For other tales of musical adventure, please visit Soccer Mom in Denial.
I spent some time this weekend putting together a long overdue Michigan mix CD. I'd had a friend, a former Michigander ask me - "What music would be from Michigan?"
Whoa.
To start with, and maybe to end with, Motown. Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, Diana Ross and both the original and latter members of the Supremes, The Four Tops, The Temptations and the inimitable Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul, to name just few.
Okay, and then there's a great punk rock history - The Stooges, arguably the first punk band, formed in my adopted home town. That legacy carries up to The White Stripes today.
Want some harder rock? Try Alice Cooper, Ted Nugent, Mitch Ryder and Bob Seger.
Folkies? Michael Cooney and Catie Curtis both got their starts here, and the Ark, in Ann Arbor, is one of the most venerable folk venues in the country.
When I was in college, blues bars ruled the roost, and given our proximity to Chicago, we had big name blues acts almost every weekend.
Yup, we've done okay.
So, for my ode to Michigan on this Monday, I chose "Stop! In the Name of Love." It's not my favorite. My favorite Motown pick would have been "Respect" or "My Girl." But it brings back fond memories. It resurrects pre-karaoke days when I would play Diana to my bf and his best friend, and we had an "act" that we might pull off in a bar after one too many beers. And from what I've heard, we were funny.
For those who see me as staid and oh-so-nice, another piece of the puzzle...
And darn it, youtube is being a pain again, so if the video doesn't appear (or appears three days late like last week), here's a link to enjoy Miss Ross and her wonderful Supremes.
26 comments:
As a former Michigander I've felt compelled to recite a similar list of musical acts native to Michigan. No doubt there are other acts such as Grand Funk Railroad to add to the list.
You guys have awesome music! Can't say Connecticut has quite the same musical history. Oh wait, John Mayer? Oh well.
I thought it was just me having issues with you tube. Couldnt post the embedded link, only the URL.Anyway I didnt realize the rich history until Madonnas induction last week into the Hall of Fame. But of course all those great acts come from Michigan. I love Diana .Some say I can look like her at times.Only face , not weight.
You're so right, Greg! And Grand Funk was on my original list, along with the Romantics, and some others... I forgot to mention Grand Funk!
LOL, Flower Child. Hmmm... have to think about the CT connection.
Actually, Coco, I think it's good that it's face, not weight - as talented as she is, that woman has had some eating disorders in her life. So healthy weight is good! ;-)
Now that's a CD with lots of possibility. There are absolutely LOTS of great musical acts from Michigan.
The Supremes were so awesome. Truly talented ladies.
Michigan does have a great music history. I love blues, myself, but a lot of what you listed I grew up listening to. My dad loves Doowop and Motown. My mom listened to Jefferson Airplane and ABBA...I'm glad I ended up with my dad's taste.
Oh and yeah, marriage is becoming less common in Western Europe in lieu of samensleving contract type things. I, however, have already told Hans that I'm a traditionalist in that respect and I do want to get married before we have kids. If that means I have to get knocked up for him to pop the question...well, at least I warned him, right?
Here's to Michigan! I might just have to compile a similar list of Florida musical acts... you've inspired me.
Glad I'm not the only one who's played Diana while singing this song. It's fit for a diva, dontcha know!
Definitely much for Michigan residents to sing with pride.
And, hey, you haven't lived until you've pretended to be Diana at some point in your life!
Heeeeello! Mo-town!
I saw Stevie during the Centenial celebration in Detroit for free. And some other people.
Love it! A Michigan mix tape (or MP3 or whatever these kids are doing these days).
I remember standing in front of the mirror with a hairbrush with my sisters each taking turns being Diana.
The best sounds came out of Detroit and Motown.
I had no idea! That's quite a list. And a lot of talent!
I definitely learned something today!
Ahhh, the true R&B... not the bull shit that gets passed off as R&B now.
great music choice. :)
Love Diana Ross too! Wow...I might need a copy of that CD...LOL
Happy Monday Jen!
Los Angelista - talented out the wazoo... they were simply amazing.
Lilac, I hope you're joking about that last part. ;-)
Aha Citizen Jane - so our pasts catch up with us!
April, maybe you and me and Citizen Jane can put an act together ;-)
Sassy - that must have been SO cool! I got to see Stevie at a concert in Madison Square Garden in 1975. It was amazing.
SMID - It was great fun to put together!
Okay, Dru, so I guess you have to join our act, too! ;-)
Alex and Rebecca - I live to teach. (Just joking)
CG - I so agree with you.
Mariposa - it will be an awesome CD!
What a fun song -- just thinking about it cheers me up! Thanks!
I'm glad you're getting some cheer, Anno!
I hadn't thought about it, but you guys might be even better than Jersey (though I like to think that Springsteen cancels out Bobby Brown). But what about Eminem? I know I shouldn't like him, but I do. And Kid Rock.
Great post!
Goodness! I had no idea! I love all of those Motown artists. I used to listen to Stevie and Smokey all the time as a kid :) What a great list!
I love Diana Ross :) I especially like "The chain reaction" song.
Yes, Jerseygirl, I don't know where my head was - Eminem, D12, Kid Rock, Uncle Kracker - all were forgotten yesterday! But you DO have Springsteen and Bon Jovi and that makes up for a lot. ;-)
Sandy, maybe that's a tradition you can pass on to your little one, too. Nothing like dancing up a storm when you're at home!
Wendy, are you sure you're not thinking of Chain of Fools by Aretha? I'm trying to think of which Diana Ross song that is...
It is amazing how many musicians come from Michigan! Wow, I never knew!
I like Didn't I Blow Your Mind by the Chi-Lites for some Motown, but I don't know if the Chi-Lites are actually from Detroit. :?
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