Honored as the Hill Country Entertainer of the Year in 2002 and 2004, Thomas Michael Riley is earning the status of a legend as he writes and sings his own brand of colorful and thoughtful Texas Americana Music. Each performance, Thomas delights fans of country music with his songwriting skills, spirited music and wonderful sense of humor. His ability to capture his audience is pure magic! Having grown up in Buckingham, Texas, tending stock and learning cowboy ways, Thomas draws on his Texas roots, his Christian rearing, and his rich personal experiences to passionately write and sing a very entertaining brand of music. Being raised as one of seven siblings, Tommy says “around our supper table there were the quick and the hungry.” He must have been quick, towering in at 6`6``with a rich baritone voice of many ranges. What began as a pastime in the eighth grade, playing the guitar and singing songs became ingrained after he graduated from college and began life on his own. His first paying gig was a Saturday night in Dallas , when he had to borrow the sound system from his church and deliver it back that night for Sunday services. For fourteen years, Thomas entertained audiences only on the weekends, while working full-time to support a family. In 2002, he made the courageous decision to leave the business world and live out his life following his passion to entertain people as a full-time singer and songwriter. Thomas is well-known and genuinely loved by country music fans throughout the Hill Country. He plays frequently in Fredericksburg , Stonewall, Kerrville , Sisterdale, Marble Falls , and Blanco and is a featured artist in Luckenbach each month. He has also been spotted beach bound, playing at The Back Porch, in Port Aransas, TX. These venues are in addition to a growing number of private party bookings. Thomas has written the words and music of more than 500 songs and has recorded seven CD’S. His first big hit song, “Perfectly Normal”, launched his career as a writer and singer of country music. In July 2004, it made Texas Music Radio’s Top 10 and stayed for 26 weeks until reaching #1 on the KVET Austin, TX. charts. In addition to his own CD’S, you will find Thomas` songs on several CDs of Texas legend, Gary P. Nunn. Thomas’ hits also include “Redneck Riviera ”, “Cow Pasture Pool”, “First Things First”, “Nowhere Fast”, “Huntin’ Season”, and “Perfectly Normal ” all written by Thomas Michael Riley. His Country Gospel CD, Cowboy Church , is scheduled for release in July 2005. It is certain to be a fan favorite, and the Thomas Michael Riley legend continues…..