Michigan Music History Podcast -- MMHP989

From his beginnings following his family's roots to Michigan, Steve Lyman found his way to befriending the Quackenbush family, helping found The Fugitives. That result would catapult him into early Michigan rock and roll history within the band Scot Richard Case, later to be familiarized as S.R.C. The band became one of the first major label players on Capitol Records. Lyman's voice and guitar were to compliment the first two albums, while he honed his writing skills. Here in Part 1 of 2, Lyman describes the sights, the scene and an amazing trip to visit The Who. Tales of Iguana's, Iggy's, Bob Seger, and so many more tie into this stream.

   This is essential MMHP989 material. Ease into Part 1 of 2 --don't miss a moment!

Known to roll the Cajun off his tongue so fluently, you would think he was from Louisiana. Don 'Ziggy' Zeitler strolls around the country brandishing a multi-instrumentalist pedigree with a bluesman's heart. Zig has been a mainstay from the Saginaw area. Growing up in Hemlock, Zig caught the bug early on. Now doing just exactly what he wants to do musically, you can find him popping up on Facebook live as much as hitting the road, usually with his wife Siusan Bayne O'Rourke. Performing with the TOGO Touring Artists/Smokin' Sleddog Records label, Zig has found comfort in a roux made with his Cajun/zydeco/blues ingredients and of course some Irish music with Siusan.

   Here in Part 2, Zig dives into the music, styles, and future of the White Crow, as well as more live music--tune in afterwards for a bonus show wrap-up tune as well along with Sir Fred!

Known to roll the Cajun off his tongue so fluently, you would think he was from Louisiana, Don 'Ziggy' Zeitler strolls around the country brandishing a multi-instrumentalist pedigree with a bluesman's heart. Zig has been a mainstay from the Saginaw area. Growing up in Hemlock, Zig caught the bug early on. Now doing just exactly what he wants to do musically, you can find him popping up on Facebook live as much as hitting the road, usually with his wife Siusan Bayne O'Rourke. Performing with the TOGO Touring Artists/Smokin' Sleddog Records label, Zig has found comfort in a roux made with his Cajun/zydeco/blues ingredients and of course some Irish music with Siusan. Sit back for part one and get out your Gumbo dictionary. Uncle Zig is gonna lay out some tunes for us--backed by Sir Fred as well on washboard!

While Review was kicked off in 1979, under three different names, Bob Martin has manned the helm since its inception. Blending Mid-Michigan's music scene (stretching all north, over to Mt. Pleasant, down to Lansing and Flint, and into the thumb), Martin has blended political content with the arts longer than any current journalist in the area. Best of all, Review is FREE and remains to this day, free. While he does branch out on the website with more stories now, it's the perspective he shares that he has not changed since he put out the first issue. Here is his backstory, his lawyer family background, his dreams and destiny. By the end of this epic podcast, he discusses where he hopes to see Review go and how he would like it preserved. This is one for the books--tune in now!

Born the son of a 3-year-old drum prodigy, Marty Kempf was no slouch himself as a drummer and all around musician. Taking over the family business of Whitehead Music, which opened in 1919, Big Bands were the name of the game and Vaudeville-style touring was part of the job. Kempf takes us through the era's of music, unions, played and print-notation, and from wire-recordings, to reels, up to digital. Kempf is a joy to hear stories from and humorous Mid-Michigan icon. Eventually Kempf went into real estate and folded his portion of Whitehead in 1994. He is currently writing a book on it all. This.Is.History Michigan Music Lovers...crank this up! So Marty can hear it too (LOL)...

Mary Gilbert was there singing with her Uncle's Big Band when she was a child. Part of the Jessup genes have been past on to Mary, who along with husband Brent Gilbert have managed to secure a place in Mid-Michigan's jazz scene, with the likes of Easy Street & Co., Second Time Around, and their own duo, He Said She Said. Between Brent's lush guitar tones, rush Mary's unique vocal delivery, a stand out mid-state to those who love jazz as well as the likes of Crosby/Stills/Nash. Her story begins with her Uncle Dick Jessup and continues to this day. Tune in to the MMHP now to get your 40s/50's/60's swing of Sammy Davis Jr. and the Dorsey Brothers, updated to now, with absolutely incredible detail and backstory...

Daniel Bernard O'Connell is a die cast original purebred Michigan rock bassist. From being in the first band to play at the Grande Ballroom opening for the MC5 and taking The Wha? for a strut, or being courted by Alto Reed's duo mid-70s, opening for Seger and Van Halen while in Barooga Bandit (at Bay City at Central High as a landmark) and, sharing the stage with Dire Straits......or having U2 open to find themselves on the wrong end of the bill, with an album on Capitol Records. O'Connell has lived to tell the story and is still playing to this day in Firebats. This is the show you didn't know about, but need to hear. Here in Part 2 of 2, Live Bullet photo, Dire Straits Tour, a show in front of Dylan, and finding his own worth all segues into a few songs from the man himself. Don't be shy...tune in now!

Daniel Bernard O'Connell is a die cast original purebred Michigan rock bassist. From being in the first band to play at the Grande Ballroom opening for the MC5 and taking The Wha? for a strut, or being courted by Alto Reed's duo mid-70s, opening for Seger and Van Halen while in Barooga Bandit (at Bay City at Central High as a landmark) and, sharing the stage with Dire Straits......or having U2 open to find themselves on the wrong end of the bill, with an album on Capitol Records. O'Connell has lived to tell the story and is still playing to this day in Firebats. This is the show you didn't know about, but need to hear. Part 1 now, Part 2--with a live performance--in two weeks...

From his teen rock beginnings in the '60's, John Hebert was tuned into the Michigan music scenes. He had gone from playing the stages and festivals of Michigan Lore to tackling the blues in Ann Arbor into the '70s. A Tri-City boy, Hebert has spent every decade since the '60s keeping his guitar chops up to par, being part of epic bands along the way from Sheperd & The Flock, Poor Richard's Army, The McCray Brothers Band, Carl McCray Band, KMJ Band, and for over ten years, Soul Express. 

   Take a minute to fill your cup, for his runneth over with stories and memories from EVERY era...

From across the corn fields where the woods got heavy, Johnny Winter sounds possessed Michael 'Hooker Man' Brand. His acoustic country beginnings became electrified rock blues that elevated him across the state. Sharron 'Levi Rose' Brand was a gifted songwriter, no-rules wild child, that made her way to Mid-Michigan via Boulder, CO. When Levi & Hooker Man united, all gloves were off and original music in the midst of Michigan has been forever forged in destiny and unity. This is their story, rally cry, and hang in there to hear Levi drop a ditty on the MMHP crew as well. Tune in Thursday!

Current Band=CDF (Cashman/Drysdale/Furlo). 

   Forever a Saginaw music maven, Mick Furlo began a string of musical excellence that dates back to the early '80s. His band was the farm-team for many of the rock greats to leave the area, particularly two members of The Verve Pipe. A former club owner, Furlo's golden pipes have become a mid-Michigan touchstone from solo stints, to The Jitters, Savior Machines and his music continues to thrive through today in CDF Band.

   Born near Detroit, John Cashman has lived around the world and has called Bay City his home for decades. Owner of Cashman's Comics, Cashman is the go-to drummer for the likes of Mirage, Round & The Distant Few, Radio Therapy, Muddy Gumbo, Savior Machines and most recently CDF with Mick Furlo. Cashman has booked artists all over Michigan and continues to write music and perform various styles of music from punk, metal, classic rock, pop, reggae, and more.

    Get the rest of the story and all about the new album with Part 2 of 2 here at the MMHP.

Current Band=CDF (Cashman/Drysdale/Furlo). 

   Forever a Saginaw music maven, Mick Furlo began a string of musical excellence that dates back to the early '80s. His band was the farm-team for many of the rock greats to leave the area, particularly two members of The Verve Pipe. A former club owner, Furlo's golden pipes have become a mid-Michigan touchstone from solo stints, to The Jitters, Savior Machines and his music continues to thrive through today in CDF Band.

   Born near Detroit, John Cashman has lived around the world and has called Bay City his home for decades. Owner of Cashman's Comics, Cashman is the go-to drummer for the likes of Mirage, Round & The Distant Few, Radio Therapy, Muddy Gumbo, Savior Machines and most recently CDF with Mick Furlo. Cashman has booked artists all over Michigan and continues to write music and perform various styles of music from punk, metal, classic rock, pop, reggae, and more.

    Enjoy getting to know these gentlemen in Part 1 of 2 MMHP episodes.

We were blessed to finally land one of the greatest DJ/Michigan Music History LEGENDS to our show. After two attempts, Ric made a visit to our new MMHP digs at the Michigan Rock Legends Hall of Fame in Bay City, this past July 3, 2023. Sadly, we lost Ric to a stroke on Sept. 5, 2023. Ric shared his music passion with us, as he did many others via being a go-to DJ in the state of Michigan, as well as in Canada.  WSAM, CKLW, WKNX, and so many more had the golden microphone, as Ric was involved with radio from a passionate prospective, breaking some 30-plus hit singles over the years. Ric took to Facebook with a partner to form the Michigan Music History page on Aug. 4, 2011, which continues to some 16.9 thousand subscribers. Self-described as a 'face for radio' Ric hung with the hit-makers, broadcast with the best of the best, and over the past few years, deeply enjoyed his family and friends.

   Our deepest condolences to Ric's Family. This is for Ric, you and all the listeners. Thank you for stories and wisdom, Ric. We will miss you, Friend.

Taking a step back and reflecting on three years of the MMHP989, Hosts Dr. J, Sir Fred, and Mr. Mike wanted to kick of Season 4 with the backstory on Scott's new concept album Purpose, relased this past April. The players, the reason it took two and a half years, the sounds, production, the Michigan Rock elements, the concept album elements, and everything in between. Much like Season 1 Episodes 1 and 2 on Dr. J and Sir Fred, they turn the tables to get the low down on what Mr. Mike calls, 'A masterpiece album.' 

   Scott gets to dive into highlights from other Michigan artists that have been peers and mentors to Scott, such as Dick Wagner, Larry McCray, and Bob Hausler, among others. Studio talk, guitar sounds, and songwriting come to this Michigan Music History Podcast episode and the listener can deep dive into Scott's catalog.

   Welcome to Season 4 of the MMHP in the 989!

Highlighting the entertainment coming to Hell's Half Mile Film and Music Fest here in Bay City, MI in 2023! This special edition brings back HHM Music Curator Don Hessell for an announcement on the music coming to the state, as well as a wrap up of last year. Make sure to catch the aftershow for more future outlook ideas and discussion...

Part 2 of 2 with the drummer behind The Bossmen, Popcorn Blizzard, a stint with ? and The Mysterians, and all around Michigan rock notable from the original scene that started it all in the '60s. Pete takes us into the workings of all the bands, the behind the scenes with Dick Wagner, Warren Keith, Lanny Roenicke, Susie Woodman, Meatloaf, Rick Bozzo, Ted Lucas, Bobby Balderamma, Mark Farner, ?, and so many more. The monster drummer has found himself in movies, and even a chapter in Meatloaf's book. Here in Part 2, Pete dives deep on memories, details and decades and how to carry the torch for an era...EVERY DAY IS THE BEST DAY....

Part 1 of 2 with the drummer behind The Bossmen, Popcorn Blizzard, a stint with ? and The Mysterians, and all around Michigan rock notable from the original scene that started it all in the '60s. Pete takes us into the workings of all the bands, the behind the scenes with Dick Wagner, Warren Keith, Lanny Roenicke, Susie Woodman, Meatloaf, Rick Bozzo, Ted Lucas, Bobby Balderamma, Mark Farner, ?, and so many more. The monster drummer has found himself in movies, and even a chapter in Meatloaf's book. This is only the first half...tune in and drop out now! EVERY DAY IS THE BEST DAY....

Original Michigan keyboardist Susie Woodman takes us from her love of the Michigan Rock Sound in the '60s to the stage as a musician and manager during a time when the sound was brand new. Responsible for bringing Meatloaf to Freeland, Michigan and helping jumpstart his career, Susie was then married to ex-Bossmen drummer Pete Woodman and found success between Mid-Michigan, California, and eventually Detroit. Still performing, Susie is a face on the bedrock of Michigan's Rock formative years and has some of the best stories of how it all happened.

   In Part 2, we hear the lost stories, the incredible meetings, and divine intervention that has kept her playing all these years later as a veteran Michigan Music Musician. Don't hesitate to hear the after show either, as we are weaved a few more golden stories.

Original Michigan keyboardist Susie Woodman takes us from her love of the Michigan Rock Sound in the '60s to the stage as a musician and manager during a time when the sound was brand new. Responisble for bringing Meatloaf to Freeland, Michigan and helping jumpstart his career, Susie was then married to ex-Bossmen drummer Pete Woodman and found success between Mid-Michigan, California, and eventually Detroit. Still performing, Susie is a face on the bedrock of Michigan's Rock formative years and has some of the best stories of how it all happened.

   In Part 1, she takes us right back in time with incredible depth of knowledge, fun, and a naivety that helped get her music, life, and the entire rock music scene in the mitten state moving forward.

Homespun has been broadcast since the mid '80s out of WCMU, put together by Tom T. Ball. Known for his Americana and roots show, Ball also is the bassist in Crazy Chestur, a Mid-Michigan Roots Rock Supergroup. Ball takes us from his early days in Cadillac and paints a portrait of a sponge, soaking in Americana music coming from a rocker background. His depth and imagery on stories are fascinating and serendipitous. Join us on Part 2 of 2 as Ball discusses being 'footloose and fancy free', marriage, radio, Jive At Five, pending-retirement and enjoying performing live with Crazy Chestur.