Down Home Country
Kentucky-born singer/songwriter Alex Miller. Photo courtesy of Straight South Imagery
By PJ Martin
Editor
The Herald-News
Last Tuesday morning, this reporter had the privilege of talking to Alex Miller, an up-and-coming traditional country music singer and songwriter who will be performing at this year’s Sulphur Well Homecoming.
Miller has a charming country accent that blends right in to our local way of speaking in Metcalfe County. Having grown up in Lancaster, Kentucky on a farm, he gives thanks to his grandfather for always having a love for music.
When asked about his singing career, which started at the age of seven, he stated he began singing at local events near his hometown with encouragement from his grandfather. When asked if he played an instrument when he sang at that time, he replied, “I was taking guitar lessons.”
Miller appeared on season 19 of American Idol at the age of 17 and we asked if he was nervous trying out for the show. He replied, “A little, but it was a fun time.”
His mother saw that the show was having tryouts and signed him up. He said, “I’m glad she did. Because if it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t be where I am now.”
Although, sadly he wasn’t the winner of the season, but he soon had a manager and signed with Billy Jam Records. To date he has released three albums Miller Time, Country, and just out this year My Daddy’s Dad a tribute to his grandfather.
He has come a long way from those guitar lessons and now plays guitar, steel guitar, bass, banjo, and ukulele.
When asked if he writes his own songs he answered with a happy, “Yes, I love to write.” He was excited that he would be writing with Jimmy Fortune the next day. Miller has written some memorable songs I’m Over You, So Get Over Me, When God Made the South, Puttin’ Up Hay, and My Daddy’s Dad.
Alex Miller living his dream of singing at the Grand Old Opry. Photo courtesy of Rachel Black
His career is on the move and he has already opened shows for Hank Jr., Josh Turner, Shenandoah, and even Brook & Dunn, and Jamie Johnson.
However, on June 27th, a lifelong dream came true for him when he played on the Grand Ole Opry. He was introduced by Eddie Montgomery and performed songs he had written My Daddy’s Dad and Puttin’ up Hay.
Armed with the pages on which his grandfather had written down every show that he had ever played, he added the Grand Ole Opry to the pages.
We asked what his dream is now that he has played the opry. “That’s a hard one and I’ve been thinking about it. I guess to be a member of the opry.”
The future looks bright for this traditional country singer/songwriter and we at Jobe Publishing, Inc. look forward to seeing him fulfill that dream.
You can read more about Alex Miller and listen to his music at the following sites.
Website: www.alexmillercountry.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/amillermusic
Instagram: https://instagram.com/amillermusic
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amillermusic
Twitter: https://twitter.com/amillermusic_
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/alexmillercountry
His latest album released in April 2024 includes the charting radio single the title track, “My Daddy’s Dad.” Photo courtesy of Billy Jam Records
