TO LIVE IS TO FLY: MY BROTHER MIKE TROIANO IS GONE

Bad news from Houston, as Townes Van Zandt once sang. Mike Troiano, my big brother, best friend and biggest influence, died in Conroe, Texas on February 28, 2023.

From the time he was 10 years old, Mike lived a life in which music meant more than everything else. He was either listening to music, reading about music or performing his songs. Mike was honest, faithful, caring, sincere and humble—much too humble for singer/songwriters who need to be blowing their own horn much of the time. Mike just couldn’t do that.

Mike didn’t abide by fools, and we all know how many fools there are in this world. Life was not a popularity contest for Mike, and he made me feel a little sheepish for having so many friends. People confounded Mike. But put a cat or dog within arm’s reach, and he befriended it, even the mean ones. He actually liked them best, because he seemed to understand their anger and distrust of people.

He released an album of spectacular songs in 2021. When it came out, we shared the songs as best we could. To be honest, the record made hardly a ripple in the vast pool of the music scene. In the few days since he’s been gone, I’ve directed folks to the songs on Spotify—and those folks now seem to “get it.” Please listen for yourself. I hope you walk away with Mike’s melody in your heart.

Jeff
March 5, 2023