The Michigan Music History Podcast is taking note! We have not been the only ones thriving in Michigan Music and mitten state documentation. When it comes to "preserving the Michigan stories," add these to your favorites:

Time Signatures--a blues podcast hosted by J Ervin Bates

https://www.lcc.edu/connect/shows/time-signatures.html

Total Michigan--a complete state wide storyline by Cliff Duvernois

https://totalmichigan.com

The MMHP Crew were grateful for both Cliff and J to hop over to our show to discuss digging into Michigan, blues music, country music, and more. Dr. J has been featured on Total Michigan and Sir Fred has been featured on Time Signatures. Links to both will follow. In this episode, they go deep on ideas, how to get the word out, spaces, styles, and always pushing forward with music in mind. Hit PLAY now!

Sir Fred on Time Signatures

Dr. J on Total Michigan--Michigan Rock Legends Hall of Fame!

Benny Speer (#Mr. Benny & The Jets) knows a little bit about Michigan rock history. His father booked shows in Detroit, bringing in the first New York Dolls, Blue Oyster Cult and Kiss concerts, exposing and formulating the Motor City music scene to what we all know today. Benny played the clubs, halls, theaters, from Michigan through Canada, as a regional singer/guitarist. When his band Benny & The Jets hit the stage, it became a thing of beauty. The vehicles they arrived in were the bulletin boards and provided another layer of exposure.

With all his back knowledge of not only the scene, but how it was formulated, Benny is one of Michigan's foremost musicologists of rock, particularly on how the history of it all came together. Here in part 2, Benny dives into backing other artists such as Freddie 'Boom Boom' Cannon and Bo Diddley, he discusses stolen equipment and getting featured in the Detroit News, he crosses paths with Madonna, Question Mark, Eddie Money AND Ronnie Spector and so much more. He also performs live on the podcast! You can't miss this one, hot on the heels of part 1...don't forget to check out his Facebook feed! facebook.com/benny.jets.detroit

and his Dumb Girls Video:

https://youtu.be/jq7dLhUzLpA?si=gwm1UM1LpCSHl5CF

Benny Speer (#Mr. Benny & The Jets) knows a little bit about Michigan rock history. His father booked shows in Detroit, bringing in the first New York Dolls, Blue Oyster Cult and Kiss concerts, exposing and formulating the Motor City music scene to what we all know today. Benny played the clubs, halls, theaters, from Michigan through Canada, as a regional singer/guitarist. When his band Benny & The Jets hit the stage, it became a thing of beauty. The vehicles they arrived in were the bulletin boards and provided another layer of exposure.

With all his back knowledge of not only the scene, but how it was formulated, Benny is one of Michigan's foremost musicologists of rock, particularly on how the history of it all came together. Benny's stories and continuing care of the curation of it, has him front and center telling everyone within ear shot. You can't get this gentleman to stop spreading the word, like a great musician. Benny is the originator. Turn it up and check out his Facebook feed! facebook.com/benny.jets.detroit

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. Here in Part 2, Ross opens up on Bob Seger requesting the Funnies to open for him and his new 'Silver Bullet Band.' Just like with losing the chance to play on Sullivan, the Funnies don't get this opportunity either. Ross shares his backing stories of more recent times, bands, and the hilarious 'backing band' anecdotes (Bo Diddley!) that have caused him to stay true to himself and be the ultimate drummer comedian, all these years. Part 2 starts NOW...

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!

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!

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!

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!