‘…the acoustic guitar on this track does two things. It creates space, timelessness, room to breathe, but it also tells a kind of story of memories and times past, inviting the listener to project onto it their own inner worlds, which is perhaps why so many people find this song so personal and moving’
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Mike Howe 
Hey Mike
I just want to say your music is absolutely beautiful. My husband who was my true soulmate and best friend passed away in Feb 2024 of lung cancer. He had symptoms only 5 weeks before passing and the doctors said it was extremely aggressive that he only had cancer for 2 – 3 months total. Anyway while walking during a lunch break your song Long Before came on my Pandora station and I just cried because it reminded me of my husband. He used to play guitar and often times he played music like this. Its very peaceful and angelic. Thank you for what you do.
Theresa Scroggins
Hi Theresa
I’m so sorry to hear about your husband and your loss. I can’t imagine what you must have gone through. If my song long before helped, and resonated in some way, then I’m glad. Thank you for letting me know, I’m very grateful. Wishing you all the best at such a difficult time for you.
Mike
”Long Before” frequently comes on my Pandora playlist. My 6 year old non-verbal Autistic son and I vibe out to it on our drives together. Today as I pulled in the garage it was playing. Upon entering the home I hear it playing in my kitchen. I think hmmm maybe my car’s Bluetooth synced to something in the house because we were just listening to that song. Apparently as soon as we got in the house my son ran up to our Samsung smart refrigerator screen pulled up YouTube and typed in Mike Howe Long Before. He stood there with tears in his eyes. No words needed to be spoken. At that moment I knew this song spoke to his soul as it does mines. Bless you Mike Howe and your music. Mahalo from Hawaii. 🌺
That’s such a great story—thank you for telling me. It means a lot to know that “Long Before” connected with both you and your son in that way. I also didn’t know you could play music on a refrigerator! 🙂 Amazing. Sending my best to you both in Hawaii.
— Mike
I discovered this song on the drive home with our newborn. My husband’s Pandora was on shuffle, it was raining, pouring actually, and my emotions were all over the place! I couldn’t believe we had her in our lives and I was terrified and excited! My mind was going so fast and this song came on. I could feel my husbands eyes on me in the rearview, nervous to make eye contact because I was trying not to cry. He could see the tense in my face, holding back what I was feeling, and he said, “I really think you’ll like this.” He turned up the volume, not too loud, and tears began to well up in my eyes. The music hit me right in the soul and tears came pouring down. I felt gratitude for finally having a baby earth side. I looked at my newborn baby girl as the music continued on and gave thanks to the Lord for this blessing. I asked my husband through a tear filled face to keep playing it over and over again until we got home. She and I have enjoyed more days of this song, along with your entire discography, especially when we struggle at nap time.
Thank you so much for sharing this. I’m honestly humbled that my music could be a part of such a powerful and tender moment in your life. The image of that rainy drive, the emotions of new parenthood, and the connection between you, your husband, and your baby — it really moved me. I can remember vividly the day when we brought our first born home. We weren’t sure what to do. We just sat and stared at him whilst he was sleeping. From that time onwards your life is changed forever, in more ways than you could have imagined before, but you’ll be absolutely fine.
As an artist, you hope your songs find a place in people’s stories, thank you so much for sharing a small part of yours. Wishing you, your daughter, and your family many more beautiful moments together — and I’m honored my music gets to be there for some of them.
My end of year Apple Music replay showed 14,886 minutes of Mike Howe, and the next highest artist was 928 minutes. We appreciate you! Andy and Skadi from Iowa
Hi Andy and Skadi
Wow thank you, I appreciate you guys too!
I love your music Mike. My wife and I found you by chance. I started playing A Long Way To Go and she said who is that? She said it’s beautiful… I said Mike Howe and we were hooked. Sadly, my wife had pancreatic cancer and passed on May 29th. I am devastated after our 44 years together. She was an angel and so beautiful. A Long Way To Go has a very special place in my world now and I’m taking guitar lessons to be able to play it for her. I know she’s with me everywhere.
Thank you for composing such a beautiful song we both loved! You should look into an orchestral version of it. It’s an amazing piece. 🙏. I will learn it and master it.
My name is Randy Schimm
Hi Randy, I’m so sorry to hear about your wife, that is so sad. If my music has helped you I’m so glad. A long way to go has been apparently enjoyed by so many, including you both. I’m glad you’re taking up guitar lessons. Playing has always helped me, I don’t know what I’d do without it. I’d offer a guitar tab of the song but I don’t have any, and I don’t know how to make them. I am musically illiterate! There is a video on YouTube of the guitar tab for my adapted version of A long way to go which I aptly called Returning. Look it up it might be useful.
Thanks for your kind comments. So sorry for your loss. Good luck with your guitar lessons!
Mike
I would buy a book of your guitar tabs. If you’re looking for another income source I think this would be an option.
I’ve played the “Returning” tab, and used it as inspiration for a song I’m writing for my husband. I just play at home for my family.
Cant get enough of your music. You’ve made me a better musician, a quieter soul, and, more humble every day.
Thank you, that’s an amazing response to my music. I’m glad its helped in some way with your playing and creativity!
I find this very uplifting. Thank you!
Thank you Emilie I’m glad you like it!
Thank you for another beautiful addition to my Mike Howe playlist.