Hillbilly Heart: A Memoir

by Billy Ray Cyrus, Todd Gold

Billy Ray Cyrus is an award-winning country music legend whose “Achy Breaky Heart” propelled his debut album, “Some Gave All,” to the top of the charts for a record-breaking seventeen weeks. He’s also father of Miley Cyrus, one of Hollywood’s most successful young stars, who grew up on stage and on screen, most famously as the lead on the Disney Channel’s “Hannah Montana,” where Billy Ray Cyrus played her father. But sometimes the truth is even better than fiction. Now, for the first time, fans can read about Cyrus’s tenacious and inspiring struggle to find his own way to faith, family, and the power of music.

Hillbilly Heart opens during Cyrus’s turbulent childhood in Kentucky, where he sought refuge in music and sports after his parents’ divorce. He was a troublemaker in training, known more for pulling pranks than for following in his preacher grandfather’s much-vaunted footsteps. But when he heard a voice telling him to get a left-handed guitar and start a band, this rebel found his cause. Ten years later, after tirelessly working the club circuit and knocking on the closed doors of music executives from Nashville to Los Angeles, Cyrus finally made a stratospheric breakthrough, becoming a multi-platinum selling artist and taking his rock-and-roll twist on country music to the world’s stage.

Cyrus fans have always been able to piece together the details of his life through his lyrics—the ups and downs, adventures and disappointments—but Hillbilly Heart gives them a front row seat for his most candid performance ever.

Genres: Memoir, Music, Nonfiction, Audiobook, Biography Memoir, Autobiography, Biography

296 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 9, 2012

About the author

Billy Ray Cyrus (born William Ramon Cyrus) is a Grammy Award-nominated American country music singer-songwriter and actor, best known for his #1 single, "Achy Breaky Heart" and "Ready, Set, Don't Go" Cyrus, a multi-platinum selling recording artist has scored a total of eight top-ten singles on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. His most successful album to date is the debut of, Some Gave All, which has been certified 9× Multi-Platinum in the United States. The album also has sold more than 20 million copies worldwide. From the year 2001 to 2004, Cyrus starred in the television show Doc. The show was about a country doctor who moved from Montana to New York City. In late 2005, he also began to co-star in the Disney Channel series, Hannah Montana, with daughter Miley Cyrus. The show has been on the air for 3 seasons. In his career, he has released 29 charted singles, 13 charted in the Top 40, and has reached #1 on the charts, "Achy Breaky Heart".

Reviews

[Alain Burrese · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Billy Ray Cyrus hit it big in the early 90s, I was going to college on the GI Bill. I loved the song “Some Gave All” and still do. I also enjoyed other songs on his first album, and even if “Achy Breaky Heart” was over played, I still liked it. But since then, I really hadn't paid much attention to his career, other than to listen to “Some Gave All” now and then, and especially on Memorial Day. Obviously I knew of the Hanna Montana craze and had heard of his daughter Miley, but still didn't know much else. So I decided to read “Hillbilly Heart,” the memoir of Billy Ray Cyrus, and I'm glad I did.

I enjoyed reading this book a lot. The stories were fun and it was written in an uplifting and encouraging way. It was a bit sanitized, and while Cyrus shared some of his trials and mistakes, I'm sure he left out quite a bit too. But that's okay, what he did share was honest and reflects his journey and he by all means shares that he made his mistakes, but also paid his dues. Many may not know the work Billy Ray Cyrus put in before achieving his “overnight success.” The man has worked hard throughout his career and has tried to do what he felt was right for him and his family. He admits he made mistakes along the way, but he did his best. It was also interesting to read about how some of the songs he wrote came to him, as well as some of the interactions he had with other big names in the entertainment industry.

Some may not like some of the religious elements he brings to the book, and others may wish that he reflected more on his faith. I thought it was the right amount to illustrate the importance it has had in his life.

It's an easy book to read. Very engaging, fun, and entertaining, but also motivating with a positive message. From this success story, you can learn to be persistent and never give up, as well as to be true to yourself and follow your heart. I even went out and picked up a couple of his CDs after finishing the book. If you like memoirs and are a fan of Billy Ray Cyrus, you will certainly enjoy this book. If you want to read and entertaining down to earth story of a country boy turned famous celebrity, you'll also enjoy “Hillbilly Heart.”

[Reita Jackson · Rating 2 out of 5]

As a country music fan and a tennessee native, I looked forward to this book. While the writing was adequate, I found the author to be unappealing. As a man who states he put high value on family, his behaviors suggest something less noble. His first marriage was a lark, and he never took it seriously...and cheated from the beginning. At one point he had two women pregnant at one time, and referrs to that as double trouble. He had to be coerced into marrying his second wife after she was pregnant with their second child. He chose the road over family repeatedly. He offers no insight into the personalities of his children (other than a shallow view of Miley) or of his wives. All the time Cyrus is wanting his music to be a light and a pathway to God, he is constantly drinking, partying, drugging, and womanizing. Mr. Cyrus has a large disconnect from who he says he is...or from who he wants to be...and who he is. The book is disjointed and disappointing.

[Keith · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't hate it--- but since I share some of his Appalachian roots, I really wanted to like it---and I didn't. This handsome and talented country singer from a small town in eastern Kentucky spends the first half of his memoir remembering and describing his early friends in great detail, mentioning most of their names, almost to the point that he seems to be asking their forgiveness for reaching the heights of celebrity that he describes in the second half of the book. He keeps pointing out that he's just a simple, God fearing, hillbilly boy that hit the big time because God wanted him to go to the top. But somehow by the finale, not only has his vocabulary improved but he seems to have cut some pretty cunning and sagacious business deals to get there. Does he describe his early sexual adventures, and rock and roll appetites? Well sort of, but not in the detail that he describes his early sports athleticism and his youth as the grandson of a preacher that sometimes went astray. In other words, he never really tells us much about himself that he wouldn't want his mother to know. He's just a humble country boy that got lucky and not too sure how it all happened. Occasionally he almost reveals something about himself but then he seems to reconsider and once again becomes mawkish. I think he may be too young for a memoir; maybe in twenty years---but undoubtedly his fans will love this one.

[Momma Frugal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recently while at the library, I saw the book, Hillbilly Heart by Billy Ray Cyrus, in the new release section. We all know who he is, however, I was curious if his memoir was full of fluff or actual truth about his life.

After reading the book, I can honestly say that I was impressed with how truthful he was. It was refreshing to see someone not blame everyone else for the things that happened in their life. He was very candid about how his life involved drugs, alcohol, and many other things.

He does mention other celebrities in this book. I understand why he mentioned them. It's a part of his life. It would be odd if he didn't. I've read other reviews where people think that is tacky. However, considering the profession he is in, it makes sense he did cross paths with the celebrities he mentioned.

His book is from the heart, easy to read, and a must read for anyone. Regardless if you are a country music fan or not.

At no time in the book does he try to put on a façade. He's honest, to the point, and as he says, just a boy from Kentucky.

This book is definitely a recommended read!

[Sarah DeLone · Rating 2 out of 5]

What a fascinating book. Filled with interesting quotes such as “The only thing I trusted was land. I could see it. I could stand on it. And, since I consider myself part Indian, I figured I’d notice if someone tried to steal it.”(152). In addition I think it’s important to point out that he named his first born child “Destiny Hope” and an ungodly amount of times where he references himself as daddy (child related sometimes). Not to mention the hypocrisy describing the incredible amounts marijuana (and drinking and driving) he’s used and his response to Miley celebrating her 18th bday with a bong. Granted the bigger issue was the publicity response to the leaked video but that certainly isn’t where he put his blame…. I hope dearly that I might meet Billy Ray so I might address him as “the guy who wrote hillbilly heart”. Also, it was very silly to me when he wrote his song “that’s what daddies do” (again with the daddy) where, even though he managed the first round of this verse, he wrote “rome” instead of “roam”

[Shawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I probably wouldn't have chosen this book to read normally but it was the only book that came up as a autobiography on Amazon Prime (you get to read a free Kindle book a month) and I wanted a book to read for a 1/2 hour or so before going to bed. I ended up staying up through the night to finish the book and really enjoyed it, so much so that I will look into his other books and will be checking out more of his music.

It was fun to hear the rest of the story about Billy Ray and his life. I was shocked and amused to hear what a scoundrel he was when he was young and that he had two women pregnant at the same time at one point. It was interesting to hear how hard he worked for stardom and even though I knew the outcome (fame etc) I was really routing for him as I read. Before reading the book I never knew how important the song "All gave some, and some gave all", a tribute to the people in our military, was to him. It was supposed to be his break out hit. That song actually touched me deeply and I bought his first CD because of it. I cried when he talked about his almost divorce and how he and his wife found their way back together. I really enjoyed hearing his family stories. Billy Ray is very honest and humble, and even when he is telling you about his wild days you just have to like him.

Before this book I knew a little bit about Billy Ray Cyrus. I actually saw him perform in 1992 just after the release of Achy Breaky Heart. He had booked an appearance at the mullet festival (a festival in Niceville Florida that is a big deal to us but not really known anywhere else) before his hit and he had to keep his commitment to the town to perform for the previously negotiated fee. The concert tickets were $1 and my sister and her friends all wanted to camp out to get a good seat in the grass in front of the stage.

The girls were beside themselves with excitement... but young...so my parents and some of the other parents decided that the girls could go if I came back into town to chaperone (I was in my mid 20s then)...which I did. At some point during the concert the girls decided they wanted a good picture of Billy Ray and since the girls were young and the crowd was going a bit wild with excitement...I was elected to go up front to get the pictures. When I got to the stage one of the local teenagers hoisted me up on his shoulders right next to the stage. Billy Ray Cyrus came right up to me, looked me in the eyes and started singing...goodness he was right there and so sexy...and singing to me! After taking about 50 pictures I handed the camera down to have someone take a look (this was in the film days and the number of pictures I was able to take didn't make sense)...and then we all realized there was NO FILM IN THE CAMERA!! So I never did get a picture.

After reading the book I googled the 1992 mullet festival and there was no picture of that concert online either...what a shame I am all of sudden overwhelmed with the desire to have a picture of that event...

[Brenda Munoz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most people, when hearing his name, think of the very successful singer/actor and his hilarious and upbeat antics. In Hillbilly Heart by Billy Ray Cyrus, Billy Ray gives a different an in-depth view of his childhood and young adult years, describing his journey from a regular southern country boy to an international country star and household name. His fans and the general public now get to see his somewhat troublesome youth and his struggle to become a well-known country artist; he makes sure to not leave any of the dirty details out. While this book is geared towards Billy Ray’s fans in general, I would recommend more mature audiences who are willing to look past a few mentions of sexual encounters and domestic violence to read this book; these parts of his life, regarding the domestic violence between his parents and his own sexual encounters, shaped who he is now, and readers who genuinely want to learn about his journey would not want to miss that.
Throughout the beginning of this memoir and autobiography, Billy Ray shares personal experiences, in terms of his personal and social life, and guides the reader into his life and how he managed to leave his small town of Flatwoods, Kentucky. Cyrus reminisces in his childhood; the freedom he had, being able to run away and relax in the woods, his school and his peers, his friends, his “girlfriends”, and everything else he loved. While being happy and remembering these nostalgic moments in his life, he also mentions the entire ordeal with his parents and their divorce. He recalls coming home from school, his brother, Kebo, by his side, and his mother telling them to go into their room and not come out for a while. This was because their dad was about to come home, and things were going to get messy, and they were going to fight. He describes this day, “One day, my brother and I came home from school and immediately sensed a dark cloud hovering above our house. Instead of asking me about the activities in my first-grade class, my mom stood with her arms crossed and told Kebo to take me into our room and lock the door. She explained, ‘Your dad and I are going to have a fight.” (page 10) Cyrus was desensitized from the entire conversation around domestic violence. For the first few years of his life, Cyrus was surrounded by his parents’ marriage-related problems and constant arguing, which often lead to fighting. Ultimately, this relationship that his parents had left him more aware of how difficult marriage truly is, at a considerably young age. Cyrus remembers talking to his father around the time that his parents were going through a divorce, Cyrus not being aware of the troubles and tribulations of actual relationships and what consequences people face during those times, and his father telling him that “life ain’t fair”. This narrative was shared a few times by Cyrus’ father, Ron Cyrus, and became a regular thing for him to say to Billy Ray. During his parents’ divorce, when his dad remarried, when his mom started dating again, when his father moved away and started a new family; all Ron would say is “life ain’t fair”, and it truly isn’t. Some may think this is morbid, but Ron, a concerned father going through a rough patch, was just making sure to let Billy Ray know how difficult life was going to become for him in the near future. Billy Ray took this advice and ran with it. He still looks back and takes this advice whenever he feels necessary, especially now, since he has his own children to teach the ways of life to.
Hillbilly Heart, as implied by the title itself, centers around Billy Ray’s life as a “hillbilly”. Growing up in a rural area in Kentucky, Cyrus was surrounded by people who thought a certain way and lived in a certain lifestyle. Having grown up around this, Cyrus feels very close to this way of living, and feels nostalgic when speaking about it. Despite thinking this way now, there were definitely some times in his youth where he expresses a sort of different point of view or opinion than everyone around him, including everyone in the small and tight-knit community where lived. More specifically, Cyrus thought about religion and the beliefs centered around religion quite a bit. Cyrus was consistent in his belief that God did, in fact, exist, but wasn’t sure what that meant exactly; he wasn’t “religious”, in the true sense of the word. Even right after a near-death encounter, while telling his then girlfriend about the experience, he recounts, ““When I told Susie about the voice, she said what I was already thinking: ‘It was God.’ ‘I don’t know for sure,’ I said. ‘But if I ever did hear the voice of God, then that was it. And I’m freaked out.’” (page 37) Unlike the people around him, Cyrus always critically thought and pondered things surrounding the topic of religion, it just came naturally to him. Most people who are raised in a religious household are indoctrinated to believe certain things, but Cyrus was able to surpass that and make informed opinions based on his own experiences. I, personally, respect that a lot. From his experience, Cyrus decided later in life that we aren’t alone and that there is a superior being, to a degree. “I knew this was weird. I was hearing voices. I felt like I was losing my mind, if I hadn’t already lost it. However, it was really happening to me. Beyond that, I was at a loss for explanations. Now, looking back, I can say that I don’t believe we walk through life alone.” (page 85) Irregardless, Cyrus was able to think for himself instead of depending on what his parents or his peers thought. This shows great character from his part and a sign of independency that has helped him in his later life.
Hillbilly Heart by Billy Ray Cyrus is a very interesting memoir to take a look at. Anybody, regardless of age or whether you’re a fan of Cyrus or not, should try reading this piece of writing. It takes a general look into the life of a famous artist in modern times and a more personal look into the journey of country sensation and how he left the Flatwoods and turned into a huge celebrity, with two very famous children of his own.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would give this an almost four. A pretty good memoir from the country singer actor Billy Ray Cyrus. I have not heard a lot of his music I know "Achy Breaky heart" and sampled a few more songs after reading his memoir. I am impressed with his honesty. He does not paint himself as "Mr.Perfect" owns up to mistakes he has made instead of giving excuses. His memoir is heartfelt just like his songs.
Many people may know he is the father of Miley Cyrus of Hannah Montana. and also acted on the same show. I really never watched Hannah Montana since it is aimed at kids. I can see he is a devoted family man with a good heart. this was a nice read that I read on my e-reader. my one disappointment is on the kindle edition, there are no pictures included. This may be different for the hardcover edition. I was pleased with this memoir and would say if you like this singer, you will get the chance to know more about Billy Ray Cyrus.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an incredible easy read. His autobiography is very interesting. If you are a country fan, it is interesting to see how his career evolved and who helped him alon the way. He was very honest, maybe too honest sometimes. He is very open about his religious beliefs and how they factor into everything he does. I really enjoyed it.

[Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

this was an impulse library read. always loved the tv show Doc. I like billy ray but there is a disconnect between his wanting to spread God's light and his adultery, lies, drug use.
like father, like daughter - he was a pill in his youth. but I like his determination and his willingness to try new things and deep down in there he has some good values.

[Judy Stark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Billy Ray Cyrus is very honest and writes from the heart in this well written memoir of his life as a young boy, playing in bars and his rise to become a country star, actor and now writer. Whether you are a fan or not, you should read this book. Very moving and emotional.

[Brent Meyers · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an enjoyable read but about a sad, sad story of someone who lives with many, many regrets, and promotes the regrets of the past. Now his daughter is following in his footsteps. I read the book because I really enjoyed the Doc series, but was disappointed that so much of it was just acting.

[Sharon · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm sorry I bought this book. I like some of his songs but am not a fan.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hillbilly Heart is written from the heart just as his songs are from the heart.

[Nicole · Rating 1 out of 5]

I remember Bill Hicks talking about killing Billy Ray Cyrus for his lack of talent, intelligence, and decency. I'm not that surprised. Good thing that smarter Miley Cyrus disowned her father for dating a girl that's barely legal. Just warning you about Billy Ray Cyrus being an overrated creep before meeting him in person.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this book because I had a crush on a Billy Ray Cyrus and the book was on sale. But I was pleasantly surprised and really enjoyed his story. I really didn’t know much about him, but was impressed with his compassion and what a family man he was.

[Linda G. Rickert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Story

As a Christian Billy Ray Cyrus did not always stay on the narrow road. His testimony hit some bumps , but hopefully the second half of his life will be victorious for God. Like his Grandpa Cyrus taught him.

[Dawn Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've always had the Cyrus Virus, but now I'm a fan for life. It's always refreshing to see a celebrity as a whole, imperfect human, and Billy Ray's raw stories baring his flaws and struggles through childhood and into fatherhood remind us that we're not alone in "playing it by ear."

[Candy · Rating 5 out of 5]

One Of The Best Books I Have Read On A Celebrity. I Learned Alot About Mr. Cyrus That I Didn't Know. I Have Always Loved His Music. 😍

[Reese · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Really Loved This Book And Learning About His Life. A Must Read For Any Billy Ray Cyrus Fan. 😇

[Jean Eiler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Total surprise. He knows his stuff and shares.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good. Very humble-kept my interest

[Nicole Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

I've always loved Billy Rays music but through this book I learned things I never knew.
It was a fantastic read

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hillbilly Heart

This is one of the best memoirs I have ever read and it was done from the heart and let's your really see the true story of the life of Billy Ray Cyrus.

[Bridget Holbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

Easy read, Billy Ray Cyrus tells of his childhood, rise to stardom and raising his family. He also tells about Miley and her rise to fame.

[Vincent Richards · Rating 3 out of 5]

A somewhat interesting book about a very interesting man.

[Melissa Coffman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love to hear people���s life stories and how they grew up, this book is really good. I didn’t know Billy Ray was so spiritual and religious. Great book!!

[Micaiah · Rating 3 out of 5]

an interesting choice of narrative of a man who has solidified losing his faith, struggled to take real accountability, and confused fame for value. True insight into his current life choices.

[Susan Gast · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was the lucky recipient of the "First Reads" giveaway, here at Goodreads, and it's the first thing I've ever won in my life, but I'll try not to let that influence my review! ;-)

The only thing I know of BRC really is his debut album, "Some Gave All" which I have and still love - and the fact that he came to our tiny little town in the early '90s and I totally enjoyed his concert! Aside from that, I've never followed him, or his family, but I was intrigued when I saw his title on the Goodreads Giveaway.

His honesty regarding what it felt like to be known as the kid with divorced parents (which was rare at 'that time') came through, though not with bitterness - but with a wish that he could've understood more about 'relationships' in general.

He and his brother got into some pranks that scared the you-know-what outta me... Billy: the time you had 'a thing' attached to a string which you pulled across the road -- no, I'm not going to say what the 'thing' was, ya'll need to go read the book! :-) - suffice to say, he was a "rum-un" as I'd say, using one of my English expressions!

I feel that Cyrus, in just one of his typical weeks of life, would surpass everything I've done in my whole 53 years! His sheer determination to 'keep on going' is commendable - and I honestly don't think it was 'money-driven', and I did get a feel that he truly does want to 'give back' through his music, and his faith in God.

About a fifth of the way through the book, I wished there were photographs of his grandparents et al. I stopped reading. For some strange reason, I then went to the middle of the book. Lo and behold - there were several pages of black and white family photographs. (I still recall when most books used to have black/white or color plates in the center of their books. Sigh, I miss those days.)

He also shared his usage of drugs and alcohol, though at the end of the book, I still don't know if he partakes, and I guess that's "his business"!

All in all, I enjoyed his memoir. But I've a feeling he's nowhere near "done"... I applaud his being 'debt free' and that he had the foresight to buy property 'out right'... and I wasn't surprised to read that he'd also paid off mortgages on his family's properties too.

And yes, "Some Gave All" is still one of his best. I get a lump in my throat every time I hear it.

Cheers Billy!

[Holly (2 Kids and Tired) · Rating 3 out of 5]

In his memoir, Billy Ray Cyrus talks about his life and his story, mostly in chronological order. He name drops, but only because a particular celebrity was a part of whatever experience or event he is talking about, not because he wanted to fill his book with celebrity names. He shares his belief that he was guided by the voices of God and others who had died before and who told him where to go and what to do. He is open about his faith, his flaws and his failures and he is also honest about how he got to where is today and why he made the decisions he did. Billy Ray is proud of his children as any father should be and because he and Miley acted together on Hannah Montana, there is quite a bit about Miley in the book, although I think it was published before she started making some interesting life choices herself.

This isn't flowery or even very well written, but it's honest and straight-forward and interesting.