Multiple award-winning Mikki Daniel is a remarkable figure in the world of Western and country music whose roots run deep into the golden era of the 1940s. 

Swing artist and country singer-songwriter, Mikki Daniel, has a musical style that is a unique blend of vintage storytelling, heartfelt melodies and a flair that harkens back to the days of Cindy Walker, Roy Rogers and Dean Martin. Her influences are a testament to a childhood immersed in classic tunes, shaping her distinctive “Mikki-style” of singing — one that is both nostalgic and timeless.

Beyond her captivating performances, Mikki is also a talented songwriter whose craft is driven by inspiration and genuine emotion. Her songwriting process, often spontaneous and fueled by a single concept or phrase, produces songs that resonate with authenticity and depth. She shares her philosophy on performance, her passion for connecting with audiences in intimate settings, and her dedication to preserving the rich traditions of Western music through her work with schools, cowboy gatherings, and personal storytelling.

In addition to her musical pursuits, Mikki leads a multifaceted life that includes running a horse training company, authoring historical fiction, and managing a handmade goods business in Arizona; however, her journey began in Texas and it is one of balancing diverse passions and responsibilities. Through it all, though, she has stayed true to her love for history, storytelling and the Western way of life. As we delve into her experiences, influences and future aspirations, Mikki’s story offers inspiring insights for aspiring artists and enthusiasts of Americana culture alike.

Influences and Musical Style

Mikki draws inspiration from iconic artists like Cindy Walker, Roy Rogers, and Dean Martin. She shares how these artists have influenced her “Mikki-style” of singing:

 “Well, I grew up listening to mostly 40’s music, but some of which as early as the 20s and others as late as the 50s. Because of that, I was never influenced by modern artists — which still included classics like Patsy Cline and Aretha Franklin — simply because they came later than I was familiar with. I’ve found that even to this day my songwriting, swing style, storytelling and even my physical appearance are tinged by a flair distinctly 40s. Of course, as my career blossomed and experience grew, I became familiar with other legendary musicians and decades of music, but there has never been an influence that could compete with the Golden Era for me.”

Songwriting Process and Themes

She shares her songwriting process and themes that resonate with her. “I truly believe that God has blessed me. I know many talented songwriters with a process, and I greatly admire their abilities! Personally, I am struck by a concept or a phrase, and the words and melody come to me within minutes. Often I am completely done within an hour or two of beginning. Unfortunately, however, I can’t seem to write a song that I haven’t been inspired to write!”

Favorite Performance Setting

Mikki plays at various venues but her favorite is an up close and personal one. “Oh! My absolute favorite setting is a house concert. It’s often simple, casual, and extremely personal. I love the opportunity to tell my stories directly to my audience, without the separation that lighting, stages, and a riser platform provide. My songs are often heavily influenced by real stories, and I always love the opportunity to set the stage per se!”

Cowboy Yodeling and Audience Connection

She was introduced to the art of cowboy-style yodeling by Janet McBride (the Yodeling Queen) who taught her the importance of connecting with her audience. She says, “Her style taught me to read my crowd — not everyone loves to listen to a yodeler! It also taught me that pitch is extremely important, and if I wasn’t confident I could nail my notes with 100% certainty, not to try it publicly until I could.”

Balancing Multiple Passions

In addition to her music career, Mikki runs a horse training company and a handmade goods business. “Balancing the two can be challenging, but it’s who I am. I’m a mother and wife, a horse trainer, an author, a songwriter, a seamstress, a musician, a secretary, a runner, a lover of most animals, a singer . . . I could go on. I’ve found that training horses is my true passion, music is my favorite way to process complicated emotions and powerful memories, and working with my hands gives me purpose, patience, and an additional creative outlet. There is no consistent schedule that I keep, but rather a flowing of what-works-when. As long as I accomplish my daily and weekly goals, I’m happy.”

Reflections on Awards and Recognition

Mikki has won numerous awards, including the WMA Female Performer of the Year Award. Her awards mean a lot to her and help keep her motivated. “Each award I’ve received reminds me of the people who sacrificed for, fought for, and believed in me — these people are numerous, but led by my parents — and, seeing the awards perched on top of my piano, tucked away from outside eyes, also remind me of God’s favor toward me, and how grateful I am for every opportunity I’ve received. I don’t sing or play or write for awards, but I am humbled that others have thought highly enough of my music to nominate me.”

Introducing Young Audiences to Cowboy and Western Music

When she lived in Texas, Mikki used to perform for schools in “working cowgirl” attire to share Texas history. She shares why she thinks it’s important to introduce young audiences to cowboy and Western music. “I’ll admit it’s been a decade or so since I’ve donned the working cowgirl look for a school, but I have many fond memories of those moments. The songs I shared could offer insight that they had likely never experienced, about a world they’d never seen (and some never heard) anything about. It’s not like any of them were ever raised listening to the Sons of the Pioneers! I was the closest thing most of them would ever experience from the agricultural world. I think it’s easier for most rural folk to understand and offer insight into the world of city folk, than it is for city folk to acclimate, understand, or participate in rural life, safely. I felt it gave me a few minutes to show them what life was like, and still is, in some parts of the US. I’d like to think I’ve inspired more than a few teens to pursue a life in the country!”

Impact of Writing and Storytelling

As a published author, her historical fiction novel Girls and Gunsmoke has helped her to express her serious side. “I love history and historical fiction, but I especially love stories that move you deeply and cause you to feel something. So that’s what I write about. I’m a very serious person, and I am often drawn to ballads or sad stories, but I try to remember to lighten things up sometimes!”

Future Plans and Current Projects

Mikki brings us up to date on what she and her husband are currently working on now. “My husband and I live a very wonderful and unique life, totally off the grid, and raise nearly everything that we eat, with our two children. I’ve been told dozens of times that people like to visit, but wouldn’t want to live that way, but it’s everything I’ve ever wanted. Call me crazy! Everything that we do is a family affair!  

“In 2016, Brody and I began our first dream company: CowPunch Ponies LLC, a natural horsemanship training company, and shortly after (2018), a second company: Provence Performance Horses, breeding quality American Quarter Horses with foundational lines and stellar minds, trainability, and conformation. We also fell in love with foundation Morgans and now own Arctic Morgans, raising foundation Morgan horses. 

“Recently, in January 2024, we contracted the historic Lazy B Ranch down in Duncan, Arizona, overseeing its 235 square miles and running the Lazy B Ranch Horse Program, managing up to 100 horses. We also spend time at our CowPunch Ponies facilities in Catron County. In addition, I serve as the Secretary of the Luna Rodeo, and I continue to write stories, songs, and perform regularly. I hope to release a new album within the next year or so.”

Advice for Young Artists

Given her extensive experiences at a young age, Mikki has this to say about young artists looking to pursue a career in music and preserve the Western music tradition. “I want them to know that they can have it all. They can have a career in music, an outside job and a family. I hope they find a way to balance their lives and not be driven by notoriety, prestige, or vanity. People flock to see a genuine entertainer, which includes one with life experiences.”

For more information about Mikki Daniel and to follow her on all her social media, please visit her website.

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 Cover photo courtesy Mikki Daniel

Bob Valleau is a regular entertainment writer for Texas Lifestyle Magazine.