Immersed in the gentle rhythm of water lapping against the docks, Michael Huntley discovered his voice at Lake Anna long before his captivating performance on the acclaimed show. His rendition of The Black Crowes’ “She Talks to Angels” during his blind audition earned him a simultaneous four-chair turn within the first 20 seconds of his performance, and, of course, the coveted title of Season 24’s Winner of ‘The Voice.’

Photos: The Evolution of Huntley’s Live Performances; 2014 to 2023. Michael Huntley and Kyle Austin.

Huntley’s upbringing at Lake Anna evokes nostalgia and musical discovery. In a candid interview with The Breeze, Huntley reminisced about his teen years, shaped on Comfort Lane and Rose Valley Drive in Mineral.

“I taught myself guitar on Rose Valley Island,” said Huntley. “You know, where the one tree sticks out of the water. I used to go and sit on my dock at the end of Comfort Ln., or on the roof… right behind the Rose Valley sign.”

Reflecting on his Lake Anna days, Huntley recalled moments of musical inspiration. “That’s where I literally honed it. I used to go early in the morning when the sky was always orange… the fog would be on top of the water. That image is literally burned in my memory, it always makes me feel right at home as soon as I cross Stubbs Bridge.”

In a nod to his friends, Huntley shared fond memories of boating with friends like Kyle Austin.

“I was always at their houses, and I was lucky enough that all my friends had boats and stuff to do, so I tagged along,” he said. “I still have some friends who live in the neighborhood, so I still go and play at their docks where I taught myself. I still try to make my voice echo across the other side. You know in the hometown video on ‘The Voice,’ you can see me on that dock, playing guitar… that’s literally where I taught myself.”

And just as Huntley cherishes his lake memories, many locals also appreciate his journey.

Kyle Austin, a long-time neighbor of Huntley, reminisced about their shared moments “on the dock singing and jamming all the time.” “We met because my parents purchased a house on Comfort Ln, and I grew up in a house down the road… so we knew each other. My wife and Huntley went to the same high school. We’d be at the dock and he’d always have his guitar. It was an appendage of his that just stayed attached… where Huntley was his guitar would be close.”

Summer life was at its peak at Lake Anna between Austin, Huntley and their friends. “We’d just be walking to each other’s houses, summer life… going to the docks… and we’ve always been fans of his. We had him out with my in-laws at the gazebo, and he would be live performing… One time we publicized it on one of the Lake Anna Facebook pages and we had like 20 boats just floating by, watching him play solo.”

Huntley’s career may have started at Lake Anna, but a YouTube clip from July 5th, 2016, went viral on Kyle Austin’s page after his recent career exploded on ‘The Voice.’

Michael Huntley Plays Lake Anna in 2016

Here’s another clip on Facebook of Huntley playing live at Lake Anna

“All of a sudden I had 14,000 views… and it was him playing impromptu what he called ‘Lake Anna Blues,’” said Austin. “The masses are finally seeing it… we were definitely the crowd on the edge of the couch waiting to see if he made it to the next round (during ‘The Voice’).”

Huntley has played many public venues at Lake Anna, including The Cove, Tim’s at Lake Anna, Coyote Hole, and the Lake Anna Taphouse. He noted that he would one day like to play at The Log Home Brewing and Callie Opie’s Orchard.

With the voting period open for ‘Best of Lake Anna,’ Huntley was surprised and excited to be nominated for Best Musician. “Finally!” he said. “That is hilarious. Finally, I get nominated as Best Musician.”

Reflecting on his transition from Florida to Virginia as a child, Huntley noted the culture shock but appreciated the relaxed vibe at the lake. “It was the closest thing to Florida, once you’re getting closer to the lake it has a whole different vibe; more easy-going.”

With a single on the verge of being released, Huntley’s dream is finally coming to reality – thanks in part to the long-time support of his friends and fans at Lake Anna.

“You know, you have to be very delusional to be a musician and follow this dream, you have to really enjoy music and have hard skin, it can be hard…” said Huntley. “It’s like you’re an entrepreneur but at the same time you’re an artist, so it’s a very thin line.”

But Lake Anna will always be a place of solace and peace for Huntley as he continues to fight for his dream. “Literally before I even left to go back to ‘The Voice Lives,’ I went and sat at that dock and the water wasn’t moving. It was like butter. It was just still. I will always remember that morning, and I love Lake Anna! Lake rats represent!”

Jen Bailey

Hi! I’m Jennifer Bailey and I partner with entrepreneurs who have massive ideas that could change the world. Most marketing is meaningless. Filled with empty promises, its only job is to bring in new traffic, new leads, and new customers. But I’ve drawn a line in the sand, and I’ve learned that marketing can do so much more than reach business goals and build profit. My methods give businesses the fire and soul they need to reach the right people, set the groundwork for sustainable relationships, and offer true value to the people on both the giving and receiving ends of marketing.

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