In a recent interview, Hannah Montana star Billy Ray Cyrus talked about the inspiration for his latest album, which hit stores last month.  The actor/singer, who turns 46 on Sunday, has come a long way since he first showed up with "Achy Breaky Heart" in 1992.  Now, instead of writing catchy country line dances, Cyrus gets personal, with his album focusing on his family.

Home At Last, Cyrus' latest album, is distributed through Disney Records.  He had previous been signed with Sony/BMG and Mercury.  This is his eleventh album.  His daughter, and star of Hannah Montana, Miley Cyus, is also signed to Disney Records.  They released the Hannah Montana soundtrack in 2006 as well as her most recent album, Hannah Montana 2: Meet Miley Cyrus.

Cyrus went through a particularly difficult time last year when his father lost his battle with cancer.  He credits his father as the inspiration for Home At Last, which features original songs and covers.  The first single, and title track, is written for Miley.  The album also features the well known songs "You've Got A Friend", "Brown Eyed Girl", and "Over The Rainbow".

The album debuted at number 20 on the Billboard charts, marking his best debut in over 10 years.  He has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity thanks in part to Hannah Montana as well as his appearance on last season's Dancing With The Stars.  That show averaged about 20 million viewers per night and his smash hit Disney show recently enjoyed its biggest ratings ever when a new episode aired after the premiere of High School Musical 2.

Shooting for the second season of Hannah Montana wraps next month.  After that, Billy Ray will do a national tour in support of his new album.  The Hannah Montana movie is in the works and rumors are it will film in Nashville.


- Gina Scarpa, BuddyTV Staff Writer
Source: VOA News, Reuters
(Image courtesy of NY Times)