Call him rock, call him pop, or call him country - Michael Heaton's music is "Bluejean rock" in the musical traditions of Tom Petty, John Mellencamp and John Hiatt. Based in the Chicagoland area, Michael Heaton is a musician with a talent for creating heartfelt lyrics and melodies about life, love, work and burning houses. "I try to write songs that everyone relates to," says Heaton. "I like my songs to tell a story, and maybe people can see themselves in these songs." Writing music that connects with his audience is a talent Heaton didn't initially know he had. Growing up in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Heaton just wanted to play guitar, but somehow as a youth listening to artists such as The Who, Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young and Willie Nelson, he got the impression the guitar player in the band was always the one wrote the music. Heaton says, "I figured if I was going to be in a band I was going to have to write some songs." Within a month of learning his first guitar chord, Heaton penned his first song. From that point on, he was hooked. As a guitarist, singer and songwriter, Heaton is an in demand musician. In the span of about thirteen years, he has performed with a multitude of bands including his self-formed bands The X-Tras and Cut. He also toured with Chicago's favorite Irish band The Drovers as a member of their road crew and as a part time opening act. Although music has always been a passion, Heaton reminisces about former jobs. "From diaper delivery person to making false teeth to performing singing telegrams, I guess I've done a little bit of everything." It's his previous life of "doing a little bit of everything" which makes Heaton's music and lyrics so accessible. With a knack for using a unique combination of musical styles to create tunes that are catchy and light-hearted, Heaton delivers an astounding and compelling experience both live and on CD. On stage Heaton exudes charisma, charm and unstoppable energy. Leading from one song to the next, he entertains the audience with great music, danceable rhythms, surprise kazoos and an amazing speed for replacing broken guitar strings. It's no wonder he's a favorite at clubs around Chicago. His recordings LEARNING CURVE and OUR LITTLE SECRET (Artichoke Records) are albums that will quickly become staples in any music lover's collection. "I want to create discs that listeners can grab onto from the first listen, but then find something new with each successive listen," says Heaton. With subtle nuances, Heaton's music fills a Midwestern pop-rock-country niche that practically begs you to sing and dance along. It's catching on too. To date he has sold over 6000 copies of these two titles from the stage alone. Recording OUR LITTLE SECRET at Moraine Studios and Musique Mediterranee in Nashville, Tennessee, Heaton had the pleasure of recording with some of Nashville's finest talents. Backing Heaton were great musicians like drummer Eddie Bayers (credited on over 150 Gold and Platinum releases), mandolin virtuoso Sam Bush, bass master Dave Pomeroy (James McMurtry, Mose Allison, Elton John), keyboardist Steve Conn (Bonnie Raitt, Kenny Loggins, Sonny Landreth) and keyboardist Tim Lauer (Radney Foster, Dolly Parton, Wynnona Judd). OUR LITTLE SECRET was co-produced by guitarist/producer Pat Bergeson (Lyle Lovett, Chet Atkins, Allison Kraus) and award-winning producer/engineer Jim McKell (Kenny Rogers, The Judds). Not only has Heaton played with some of the finest musicians, he's also found himself opening for such talents as Grammy Award winners Shelby Lynne and Brave Combo, Robbie Fulks, Sleepy LaBeef, Duke Robillard and folk music darling Claire Holley. Whether he's playing at a local club or touring with his band throughout the Midwest, Heaton is gathering fans one by one. Big things are yet to come for this talented musician, so keep your eyes on him. You won't want to miss what's coming next.