Michael T. Hermsmeyer
This Guy Plays How Many Instruments?
Contributed by Nancy Self, Doc Holiday Public Relations
This talented multi-instrumentalist — vocalist plays over fifty instruments, yes… you read that right, over fifty instruments! Known as the “Utility Man” by fellow musicians and fans alike, his ensemble ranges from the pedal steel guitar , fiddle, saxophone,
keyboards all the way to the less commonly used instrument the Flugelhorn. The list goes on and on.
Born in St; Louis, Missouri, Michael was raised on a small dairy farm near Carlyle, Illinois with his older sister and a younger brother. In 1990, Michael joined the cast of the “Nashville North’ Music Theatre in Taylorville, Illinois, where he opened for many Nashville acts. That same year, the Illinois Country Music Association (ICMA) voted the Nashville North house band, “Nashville North Country” show band of the Year. Michael was nominated in five other categories that year including New Male Vocalist, Songwriter, New Album and instrumentalist.
As most performers aspire to do, Michael relocated to Nashville, Tennessee in 1995. He toured the country with Giant Records recording artist, Daron Norwood, including performances on TNN’s “Music City Tonight” with Crook and Chase — Club Dance and also the Grand Ole Opry. Shortly after, he toured the United States and Canada with Reprise Records recording artist, Paul Brandt. Performances included Warner Brothers Showcases and a TNN/Warner Brothers television special. After touring with Paul, another he was asked to join River North recording artist, Holly Dunn and the Rio Band. This time Switzerland was on the agenda and some shows were televised on TNN. Performances followed in Branson theaters for over 13 years and then Phoenix for nearly two.
In 2011, after the unexpected passing of steel guitarist, Zeke Zimmerman of the Doc Holiday Band located in St. Louis, Missouri, Michael was asked to join. To say the least, all the members of Doc Holiday and fans alike are ecstatic that there is such a talented performer as part of the musical family. As things would happen, in 2012, Michael was honored to tour with Nashville Recording Artist, Neal McCoy, leaving Doc Holiday for a while. Touring with McCoy was a wonderful opportunity but with Michael living in Illinois and traveling to Texas constantly, it took a toll. As fate would have it, he was asked to re-join Doc Holiday without any hesitation. Although he missed touring with McCoy, he feels he is right where he is supposed to be.|
Photo Courtesy of DYSong Photography and Oak Glenn Winery
Michael’s thoughts on Doc Holiday: “Years ago, as I was learning my craft in the music business, there always seemed like there was a lot of music around St. Louis. But I never got tuned into that scene. I would drive and play places almost on the Indiana state line, but never booked anything in St. Louis even though it was closer. Working with Doc Holiday gave me that opportunity. This gave me the opportunity to play closer and get to know many of the musicians in my own back yard. But even more so, the Doc Holiday Band is truly a family. Not only because members are related in one capacity or another, but because everyone truly cares about everyone else. It may not be a family in a bloodline sense but it certainly is a in a spiritual sense. I am honored to have been chosen to replace Zeke Zimmerman after his passing, but also to have been welcomed back after nearly a year of touring with Nashville artist, Neal McCoy. I am proud of Doc Holiday and what they stand for. We have a fantastic following of friends, fans and family all around the area.. I am sure that this group of pickers and singers will be around for a very long time.”
Several CD’s are available in which Michael plays all the instruments and sings all of his own vocals on the projects. Visit Michael at http://www.onemancountryshow.com
Contact Doc Holiday Public Relations for interview requests and photo permissions
Public Relations Contact:
Nancy Self
nancy\.self@docholidaycountry.com_
From the Hollywood Happenings archives