Michael Ricks, is a banjo country music artist songwriter & musician here in Nashville, with a unique style that blends the banjo with more modern sounds. His story -- which he details in his recent book, FROM CULT TO COUNTRY -- may be of particular interest because it details his upbringing and eventual escape from a mind-controlling religious cult that prevented members access to vital healthcare.

Michael's exodus from the cult to authentic, independent spirituality is inspiring.

Some of his most recent successes include making the 10 Top of the (Nashville finale with up to 150-300 other contestants )national country music artist search Nash Next 2018( the same contest won by Florida Georgia Line launching their careers)

He has appeared in national campaigns with Hyundai, Nintendo’s Pepsi Summer 2017, CMT’s Still the King w/Billy Ray Cyrus.

As a result of his story and escape from medical neglect suffering sever asthma. He is now recently become an Artist Advocate with

Medical Assistance Program aka MAP Int’l. MAP serves some 13-20 million people by providing medical access to those who would otherwise not receive medical treatment.

https://www.map.org/