No matter what else he does with his life, Billy Ray Cyrus will never escape “Achy Breaky Heart.” That’s not to say that the country singer should want to escape his 1992 mega-hit and its accompanying dance craze, but it still looms so large in Cyrus’ public image that it’s hard for him to get credit for any of his other successes. The only thing that might come close to eclipsing “Achy Breaky Heart” for Cyrus is his daughter Miley, whose massive career has given Cyrus the chance to play proud papa.
Since breaking out with his multiplatinum debut album, Cyrus has remained a country-music draw, with post-“Achy Breaky Heart” hits including “Could’ve Been Me,” “In the Heart of a Woman” and “Ready, Set, Don’t Go” (a duet with Miley). He’s also branched out into acting, starring in the Pax TV medical drama Doc, Miley’s Disney Channel sitcom Hannah Montana (as the main character’s father) and the CMT sitcom Still the King. If he’s stuck forever with “Achy Breaky Heart,” he’s certainly made the most of it.
Fremont Street Experience, 7:30 p.m. July 4, free. 702.678.5600
