It was on this date way back in 1961 in the heart of Kentucky that a William Ray Cyrus was born. Now better known to us as Billy, Cyrus has spent his first 50 years with us pretty darn successfully. 15 top 40 singles to his name, and his debut album, Some Gave All, is still one of the most successful country albums to date. It has been certified 9× Multi-Platinum in the United States and is the longest time spent by a debut artist at number one on the Billboard 200 (17 consecutive weeks) and most consecutive chart-topping weeks. It's the only album (from any genre) to log 17 consecutive weeks at number one and is also the top-ranking debut album by a male country artist.

Unlike other 90's stars Cyrus never seemed to really burn off. From Doc, the TV show he starred in form 2001-04, and of course the huge hit Disney show with his daughter Miley, Hannah Montana, Cyrus has been very active. An appearance on Dancing with the Stars didn't hurt either!

After a rather unsuccessful try at alternative rock last year in a band called Brother Clyde, Cyrus returned to solo country with a patriotic album titled I'm American that hit the selves at the end of June.

Take a trip down memory lane with his biggest hit....

And to the post-mullet era with his latest single....

Happy 50th birthday Billy Ray!

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