M.J.A.

“Small Town Singer Meant to Go National” Mike received his first real wooden guitar from his mom and dad at the age of 4. He played and sang along for his family. Mike took lessons in school playing the drums in school at the age of 8. At an early age Mike was listening to his parent’s records and singing to old country classic’s, Elvis, and the Lettermen. Twelve years old Michael John Aiken was concentrating on writing lyrics and music for his own songs. Mike asked the local minister i...

“Small Town Singer Meant to Go National” Mike received his first real wooden guitar from his mom and dad at the age of 4. He played and sang along for his family. Mike took lessons in school playing the drums in school at the age of 8. At an early age Mike was listening to his parent’s records and singing to old country classic’s, Elvis, and the Lettermen. Twelve years old Michael John Aiken was concentrating on writing lyrics and music for his own songs. Mike asked the local minister if he could have access to play the piano in his local church. After granted permission Mike taught himself how to play the piano and wrote many more songs. After a couple of years he began listening to a local band practice down the street from where he lived. Mike became there roadie at the age of 14, thanks to the approval of his mom and dad who were very understanding allowing him to go to bars at that age. When he turned the age of 15, that same band asked him to play bass guitar for them and he accepted. Mike’s first band gig was at the Boat House bar next to a lake. Though he was nervous, everyone had a great time. Mike’s second gig, that next week, was at a grand opening for a restaurant bar. It was so packed in that place that people were literally falling into the drum set and hitting the microphones pinning the band up against the wall. Mike knew then that performing live music and having fun was just the release he was craving for. At the age of 16 Mike was recruited by the School Band Director to play the bass guitar for the marching band. At first he declined because he wondered how this could work, but finally he accepted as the Band Director was persistent. Mike was the first person in his high school to play the guitar for the marching band. The band was very successful that year wining many first place contests. Mike also participated in the School Jazz Band and loved it. In the years following Mike played many different venues, (Appendices’ A.), and refined his talents as a musician and singer-song writer. Mike remembers well the days playing at the Cortland State Grange building for the newly formed Empire State Country Music Association with its membership drive and jamborees. Mike remembers well the “Heat the Barn” jamboree so that money could be raised to purchase a furnace for the new Opry Barn. It was the dream of Merlin Reynolds to build a Statewide Country Music Association Country Music Park and Campground, Opry Barn, Museum and Hall of Fame. May 19th, 1984 was the day the first in the Northeast had its grand opening. Mike was honored to play at that grand opening. During that same period Mike was part of a drive to get the word out and played Mike has had the privilege of opening up for George Jones and he continues to play at the Cortland Country Music Park Opry Barn to this day. Mike also new well one of the Board of Directors members. Mike had the honor of playing with and for “Tex Roe” many different times. Mike shared time on and off the stage with Tex and has fond memories. Tex would tell him that there is nothing like the sound of an open stringed acoustic guitar. Mike played on WKRT radio, TV Channel 40 out of Binghamton, NY, WSYR TV Channel 3 out of Syracuse, NY, and the big show at Darien Lake Park in support of the Statewide Country Music Association. In 1987 Mike and the boys won a band competition that allowed them to travel to Nashville and play at the Nashville Palace. One of Mike’s fondest memories was his visit to the Ryman Auditorium and the Opryland Museum. Mike has also had the pleasure playing at the Ozark Inn. When he first played there, three of Wayne Schram’s daughter’s owned the building. Mike had a lot of fun round and remembers three part harmony square dancing. Mike started recording different sounds and harmonies using a four track and dubbing. Then he moved up to a recording studio and released an album with all original songs. The album did well locally and to this day the same album is requested. Each year since 2004 Mike has had the pleasure of writing and performing his original songs for the graduation class for that year in his local school. Mike recorded some favorite’s songs for Christmas and released a Rock’n Christmas, (2006), and a Country Classics Christmas, (2007) CD. In 2009 the release of two CD’s, Hot Rod Heart, favorite 50’s and 60’s tunes, and Classic Country, some of his favorite Country Classic songs. Mike went through different phases of music and bands ending up with his own band that catered to the public. This band took no breaks sometimes playing four and even five hours straight. It was a non-stop show, song after song that people still talk about to this day. They could play up to 80 songs in one show. It was always about giving the best show possible to the people. Playing hard and crazy, jumping all around with energy, music from old and new country to modern rock. Then the next week they would play for the local senior citizens dance, playing two to three hours straight, non-stop country classics songs. Talk about diverse. His songwriting hasn’t stopped, since Mike was twelve he has written over 400 songs. Well over 30 great songs in just the last year alone. A lifetime of influences has Mike ready to perform for the public in any venue. Mike is currently a member of A.S.C.A.P.