The Maine Country Music Hall of Fame is set to induct four new members in May, including singer, songwriter, and guitarist Mike Preston, who will be the hall’s youngest ever inductee at 46. Preston’s journey to the hall has been marked by both triumphs and adversity, including overcoming substance abuse and surviving a serious car accident.
Preston began his musical journey at a young age, impressing Hall of Fame member Bucky Mitchell with his singing and stage presence. He went on to tour with Maine country music legend Dick Curless and share stages with national stars like Charlie Daniels and George Jones.
In 1998, Preston moved to Nashville to pursue his country music dreams, but the demanding honky-tonk scene took a toll on his health. He developed an addiction to alcohol and cocaine, but eventually made the choice to leave Nashville and get sober.
After returning home to Maine, Preston resumed his music career and has been sober for 15 years. In July 2022, he was involved in a serious car accident that left him with a fractured skull. Despite the injuries, Preston recovered quickly and resumed his performing schedule.
Also to be inducted into the Maine Country Music Hall of Fame are Dan Brayall, Joan Kennedy, and Bill Thibodeau. Brayall, a Dexter native, has performed with country music stars such as George Jones and Dottie West. Kennedy, a Portland-based singer and songwriter, has received a Canadian Country Music Association Humanitarian Award for her work with the Make-a-Wish Foundation. Thibodeau is a prolific bluegrass performer who has played with top-notch local bands for 30 years.
The induction ceremony will be held at The Silver Spur in Mechanic Falls on Sunday, May 19. All new inductees are expected to perform.
