Today we’d like to introduce you to Mike Bleed.
Hi Mike, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
As with most music artists and aspiring entertainers, when things start to look promising, something always seems to break you. Coming from New Orleans, Louisiana, Mike Bleed is no stranger to life’s obstacles. During a divorce battle in 2008, while dealing with the strenuous work schedule and mental pressure of being a music artist, I was unprepared for what followed.
After unconsciously deciding to take a break from the music industry in late 2009, everything seemed to fall downhill at once. On Christmas Day 2010, I lost my industry mom and publicist, Chiq “Diva” Simms, to a brain aneurysm. Chiq was very instrumental in launching my career, and that’s saying the least! Immediately afterward, I fell into a very unhealthy mental slump, battling suicidal ideations, depression, along with drug, and alcohol abuse. I was in a terrible place.
Fast forward to 2013, after a four-year hiatus from the music industry, I decided to return. I changed my name from “Michael Carlione” to “Mike Bleed” and began rebranding. However, this comeback was followed by obstacles, and more heartache.
My so-called big comeback was met with setbacks. Sadly, I lost my music partner, big brother, and best friend, Scott “S. Jay” Jackson, to pancreatic cancer in December 2013. He was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer about two weeks before my birthday that August. He passed away on December 7th. Then, only three months after Scott’s death, on March 1, 2014, I was in a severe car accident caused by a drunk driver. I suffered four broken ribs, three spinal fractures, a collapsed lung, a smashed artery in my neck, and a bunch of other injuries. I had to be revived three times before reaching the hospital. Months later, subsequently had two heart attacks—one in November 2014 and another in January 2015. It was a lot.
Then one morning, in March 2017, I woke up up and said, “Enough is enough, we’re moving to Georgia. Initially the move was primarily for the entertainment industry and to raise my kids in a different environment. However, God had other plans. My son started playing youth football at Marietta High School in 2019. Two months later, my entire life shifted from entertainment to youth football. During that experience, I began wanting to build something significant for the youth of Cobb County, so I started the Cobb County Bulldogs in 2022. Now we’re here.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s been nowhere near a smooth road. From going back and forth with the County over sufficient field space for these kids to practice, to wanting things so perfect that I allowed it to stress me out so badly, I ended up having a stroke last August. However, God is still keeping me. Because even though my first love and passion will always be music, God had been redirecting all of that passion and love to these kids. So everything I’ve been through in my life was only setting me up and building me for this path. And that is developing these kids and giving them a great experience they can hold dear for the rest of their lives.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Well I picked up a microphone when I was three. So I specialize in entertainment. When I moved to Atlanta, it was for the entertainment industry to start doing Artist Development. Simply because, I feel that’s what the industry is lacking nowadays. I’ve also walked the road of acting, with being in a few movies, and tv shows.
I’m most proud of my growth. Along with, what we’ve been building here in our community for the youth.
What sets Mike Bleed apart, is my drive. My will to keep going, no matter the obstacles. My creativity. God gave me something that’s unmatched when it comes to that. And just my genuine love for helping people. Although, it’s a gift and a curse.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
Yes, tell them to bring the babies to Cobb County Bulldogs. Lol
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.CobbBulldogsGA.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CobbBulldogsGA
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CobbBulldogsGA
- Twitter: https://www.x.com/CobbBulldogsGA
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/CobbBulldogsGA
- Other: https://g.co/kgs/gTppWo
