town Road," which spent a record-breaking nineteen consecutive weeks at the top spot.
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