Born and raised in a small North Carolina town, Michael began his performing career as a child singing and playing piano in the church where his father was the music director. As a teenager Michael moved to Virginia where he performed in restaurants and coffee houses and was soon a regular on the east coast club and college circuit. With a passion for songwriting, Michael moved to Nashville where he was a staff writer for icon and mentor, Buddy Killen. There he honed his craft and performed at venues such as the Ryman Auditorium and Grand Ole Opry House.