“But I closed my eyes and sang and the people cheered.”

Michael Bacon wrote those lyrics for “Almost Got Rich” —a song that summarizes the persistence, stamina and drive needed to succeed in the music business.

And he would know.

Bacon—a singer, musician, songwriter, TV and film score composer—has worked in the industry for more than 40 years. 

His music credits include the film “Boy Interrupted” and several network specials such as the ABC series “Turning Point” and “Oprah’s Roots” on Public Television. 

On Saturday, Bacon and his brother Kevin Bacon performed with their band, The Bacon Brothers, at Rams Head On Stage in Annapolis. 

The show marked a stop on The Bacon Brothers tour to promote “New Year’s Day”—the band's sixth LP release.

In an interview with Patch prior to Saturday's show, the Bacons talked of the recent European leg of the tour, the band's evolution and how social media helped them grow their fan base.

"It's a funny world," Michael Bacon said of the music industry. When he started his career it was difficult and expensive to record music, he said. Today, an artist can make a professional recording at home, he said.

Michael Bacon said his song lyrics come from "snapshots" of his life experiences.

Although soul music was the main genre at his high school, Michael Bacon said he was inspired by groups including the Beatles and The Rolling Stones.

"It kind of changed my life," Michael Bacon said of the British rock invasion.  

He said he feels rewarded when The Bacon Brothers performs original work.

“You created something out of nothing,” he said.

Kevin Bacon said the band started as a grassroots effort.

Technology has changed how the band communicates with fans and promotes its music, he said.

"Now you can really share things . . . with a couple of clicks," Kevin Bacon said and added that Led Zeppelin and Bruce Springsteen were some of his early music influences.

He also talked of the challenges in writing songs.

“You definitely can hit those moments of writer's block,” Kevin Bacon said. 

Finding time to write can also be difficult, he said.

"It's very easy to get busy with a lot of other stuff," Kevin Bacon said, adding that he enjoys creating a new song. "When it does happen it's a great feeling . . . What's important is, you write a song and sing a song that people respond to."

“Nothing comes easy,” Kevin Bacon said. “You’ve got to work for whatever it is you want in life.”

Saturday’s crowd included longtime and new fans of The Bacon Brothers.

Rose Parks of Pasadena and her friend Jennifer Vranas of Glen Burnie were at the concert to celebrate their birthdays that are one day apart in July. 

Amy Gross of Westminster said she saw the Bacons perform in the past, and enjoyed their show so very much that she invited her friend Rachel Knox of Perryville to take in Saturday's concert.

Romas Laskauskas of Arbutus, who was at the concert with his girlfriend Sharon DiNoto of Catonsville, said he’s followed the band for about the last decade.

"I have their first CD," he said. "I've probably seen them about a dozen times . . . They’re wonderful.”

The band played a variety of original songs that ranged in genre from rock to funk.

The show was relaxed and included the brothers telling humorous stories of lyrics for some of the songs. Kevin Bacon also joked of his “six degrees” fame. 

At the end of the show, the band walked off the stage only to return for an encore after the crowd stood and cheered for more.

Countless people in the audience raised cell phones to record video and photograph the band's last song of the night.

"Thank you,” Kevin Bacon said. “It means a lot.” 

To learn more, visit www.baconbros.com.