I Hung out with Michael Peterson tonight.

Remember him?
Sing it with me....
"You're the reason whhhhyyyyyy, I drink, swear, steal and lie".

Since his platinum selling run as an award winning "newcomer" in Country, Michael kind of drifted into the slow-lane of the mainsteam super-highway of music.

He retreated into a life of song-writing and soul-searching.

Now, he seems to have found his calling.

Not that he doesn't want a few more radio hits. Who doesn't?
But Michael has created a great opportunity, not only for himself but for anyone who comes to see him play over the next few months.

He teamed up with the U.S. Army and a slew of other sponsors to create the "My Real Life- Strong for America" tour.

It's not just a night at a club then off to the next city.

Michael camps out in a town for entire week.
He meets with community officials. He speaks to schools.
Simply put, he brings a message with his music when he comes to town.

He wants kids to reach their full potential.

Michael, raised in Washington state, created a name for himself as motivational speaker on the High-School assembly circuit.

Nashville called his name, and he answered the call.

Music became his priority.

An award running run including a few hits like "Drink, Swear, Steal and Lie" and he became the 'new' buzz of Music City.

But something was missing.

The connection was gone.

He grew his career speaking and performing for people. Talking to people. Inspiring People.

As a Country star, life can become somewhat insular.
A weird reality for those who haven't experienced it.
Ask any superstar and they'll tell you the same thing.

The bigger you are, the more isolated you feel.

Michael had lost that personal connection. Sure he still met fans, performed hundreds of concerts and appeared anywhere he was asked.
But the root of who he was as person was shoved into the background.

He likes helping people. He likes communicating one-on-one .

Long story short, it took fading away from the spotlight for Michael to regain the vital and very "real" need to connect with people.

The word "Real" is in quotes because that is the focus of his new venture.

Michael has returned to his pre-star vocation of speaking to High-School kids.
Real kids.
Not necessarily fans. Just kids.

His message is simple - "Your life is yours to live. Make it the best it can be."

Michael just may have created the ultimate marriage of celebrity, passion, communication and goodwill.

Armed with those tools, he is sharing his message to kids via a unique tour.

If you're a parent, school official or just someone who wants to help inspire the youth of America to shed negativity, this is a great opportunity.

I left the tour's first stop in Knoxville, Tennessee as a renewed person.

It's not brain surgery. It's nothing revolutionary.
It's just a wake-up call.

Ignore obstacles. Forget the past. Look to the future. Discover what's "Real".

A simple message shared in a fun week of community involvement.

Hopefully someone out there will read this, call to book Michael and his "Real Life Tour" and maybe....just maybe.... a few kids will become inspired.

It may not change the world. But compared to the influences governing our children's lives these days, it's not a bad step.

check out:
myreallifetour.com

-storme