Michigan Music History Podcast -- MMHP989 cover art

Michigan Music History Podcast -- MMHP989

Michigan Music History Podcast -- MMHP989

By: Scott Baker Gary Johnson Fred Reif Mike Beattie
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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 BakerPercy's Privy Publishing, BMI Music
Episodes
  • MMHP Season 6 Ep:25--Tino Gross: Celebrating Music In The D From Every Direction!
    Jun 25 2026

    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!

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    1 hr and 19 mins
  • MMHP Season 6 Ep:24--Rick Stevers Drums Up The Frijid Pink Odyssey Part 2 of 2
    Jun 11 2026

    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!

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    46 mins
  • MMHP Season 6 Ep:23--Rick Stevers Drums Up The Frijid Pink Odyssey Part 1 of 2
    May 28 2026

    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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    45 mins
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