Michigan Music History Podcast -- MMHP989 Scott Baker, Gary Johnson, Fred Reif, Mike Beattie

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.