Michigan Music History Podcast -- MMHP989

Scott Baker, Gary Johnson, Fred Reif, Mike Beattie
  • 5.0 (7)
  • 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. Sep 3

    Michigan Music History Podcast-----Esther Korinsky Woodward: From The Birth of The Stooges to Lester Bangs and Creem Family

    Telling us that "Iggy Pop said in his book that I was 'responsible for Dave's demise,' after the legendary Goose Lake Music Fest." Esther Korinsky Woodward puts those rumors to rest and gives up all the history on the formation of the Stooges and being close with both Lester Bangs and going to high school with Jaan Uhelszki of Creem magazine. As she navigates an upcoming book about the start of the Stooges and a relationship with bassist Dave Alexander and eventually being with guitarist/bassist Scott Asheton, Esther found her way to recovery, while realizing she saw an apex of Michigan Music History. And was part of it all!    Esther pieces together a graphic historical perspective of seeing the Stooges formation while befriending and sharing drugs with Lester Bangs. Esther eventually cleaned up and found her way to share the stories that she experienced at the start of the critical Michigan formation of the band that launched Iggy Pop and started an entire scene in itself. As well as being at the start of the magazine Creem, as Lester Bangs launched into the world. Her photos have been sought after and she keeps them for her eventual book. While unfortunately she ended up on the Creem Documentary cutting room floor during the taping, she is in two other documentaries, Ticket To Ride as well as Louder Than Love, two movies based on Detroit and Creem Magazine.    Esther enjoys sharing her story and hopes to give hope to others that think they can't get past their addictions. "They hear me and think, 'she should be dead!' This story is straight from the rock and roll parts of the 'D', TURN IT UP!

  2. Aug 20

    Michigan Music History Podcast-----James Bradley: Big Apple Soul By Way of Bay City

    James Bradley brought dance, funky soul, gospel,l rock, opera and classical music from Bay City, across the country and landed in New York City. His voice put him on the map, bringing together music along with Valerie Simpson, Dan Hill, Tommy James, Spinners, BeBe and CeCe Winans, Motown--from Mid Michigan to Toronto, back around the country landing him in New York. All with the golden voice that can do it all.    'My goal in life was to get an education and play music!' He did that at the highest level, with two degrees from U of M, a Wayne State Masters, time at CMU, and two degrees in New York where he has taught math (among other things) where he is now retired. Utilizing his voice, Bradley came up around the time of Question Mark and the Mysterians, Dick Wagner, and many others heading into the '70s. 'Keep your door open and have more opportunity.' Bradley continues to play clubs and is looking to tour Europe (again) soon. Pure Michigan--turn this up!

  3. Aug 6

    Michigan Music History Podcast---Jim McCarty--From Detroit to the Universe

    He is the first class ticket on guitar that has rose from the Mitch Ryder & The Detroit Wheels, through Buddy Miles Express, into Cactus, The Rockets, Helldrivers, and eventually Mystery Train--a lesson in rock and blues that only he can teach. Jim McCarty gives the MMHP an exclusive interview at his home where he laid to rest some rumors, and discussed the magic he has threaded the world with as one of the finest guitarists in Michigan.    We were thrilled to get this limited engagement meeting with Jim, whom wakes up at night and begins his day then. Jim continues to play, now over the age of 80, and remains Detroit's most well known, best kept secret. Welcome to Season 7 with us here in the MMHP in the 989 and CRANK THIS UP!

  4. Jul 23

    Michigan Music History Podcast---Matthew Smith--Independent Detroit's Worldwide Voice, Part 2 of 2

    As we wrap up SEASON 6, we have Part 2 of 2 with Matthew Smith who writes and records more music than most people can take a breath of in a day. Between The Volebeats, Outrageous Cherry, and his solo work, Smith has outlined a career in indy sonics, world class craft, and master musicianship. He has worked with everyone under the Michigan sun, and then some. Rodriguez, Alice Cooper, Don Was, and so many more, you have to tune into hear it all.    We captured Smith live at Trinosophes, a predominantly avant garde coffee/vegan friendly sandwich cafe, art, free jazz (and then some), next door to Peoples Records in Detroit. Here in Part 2 of 2, Smith dives into The Volebeats records with Dr. J, Don Was, Ben Harper, his history with Rodriguez and Andre Williams, Rob Tyner, staying healthy, The Go/Jack White, His Name Is Alive, and even a Ryan Adams bit. We wrap up a post on the show with a bit about the loss of Ozzy Osbourne, who passed that day. MORE incredible stories and song cycles--even some acoustic tunes--Turn it UP!

  5. Jul 9

    Michigan Music History Podcast---Matthew Smith--Independent Detroit's Worldwide Voice, Part 1 of 2

    Matthew Smith brought a song to start the show with the MMHP. Nobody has done this yet. A new, as of yet unrecorded track, voice and piano. Smith writes and records more music than most people can take a breath of in a day. Between The Volebeats, Outrageous Cherry, and his solo work, Smith has outlined a career in indy sonics, world class craft, and master musicianship. He has worked with everyone under the Michigan sun, and then some. Rodriguez, Alice Cooper, Don Was, and so many more, you have to tune into hear it all.    We captured Smith live at Trinosophes, a predominantly avant garde coffee/vegan friendly sandwich cafe, art, free jazz (and then some), next door to Peoples Records in Detroit. Smith invited us (along with and much thanks to owner Joel Peterson) to sit down for a lengthy discussion, performance, and intimate career retrospective of his many musical facets. Get to know Matthew Smith--you already have heard him! Part one NOW...

  6. Jun 25

    Michigan Music History Podcast--Tino Gross: Celebrating Music In The D From Every Direction!

    It's not very often you get to hear from the Chairman of the Board himself, but when it happens, you tape it! Martin 'Tino' Gross brought the MMHP into his studio for a historical rundown from behind the recording desk, behind the drum set, behind the mic and guitars, and from behind the television show 'Tales From The D' where Tino just won Two Michigan Emmy Awards for his historical Detroit PBS television show that debut last year.     Tino has been the person that backed John Lee Hooker, recorded Wayne Kramer, remixed R.L. Burnside, helped Eddie Harsch join the Black Crowes, and fronted the Howling Diablos. His resume is longer than the town itself. For this podcast, Dr. J, Scott and Mr. Mike were lucky to be invited into the home studio where we caught a glimpse of Tino with his family in celebration mode. He was just gearing up for his first episode with Johnny Bee, and Tino was on fire giving us Detroit musical history direct from the sources. You can't miss this episode...Crank it up NOW!

  7. Jun 11

    Michigan Music History Podcast--Rick Stevers Drums Up The Frijid Pink Odyssey Part 2 of 2

    Going back to the mid-'60s, who would have thought that Allen Park had a music scene that would flesh out one of the finest groups to hit the charts in the Michigan music scene? Rick Stevers is a founding member of the mighty Frijid Pink, who continues to tell the story from behind the drum kit. Stevers is also a member of the Michigan Rock Legends Hall of Fame and the Pink's cover of 'House Of The Rising Sun' continues to be a household staple.    Here in part 2 of 2, from the pink bathrooms of the era, to the big stages playing with a 'who's who' of other '60s bands such as The Guess Who, studio time with Janis Joplin, and meeting the other 'House of The Rising Sun' band, Eric Burden & The Animals.    Being ahead of the curve, Frijid Pink spent more time on the road than many of their contemporaries, which Rick says that did more harm than good when it came to the Michigan fan base. Partying with Sammy Davis Jr., working with Don Brewer, speaking with Gordon Lightfoot, and being a car worker at Chrysler for over 17 years. All the albums, lineup changes and lost power to his father, never stopped Stevers. You have to dig into this episode, NOW!

  8. May 28

    Michigan Music History Podcast--Rick Stevers Drums Up The Frijid Pink Odyssey Part 1 of 2

    Going back to the mid-'60s, who would have thought that Allen Park had a music scene that would flesh out one of the finest groups to hit the charts in the Michigan music scene? Rick Stevers is a founding member of the mighty Frijid Pink, who continues to tell the story from behind the drum kit. Stevers is also a member of the Michigan Rock Legends Hall of Fame and the Pink's cover of 'House Of The Rising Sun' continues to rival the Animals in airplay and popularity.    From the pink bathrooms of the era, to the big stages playing with a 'who's who' of other '60s bands (check this Steppenwolf story!), Frijid Pink spent more time on the road than many of their contemporaries, giving them success further away from the state. They had Beatles-style popularity in Australia! London Records/Parrot Records (Deram overseas) promoted the music of the band. Stevers tells the tales of being a cover band that wanted to perform their own material. He spent years with a major label that wanted them to bow to the system (even shelfing a record to this day). Stevers continues to perform with his version of Frijid Pink to this day and has many albums out under their name. Dive into part 1 NOW!

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 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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