Miley Cyrus probably has the biggest share of stardom in her family, and it all started with Hannah Montana. However, the story of the Cyrus clan begins years before that.
There is an often overlooked part that involved another artist, but a lesser-known one: Cindy Smith. Her involvement with a young aspiring musician named Billy Ray Cyrus was the real beginning of that saga.
The Early Years: Cindy Smith and Billy Ray
Cindy and Billy met in the mid-1980s, and their instant attraction quickly became a serious engagement that ended up at the altar. They got married in 1986 and made some great music together. Unfortunately, marital bliss didn’t last, and they parted ways in 1991.
This episode came just before Billy Ray’s meteoric rise to stardom. The highlight of that period was a song they wrote together, which is “Some Gave All.” It was an instant hit, and it would later become the title track of Billy Ray’s debut album in 1992.
“Some Gave All”: The Story Behind the Song
“Some Gave All” is the polar opposite of the rather goofy “Achy Breaky Heart.” The powerful tribute to veterans remains a turning point in the musician’s long career.
The song tells the story of a veteran named Sandy Kane. It delivers a noble message of gratitude, sacrifice, and appreciation. “All gave some. Some gave all” is a phrase that has become deeply embedded in military tribute culture.
When Cindy and Billy Ray wrote that song, they probably did not know that it would be as impactful as it became. Various critics consider it the best track on the album. This song is also a master class in narrative-based country music. The song’s lyrics surpassed any of the songs that were popular at the time.
“All gave some. Some gave all
Some stood through for the red, white, and blue
And some had to fall
And if you ever think of me
Think of all your liberties and recall
Some gave all.”
Billy Ray’s Journey to Stardom
Billy Ray Cyrus spent years performing in the clubs of West Virginia. He took his craft a step further as he formed a band called the Sly Dog. The Troupe didn’t last too long, though. The project ended when the musical instruments were destroyed in a fire.
That sad moment didn’t conclude on a note of frustration but rather a new determination to move to greener pastures. Billy Ray packed up his few belongings and headed to Los Angeles. Shortly after arriving there, he managed to land a contract with Mercury Records.
His big break came in 1992 when he released the album “Some Gave All.”
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Building the Cyrus Dynasty
Following his staggering success, Billy Ray met Tish Finley in 1993 and decided to give marriage another go. This time, the relationship was rock solid, and between the two of them, the family grew in number, fame, and wealth.
Over the years, The Cyrus dynasty included six children who became celebrities in their own right. Their father’s experience and connections in the industry must’ve helped, but they are all undeniably talented.
Miley Cyrus, who was born in 1992, has the biggest share of stardom. Her debut TV show “Hannah Montana” exploded all over the world, and she never left the spotlight from that point on. However, it wasn’t always in a flattering manner. She is currently a prominent pop star.
Image source: Google
In the same year, 1992, Billy Ray had another child from a different marriage. Christofer Cody’s life is rather private, though. Brason Cyrus was born two years later and, following in his father’s footsteps, became a successful musician and songwriter, but he added modeling to his repertoire.
Noah Cyrus is a younger child, as she was born in 2000, and she, too, found her calling in making music and performing. The family also has two adopted children: Trace Cyrus, who is an integral part of the band Metro Station, and Brandi Cyrus, who is a DJ and podcast host.
Recent Chapters and a Plot Twist
After 28 years of marriage, Billy Ray and Tish Cyrus decided to part ways. In 2022, the divorce was finalized. It wasn’t the final chapter in either of their storie,s though. Tish moved on, and a year later married the actor Dominic Purcell in 2023. In the same year, Billy Ray Cyrus tied the knot for the third time and married the singer Firerose.
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Legacy
While Cindy Smith didn’t play an extended role in the Cyrus family saga, her brief appearance was instrumental in the family’s success and stardom. It all started with the iconic song “Some Gave All.”
Featured image source: Google
