Billy Ray Cyrus has announced that as of his next birthday (Aug. 25), he will simply be known as “Cyrus”. A name change event will take place at the hospital where he was born in Bellefonte, KY. Fans have voiced surprise at the move. Cyrus did not really expect fans to respond at all, but due to their concerns, he was rethinking his decision only 24 hours after announcing the change. Cyrus has been “considering the change for a long time”, and was comfortable with the decision. In fact, when he signed his first record deal with Mercury Records, he begged to be simply be known as “Cyrus”. It was the name he had used to that point and he was comfortable with it. Since that time, he has been comfortable being known as Billy Ray Cyrus and argues that in essence that will not be changing. Instead, his professional persona will have a new moniker.
Cyrus has been known throughout most if his career as “the Achy Breaky Heart” guy. The song rose to the number one spot for over a month in 1992. There was not a day that went by in which you would not hear the song on Top 40 radio. The song’s vast popularity was due to its universal appeal. It was not restricted by category and crossed over into multiple musical genres. For the song’s 22nd anniversary Billy Ray and Buck 22 release a rap version of the song. An indication of how the song has worked its way into popular culture is the mention of it on Saturday Night Live, and a parody by Weird Al Yankovic. In a self referential admission of the song’s larger than life status, Cyrus released “Achy Breaky Heart 25” on the 25th anniversary of the song.
Cyrus admits that there have some “less kind names” applied to him throughout his career. The public has referred to him in many ways over the past 25 years. Some remember him as the guy with the crazy mullet. He is often identified as “Miley’s Dad” or “Hannah Montana’s Dad”; both referring to his appearances with his daughter. While the artist has been happy to be known by his full name, he feels that on this birthday he should start the new year of his life with a new name. When considering the change, he did try some other variations. Included in the mix were “Billy Ray” and “‘C’ Cyrus”. In some ways the name change allows him to start over as he originally intended. He wanted to be known as “Cyrus” at the beginning of his career. Now that he has the decision making power, he will finally be known the way he wanted to be; “Cyrus”.
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