The longtime country singer and father to Miley Cyrus told Rolling Stone Country about his plans to legally change his name. “After August 25, I will be the artist formerly known as Billy Ray,” he announced.
The ‘90s country singer, actor and father to Miley says he wants to be known simply as Cyrus.
Speaking to Rolling Stone, he said: “I always went by Cyrus, and I begged Mercury Records to call me Cyrus in the beginning because that’s what I was comfortable with.
“I’m going to the hospital where I was born in Bellefonte, Kentucky, and legally changing my name.”
Cyrus added that after August 25, he’d be the “artist formerly known as Billy Ray.”
The name change coincides with the release of a new 25th anniversary version of the musician’s 1992 hit single ‘Achey Breaky heart,’ which he recorded in Muscle Shoals studio in Alabama.
The artist soon-to-be formerly known as Billy Ray Cyrus made the news public amid the 25th anniversary of Achy Breaky Heart, the number one hit single that forever etched his name in country music history. In celebration of the milestone anniversary, Cyrus re-recorded the famous track.
Cyrus is also planning to record a Spanglish version of “Achy Breaky Heart” at some point in the future. He told Rolling Stone that particular rendition will be EDM in style, and will feature funk bassist, singer, and songwriter Bootsy Collins.
Cyrus isn’t the only one in his family to change his name. His daughter, Miley, was born Destiny Hope Cyrus, but eventually changed her name to Miley Ray Cyrus.
Although Cyrus’ name may be different, one thing remains the same…he can still rock it while singing “Achy Breaky Heart!” Tune in to the video below to watch a short snippet of his 25th anniversary rendition of the song.
Sources: Opposing Views
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