Michigan Music History Podcast -- MMHP989

Scott Baker, Gary Johnson, Fred Reif, Mike Beattie
  • 5.0 (5)
  • MUSIC HISTORY
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

The MMHP989 brings together every style of Michigan Music, its history and backstory with detail. Featuring Dr. J (Gary Johnson) and Sir Fred (Fred Reif), Archivist/Wingman Mike Beattie, along with host, musician/journalist Scott Baker

  1. 5D AGO

    Michigan Music History Podcast--Ross Helco--The Beat Behind The Sunday Funnies Part 1 of 2

    Ross Helco is full of stories. This man has sat behind the kit and played some of the greatest spots during the '60s and '70s. He continues to wave the flag of his mothership The Sunday Funnies.     From the Dearborn/Detroit area, Helco was a prominent drummer in the early days of Michigan's rock scene. He was even asked to perform on the Ed Sullivan show--which he and the band ended up firing their mothers over not knowing about it! His wit and wisdom continues to bring wide-eyes to those around him. And less we forget the Beach Boys in the shower story...LOL Part one of two, up next...hit PLAY!

    48 min

  2. FEB 5

    Michigan Music History Podcast--Sharrie Williams--The Princess of Rockin Gospel Blues!

    Welcome to our FIFTH YEAR here at the MMHP in the 989!    After storming into 2026, we are not letting our foot off the gas! The Princess Of Rockin' Gospel Blues herself, Sharrie Williams, visited us in house at our Bay City Rock Legends Hall of Fame for a discussion on her inspirational career. Sharrie takes us into the workings of her beginnings, her immense European fan base/tours/awards, why she is the 'Love Bug', her history with her late husband/promoter Pops, and work with blues guitar greats Matt Besey and James Owens.    Sharrie doesn't hold back on the harshness of being a female in the industry and provides her powerful tales that have put her at the forefront of the blues and gospel touring scene since the mid-90s. She swaps tour details with Sir Fred, as they shared many of the same bills over the past 30 years. Sherrie also discusses how she likes to help children realize their dreams and why it is important for her to put all her efforts into her family and music, through God. This is one for the books for those of you wondering how she manages it all, world-wide. Tune into this episode NOW!

    1h 20m

  3. JAN 22

    Michigan Music History Podcast--Drew Abbott Silver Bullet To The Third Power Part 2 of 2

    We are kicking the year off right--Live Bullet and Nine Tonight rip your ears off. Not just because of Seger, but because of the guitarist Drew Abbott. You have him to thank for the countless riffs, energy, and pure Michigan guitarist love. Abbott visited the MMHP in 2025 and it was one FOR THE BOOKS! Abbott left no holds barred on his feelings on the business, his thoughts on tours, his thoughts on not being included on Seger studio albums, his Third Power upbringing into the Michigan scene, and beyond.    Here in Part 2 of 2, Abbott continues to let it all loose! He also performs and has a brief mini jam with Scott on a Seger classic. Abbott discusses his most recent solo album and his last visit with Bob during the final tour a few years ago. We are your fly on the wall! This career retrospective is direct from the masters mouth and for you, our listeners. Crank up part 2 of 2!

    52 min

  4. JAN 8

    Michigan Music History Podcast--Drew Abbott Silver Bullet To The Third Power Part 1 of 2

    HAPPY NEW YEAR TO OUR MMHP989 LISTENING FAMILY!!    We are kicking the year off right--Live Bullet and Nine Tonight rip your ears off. Not just because of Seger, but because of the guitarist Drew Abbott. You have him to thank for the countless riffs, energy, and pure Michigan guitarist love. Abbott visited the MMHP in the 989 in 2025 and it was one FOR THE BOOKS! Abbott left no holds barred on his feelings on the business, his thoughts on tours, his thoughts on not being included on Seger studio albums, his Third Power upbringing into the Michigan scene, and beyond.    Here in Part 1 of 2, Abbott lets it all loose, no holds barred. This career retrospective is direct from the masters mouth and for you, our listeners. Welcome to 2026 with a Bullet!

    55 min

  5. 12/25/2025

    MMHP Season 6 Ep:12--Chuck Bartels: Detroit's Humble Bass Ace To The Masses Part 2 of 2

    Chances are you've heard this low-end thumper in your bass woofers, or have seen him perform around Michigan (as well as the world). He's performed with various national acts, including Bettye LaVette, Sturgill Simpson, Brett Lucas, Mitch Ryder, and more. He's a 'first-call' from the bass master. himself, Michigan's Don Was for multiple studio projects. Chuck Bartels lives, eats, breathes, and is raising a happy family out of Detroit and happy to offer his services for a variety of musical styles, as he often as he can.    Chuck jumped into performing in the early '90s and has rounded the 'bases' with jazz, jam, Americana, blues, tribute showcases, R&B, soul, rock, and so much more. His ability to be as down-to-earth has garnished him quite a 'word-of-mouth' career. The MMHP was so grateful to line up this world-class bassist for a career retrospective in Bay City in early 2025.    In part 2 of 2, Chuck offers background on the recordings he has helped make that should have taken off, his nature balance on home life and touring, his dream gig, and some bands from the past that fans should seek out. This epic hang is perfect for you all, looking to absorb some of the best current and national music that this man has touched. Thank you all for tuning into part one and ENJOY!

    34 min

  6. 12/11/2025

    Michigan Music History Podcast--Michigan Music History Podcast--Chuck Bartels: Detroit's Humble Bass Ace To The Masses Part 1 of 2

    Chances are you've heard this low-end thumper in your bass woofers, or have seen him perform around Michigan (as well as the world). He's performed with various national acts, including Bettye LaVette, Sturgill Simpson, Brett Lucas, Mitch Ryder, and more. He's a 'first-call' from the bass master. himself, Michigan's Don Was for multiple studio projects. Chuck Bartels lives, eats, breathes, and is raising a happy family out of Detroit and happy to offer his services for a variety of musical styles, as he often as he can.    Chuck jumped into performing in the early '90s and has rounded the 'bases' with jazz, jam, Americana, blues, tribute showcases, R&B, soul, rock, and so much more. His ability to be as down-to-earth has garnished him quite a 'word-of-mouth' career. The MMHP was so grateful to line up this world-class bassist for a career retrospective in Bay City in early 2025. In part 1 of 2, Chuck takes us on a journey from his very beginnings, to life on the road with television cameras in his face, Grammy nominations, and the humble outlook of what living in Detroit and playing music for life has afforded him.    Tune in and enjoy the easy conversation!

    48 min

  7. 11/27/2025

    Michigan Music History Podcast--Peter 'Madcat' Ruth: Harmonica Heard From Ann Arbor To The World Part 2 of 2

    A Grammy Award winning world renown man of harmonicas--acoustics, intellect, incredible sound telepathy, time signatures, and known to play many styles, Peter 'Madcat' Ruth joins the MMHP for a two-part series that discusses his career, his styles, his sounds, and we touch base on many of his guest sessions. He even performs for us!    Here in Part 2, Madcat offers historical retrospective on bands, performances, his endorsements, and showcases that both worked and didn't work so well. He performs and gives back story to his many bands such as the Carma Quartet and Triple Play, and Madcat's Pressure Cooker.  He talks about his "Anyone Can Play Harmonica" book/DVD series which was produced with the late Happy Traum, a not so great session and gig with Rory Block, and the ins-and-outs out of being a longtime disciplined performer from Ann Arbor. Sir Fred recalled a meeting with Madcat and blues legend Lazy Lester, much to Madcat's surprise. Tune into Part 2 and finish what 'ya started, NOW!

    51 min

  8. 11/13/2025

    Michigan Music History Podcast--Peter 'Madcat' Ruth: Harmonica Heard From Ann Arbor To The World Part 1 of 2

    A Grammy Award winning world renown man of harmonicas--acoustics, intellect, incredible sound telepathy, time signatures, and known to play many styles, Peter 'Madcat' Ruth joins the MMHP for a two-part series that discusses his career, his styles, his sounds, and we touch base on many of his guest sessions. He even performs for us!    In Part 1, Madcat gives us the Brubeck family background he was touring with from the '60s into the '70s, and brings us around to sessions with Blackfoot and George Clinton. There are many stops along this historic podcast way. Tune into part 1 of 2 NOW!

    1h 2m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

The MMHP989 brings together every style of Michigan Music, its history and backstory with detail. Featuring Dr. J (Gary Johnson) and Sir Fred (Fred Reif), Archivist/Wingman Mike Beattie, along with host, musician/journalist Scott Baker

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