MY MUSIC

From the very first notes that echoed through the walls of my childhood home, music has been the rhythm of my life. Born into a family where melodies were as natural as conversation, I was cradled in the warmth of my mother’s diverse musical talents. Her mastery over the piano, guitar, violin, and harmonica, alongside a collection of rhythm instruments like bongos and castanets, painted my early world with vibrant sounds. My father, with his own history in music, played the flute, adding a serene layer to our family’s symphony.

My journey with the piano began at the tender age of 4, nurtured by the guidance of a neighborhood mom at 6, and further refined under the tutelage of a concert pianist in London by the time I was 7. My passion for music only grew, leading me to sing in the junior high church choir and learn to play the cornet in the school band. At 15, my mother gifted me my first guitar, sparking a love affair with blues guitar that continues to this day.

High school and college were pivotal chapters, marked by my involvement in bands, starting with EZ Access during my freshman year in college. Playing for a friend’s birthday at his frat house was the catalyst for a deeper dive into the world of live performance. While attending UT and after, the vibrant music scene in Austin beckoned, and I answered, performing weekly at Lucy’s Retired Surfers Bar on 6th Street for several years. What began as a Monday night engagement blossomed into a regular Tuesday slot, one year playing there 50 out 0f 52 weeks, with my presence becoming as familiar as the bar’s own ambiance.

Hosting an open mic night at Mugshots on 7th Street in Austin with my friend, the kick-ass Jay Shepherd, for five years was another highlight, culminating in the release of our album “Our Stash,” spotlighting our hit song appropriately named “Our Hit Song.”

The Kerrville Folk Festival in 2011 was a turning point, where I fell in love with the ranch, its people, most of them anyway, and its vibrant music culture. After becoming the creative director of the festival, I had the privilege of shaping its visual identity, from the brochures and posters to the 75-page festival program. Living on the ranch for about 5 years, I honed my craft, practicing EVERY DAY on one of the festival’s covered outdoor stages. I came to the ranch with only 50 minutes of music, but built up my repertoire to just over 5 hours. One night, after a full 5 hour practice, it hit me. It was time to leave the ranch and go make money. I was free! Goodbye K-hole! (Nickname for the town, because you can get stuck there.)

The journey continued with paid performances in various bars and wine bars in Houston, eventually leading to a solo act at the Omni Houston, where I entertained guests with piano, guitar, and vocals. Even after the venue shifted away from live music, my passion for performing never waned, finding a revival in my karaoke. Since 1999, I’ve reveled in the joy of singing karaoke, with a set of of over 25 karaoke performance songs, “Just the Way You Are” by Billy Joel stands out as my all-time favorite. Don’t go changin’!

Throughout the years, my collection of instruments expanded to include 17 guitars, 2 basses, a mandolin, a sitar, 2 keyboards, a banjo, my mother’s cherished guitar, and 2 violins. Each instrument, a testament to my evolving relationship with music.

To celebrate my 50th birthday, I poured my heart into creating an album titled “For Texas,” featuring 50 songs: a blend of 25 covers and 25 originals, a heartfelt tribute to my beloved state. That’s why it is named Chuck Miller – For Texas, because I’m not against it. Are you?

Through every chord and note, my life has been a testament to the profound impact of music. It’s been my constant companion, guiding me through the highs and lows, and connecting me with countless souls along the way. In every melody, I find a piece of my story, a reminder of where I’ve been and a hint of where I’m headed next.

Listen to “For Texas” and “Our Stash” below to experience the musical journey firsthand.

Oh, and check in with me! Let’s go have a beer and sing some karaoke. Or, let’s jam, call me! I’m down! Private piano performance? Pay in cash…Please!