Monday, March 27, 2023

Friend Encounters: Billy Ray Cyrus and Larry Freda

Friend Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends who have met celebrities.

Larry Freda has become a more frequent part of Friend Encounters as I realize just how many celebrities he has met. I haven't had the pleasure of meeting Larry in person yet, but I feel I know him already through all of his social posts.

Thanks to his Achy Breaky Heart, Billy Ray Cyrus became a big star many years ago. Little did anyone know as big as that song made him, his daughter Miley would later reach superstardom, too.

Billy actually had eight Top Ten singles on the Billboard Country Songs chart. His album Some Gave All spent 17 weeks in the number one position on the Billboard 200. That is the longest streak for a debut artist at number one.

Billy has remained active in music and also acting. Daughter Miley, kind of did that in reverse. She gained stardom as the title character on Disney TV's Hannah Montana, which led to her singing success.

I don't know if Larry has any musical talent, but I know he has met many talented musicians and other celebrities. While he is most often seen with athletes (usually New York legends), he also crosses over into other fields, too. The man is a legend himself and one who I hope to meet someday.

Billy Ray Cyrus and Larry Freda in Ridgewood, NJ-April 2013.

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