Tyler Haney has established himself as one of Lake County’s newest up-and-coming country acts with the swagger of modern country artist Sam Hunt and a sound rooted in the music of Waylon Jennings.

Tyler’s appreciation for music started when he was a young child coping with multiple health problems. Tyler, who was born with an incurable blood disorder, was hospitalized throughout childhood. He suffered from many serious symptoms that often left him extremely fatigued and dehydrated, and he had to receive fluids and monitoring.

“Through all of this, the only thing I had to look forward to was the music on the radio during that frequent car ride to and from the hospital or while in my hospital bed,” Tyler said. “Having the music on calmed me and made the world of difference.”

Over time, music became his passion.

“I wasn’t your average boy,” he said. “I couldn’t play football, wrestle, or play outside, so I turned to music.”

Tyler was born in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, but he considers himself a “Florida Boy” because he moved to Leesburg at age 4.

Like many artists, Tyler’s music and love of music was influenced by his upbringing. His family turned him on to Clint Black, Eddy Arnold and Tracy Lawrence.

Tyler is a self-taught guitarist. In fact, he’s been a musician for most of his life. He started out as a sax man 13 years ago and then moved on to French horn, trumpet and piano.

After graduating from Leesburg High School, Tyler pursued a music career while attending Southeastern University in Lakeland. After a few years, Tyler moved back home to help his family. That’s when he made the decision to take his music to a professional level. He began booking shows and playing in the Lake County area and indulging in songwriting. He plans on taking his best five original songs and releasing his debut EP in 2016, which will feature his catchy new tune, “Perfect Crime.”

Tyler’s style of country music has many country “roots” influences, but his sound is most like country artists Sam Hunt and Brantley Gilbert. Tyler plans to make his first visit to Nashville, Tennessee, this summer to begin planning his next move in his music career. To learn more about Tyler Haney, visit www.facebook.com/tyler.arnoldhaney.

PHOTO: Fred Lopez