New Country Singing Mom Trades Big Time for Family
Teresa K. Saari
January 24, 2005
Singing is a popular hobby pursued by many. Most all of us listen to music, some play instruments, and others hum discreetly in barely audible tones. In addition there are the karaoke enthusiasts among us, who without inhibition belt out favorite standbys with heart and soul, for everyone to hear. However few take music as seriously as Wabamun, Alberta, Canada resident Michele Burton does. In fact, if not for the sudden change in direction her life took when she discovered she was carrying her first child in December of 1997, the rest of us might very well be tapping toes and swaying our bodies in rhythm to her catchy tunes.
By early 1997 Michele was climbing the proverbial country music ladder and had spent a year in the professional music scene. Her songs were listed in the Top 100 CanCountry Hits column of the Country Music News magazine; they were being played on radio stations country wide; and she was rubbing shoulders with the likes of Lisa Brokop and Michelle Wright. In fact, she and Michelle Wright trained professionally under the same vocal coach, Taylore T. Fox. Of Ms.Wright, Michele speaks fondly. “She is such a sweet girl; we met backstage at the Wildhorse Saloon in Nashville.”
While in Nashville, Michele recorded her first CD, entitled Racin’ the Angels, which was produced by the highly esteemed producer, Larry Wayne Clark. The song, Racin’ the Angels, she wrote as she was sitting in a Greyhound Bus Station while enroute to visit her grandmother, who hadn’t been given long to live. Michele was fortunate; she did get to see her grandmother the day before she passed away. “The musicians in my band,” Michele says, “did a fantastic job. They made the song sound absolutely heavenly.” In response to the song, which soon after hit the radio airwaves, Michele began receiving angels as gifts through her fan club. Her collection now totals over 600 ornaments.
That same year, a Ladies Auxiliary from Ontario sent her a swatch of cloth which they asked her to autograph. The cloth was later to be pieced into a quilt, which would be auctioned off for charity. Other signatures on the finished product include those of Vince Gill, Reba, Patty Loveless, Wynonna Judd, Alabama, Prairie Oyster and Willie Nelson, just to name a few. To say the least, this was one of the major highlights of Michele’s career.
It might be hard for some to imagine, going from fame one minute to anonymity the next, but Michele smiles happily and takes it in stride. She will always have the wonderful memories and many souvenirs. “Back then, radio stations and music directors were calling for interviews left, right and centre. I couldn’t even walk down the street without someone stopping me and saying, “Hey, I know you!”
Michele chose her family over her career, and is taking an indefinite hiatus from the industry she loves so much. For the time being, raising her two young children is her first and foremost priority, although that’s not to say a comeback isn’t visible just over the horizon. Given the opportunity to do it over again, she wouldn’t change a thing, but she would go at it harder and stronger the second time around.
In the meantime, she still actively indulges in her favorite pastime. Every weekend her company, Rite-on Q Karaoke is booked and she, along with her patrons sing to full houses. Most of her clientele at this point are situated west of Stony Plain, although eventually she’d like to branch eastward and incorporate a light show into her program.
The Racin’ the Angels CD, which in Europe is considered a rare collector’s item, is available for order through Michele @ mrburton@netscape.ca.
By early 1997 Michele was climbing the proverbial country music ladder and had spent a year in the professional music scene. Her songs were listed in the Top 100 CanCountry Hits column of the Country Music News magazine; they were being played on radio stations country wide; and she was rubbing shoulders with the likes of Lisa Brokop and Michelle Wright. In fact, she and Michelle Wright trained professionally under the same vocal coach, Taylore T. Fox. Of Ms.Wright, Michele speaks fondly. “She is such a sweet girl; we met backstage at the Wildhorse Saloon in Nashville.”
While in Nashville, Michele recorded her first CD, entitled Racin’ the Angels, which was produced by the highly esteemed producer, Larry Wayne Clark. The song, Racin’ the Angels, she wrote as she was sitting in a Greyhound Bus Station while enroute to visit her grandmother, who hadn’t been given long to live. Michele was fortunate; she did get to see her grandmother the day before she passed away. “The musicians in my band,” Michele says, “did a fantastic job. They made the song sound absolutely heavenly.” In response to the song, which soon after hit the radio airwaves, Michele began receiving angels as gifts through her fan club. Her collection now totals over 600 ornaments.
That same year, a Ladies Auxiliary from Ontario sent her a swatch of cloth which they asked her to autograph. The cloth was later to be pieced into a quilt, which would be auctioned off for charity. Other signatures on the finished product include those of Vince Gill, Reba, Patty Loveless, Wynonna Judd, Alabama, Prairie Oyster and Willie Nelson, just to name a few. To say the least, this was one of the major highlights of Michele’s career.
It might be hard for some to imagine, going from fame one minute to anonymity the next, but Michele smiles happily and takes it in stride. She will always have the wonderful memories and many souvenirs. “Back then, radio stations and music directors were calling for interviews left, right and centre. I couldn’t even walk down the street without someone stopping me and saying, “Hey, I know you!”
Michele chose her family over her career, and is taking an indefinite hiatus from the industry she loves so much. For the time being, raising her two young children is her first and foremost priority, although that’s not to say a comeback isn’t visible just over the horizon. Given the opportunity to do it over again, she wouldn’t change a thing, but she would go at it harder and stronger the second time around.
In the meantime, she still actively indulges in her favorite pastime. Every weekend her company, Rite-on Q Karaoke is booked and she, along with her patrons sing to full houses. Most of her clientele at this point are situated west of Stony Plain, although eventually she’d like to branch eastward and incorporate a light show into her program.
The Racin’ the Angels CD, which in Europe is considered a rare collector’s item, is available for order through Michele @ mrburton@netscape.ca.
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