„ I’ve been all over the world and I’ve known many country singers there – some betters, some worse. But there is one I respect and like most: Lonstar…â€
George Hamilton IV
Michael LONSTAR is arguably the most important figure of country music in Poland, one of its father-founders and a major driving force behind this subculture, an authentic Living Legend.
Singer, songwriter with an impressive list of hits to his credit that in time have become the evergreen anthems, guitar player, producer of his own musical projects, concert-and-festival promoter, dedicated propagator of country lifestyle: in articles, radio and TV shows as well as through his own image and activities, from his distinctive attire to his consistent attitude of a romantic cowboy, an intelligent rebel and a critical chronicler of the world we live in. Cult hero of the entire generation of Polish country artists and fans alike, he enjoys recognition and respect of artistic circles in Poland and in the USA as well.
Michael LONSTAR is a true heir and continuator of the tradition of Western Lonely Riders who believes in the good and stand against the forces of evil.
In 1979 he put together the first real country band adequately named The Country Family. His impeccable English spoken with nasal "southern drawl" and his profound knowledge of American music made him an unrivalled interpreter of country standards. But he would never do a "cover version" repeated note-by-note after an original artist. His versions always bear his own brand.
Very soon, too, he began writing his own songs. To date he has written nearly 200, for himself and for other artists. His hit "Radio" holds the unchallenged title of Poland’s Best Country Song of all times and their album sold the then record-breaking 145.000 copies.
Lonstar is the only Polish artist to date to have ever appeared onstage the Grand Ole Opry in Nasville, in 1989 and again in 1990. That year he also sang at the Summer Lights Festival at the invitation from the Nashville Songwriters Association and hosted the New Country Seminar at the Lone Star Roadhouse in New York City, sharing stage with Kevin Welch and Mary-Chapin Carpenter.
He also appeared on the TNN cable television show "Nashville Now", along with Sawyer Brown, Bobby Vinton and Jeannie Pruett. Befriended George Hamilton IV on the set of Polish TV special "The Blue Train", he made his guest appearances in his show at the Opry and he invited his son, George V to Poland which has brought about a whole series of the latter’s concerts at Polish festivals.
National TV Channel 2 made a documentary titled "The Legend of An European Cowboy", presenting Lonstar’s multiple achievements as a singer, songwriter, poet, water-color painter and graphic designer, one time dancer and choreographer of country line dances, responsible for the "line dance fever" in Poland.
In 1996 he and his partner risked their personal savings to produce the big festival adequately called Country Top, the first and to date the only such event presenting all Polish country acts, with superstar Kris Kristofferson topping the bill. On that occasion Lonstar did an exclusive 60 minute TV interview with his guru Kris.
Lonstar is the recipient of numerous awards in every conceivable category: Entertainer of The Year, Male Vocalist, Album, Vocal Collaboration, Event of The Year plus other cultural awards.
He has brought his musical and poetic vision to the USA, Canada, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, Scandinavia, all Eastern European Countries. And of course he’s present every important event in Poland.
Currently, Lonstar finished his new album titled "WHAT’S THIS COUNTRY THING?", which contains 12 self-written English-lyric songs encompassing a variety of styles from New Traditionalist, to Nasville mainstream, to Texas Outlaws, to Country Rock.
He takes a true pride of colaborating with a German rising star, Miss Suzie Candell. They have already cut a duet song for upcoming CD. They performed together at four festivals in Poland and Lithuania in 2007.
He also collaborates with an all-girl country dance group, Sexy Texas , which enhances visually the show.
Michael Lonstar continues to make music his own way: straight from his heart, inspired by a down-to-earth reality, intelligent, rebellious, the music that makes the difference.
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