Michigan's Musical Connection: Earl Klugh

Welcome music lovers. Today's edition of Michigan's Musical Connection will feature guitarist Earl Klugh. Mr. Klugh was born on September 16, 1954 in Detroit and fell in love with the guitar at the young age of 3 when he first picked up a guitar.

Earl is currently touring and, in fact, played last night here in Indianapolis, Indiana. You can get more tour information at Earl's web site.

Here is an excerpt from an interview with Earl Klugh from earlier this year by Modern Guitars Magazine:

Earl, who influenced you at the start?

Earl Klugh: Chet Atkins was probably my biggest influence by far. I started playing guitar in December of '63. I was playing finger style because the folk craze was so prevalent. I really liked the sound of classical guitar so that's what I played in.

I think it was 1967 when I first heard Chet play. I saw him on a television show and it opened up a world of possibilities for me. I literally went out and got all the Chet Atkins records I could find. You know, back in those days it was pretty isolated when attempting to do something as rarified as finding ways to learn how to play finger style guitar. The main source was records. I had an old Silvertone record player, and I had learned my basic chords, C, D, E, F, in major and minor. Basically I'd lift the needle back and forth and just work with my fingers. I'd just sit there all day until something clicked. And that was really my method of learning how to play, after about a year or so of guitar lessons as well.

Along the way, from listening to Chet's records, I found out about people like George Van Eps and Kenny Burrell, and classical players like Julian Bream, Segovia, Jorge Morel, Howard Roberts and all of the fine players who were available at that time. I really stuck with the finger style and the nylon string guitar. That was probably the most unique thing about my learning to play modern guitar, and that I was really interested in everybody, like Wes Montgomery and Johnny Smith, too. For me, I wanted to adapt what I could of their styles into my own style of acoustic and classical guitar.

Since his recording debut in 1976 with his self-titled album, Earl Klugh has produced a huge discography and has made a striking, enduring imprint in the music industry. Earl has provided inspiration for thousands of guitar enthusiasts and has attracted fans from many different musical genres.

Here is a YouTube clip of Earl Klugh and Chet Atkins that you may enjoy.


Thanks for stopping by. I hope you enjoy this installment as well as some of the previous chapters of Michigan's Musical Connection. Each Saturday, a new artist is in the spotlight and you never know who may the next subject. One thing for sure, they all have their own Michigan Connection.

Stabenow splits from party on detainees

Lansing State Journal: Stabenow splits from party on detainees:

"Sen. Debbie Stabenow, up for re-election next month, broke with most of her Democratic colleagues this week in supporting changes to the way terrorism suspects are interrogated and prosecuted.

Stabenow was one of 12 Senate Democrats - mostly moderates or members up for re-election - who voted with the majority late Thursday in favor of a bill to limit the rights of terrorism suspects in ways that critics say will draw constitutional challenges.

The bill would allow warrantless searches and seizures and coerced confessions and would prohibit defendants from challenging their detention in court, a cornerstone of the U.S. justice system. Republicans hope to use their tough-on-terrorists approach against Democrats in this fall's elections."

Republicans file complaint against governor

AP Wire | 09/29/2006 | Republicans file complaint against governor:

"The Michigan Republican Party on Friday said it has filed a federal complaint over Gov. Jennifer Granholm using state resources to create a brochure showing her administration's efforts to create more jobs.

A Granholm spokeswoman dismissed the move as a publicity stunt.

State GOP Chairman Saul Anuzis said the governor hasn't violated any state laws because the brochure and other items listed in the complaint don't promote the Democratic governor's bid for re-election.

But he said the federal Hatch Act bans the governor from using her official office for personal political gain. The complaint, filed last week with the U.S. Office of Special Counsel, was probably the first filed against a governor under the Hatch Act, according to GOP attorney Eric Doster."

Varsity football cancelled

Oscoda Press: Varsity football cancelled:

"The Oscoda High School football stands were empty Friday night.

Instead of suiting up for the first home varsity football game of the season, the 0-4 team was at the Carter’s parking lot, joined by 110 students and parents who were demonstrating in protest of the administration’s decision to cancel the Owls’ varsity football season.
According to an unsigned press release sent from the district superintendent’s office, the decision was made Sept. 19, “after much thought, research and many discussions with parents, athletes, fellow schools in the NEMC conference and with the Michigan High School Athletic Association.”"

I couldn't believe this story when I heard about it today on the Boortz show. What about the benefits of athletic competition that is always talked about? I guess the Oscoda School Board doesn't buy that stuff about winning and losing and how we play the game?

Michigan Native Medals at World Championships

Sports:: Michigan Native Medals at World Championships:

"Michigan native Joe Warren is among three Americans to medal in Greco-Roman wrestling on the opening day of the world championships in China.

Warren -- competing at 132 pounds -- rallied to defeat Georgia's David Bedinadze in Monday's gold-medal match. Teammates Lindsey Durlacher and Harry Lester each earned bronze.

Warren wrestled at East Kentwood High in suburban Grand Rapids and at Michigan. He says he's 'the happiest man in the world' and 'the baddest man on the planet.'
"

Governor, DeVos will debate Monday night

Press & Argus - www.livingstondaily.com - Livingston, MI:

"Democratic Gov. Jennifer Granholm and Republican challenge Dick DeVos will face each other Monday and in two more live televised debates next month. The pair will also make a joint appearance before the Economic Club of Detroit.

The first debate is 8 p.m. Monday in East lansing and will be televised on public television stations and Fox stations."

DeVos calls for ban on free tickets, travel for Mich. lawmakers

AP Wire | 09/27/2006 | DeVos calls for ban on free tickets, travel for Mich. lawmakers:

"Republican gubernatorial candidate Dick DeVos says politicians in Michigan government shouldn't be able to accept free tickets and trips from lobbyists.

'We need a state government that works for no one but the voters,' DeVos said in a statement Wednesday. 'Under a DeVos administration, Michigan will have some of the strongest lobbying reform policies in place in order to restore faith and trust in how government is operated and ensure a solid focus on economic and job growth.'

The Ada businessman said he would ban lobbyists from providing any free tickets or trips to office holders, prohibit state contractors from giving to gubernatorial campaigns and require a three-year wait before government officials can become lobbyists."

A Purpose Driven Blog: I've been blogging for 2 years!

A Purpose Driven Blog: I've been blogging for 2 years!:

"On Monday September 18th, 2004 I started The Royal Flush, the first of my many blogs.

I was inspired by the many conservative blogs I had read since the early spring of that year. Rathergate and the upcoming 2004 election intensified my blog reading and sparked a growing desire to participate in the new medium.

I've gone through many phases, including one where I wavered on the edge of quitting. In reality, I just needed a few days off. There is a tremendous self-imposed pressure that comes from finding new relevant content every day and constantly checking SiteMeter and the TTLB Ecosystem more than once a day. "

Congrats on reaching your milestone Barry. Thanks for all your help and all the best to you in your future endeavors. Keep up the great work!

Much of family's cash goes to charity

Much of family's cash goes to charity:

"By all accounts, the DeVos family has been a mainstay of charity in western Michigan. In their financial-disclosure statement on March 31, Dick and Betsy DeVos said they had given to 449 charities from 1997 through 2005.

This spring, the couple gave $12.5 million to Spectrum Health for the Helen DeVos Children's Hospital in Grand Rapids."

Chamber plans to make 'splash'

Chamber plans to make 'splash':

"The Fenton Chamber of Commerce is hosting a special event for its members called 'Splash' on Oct. 4 to unveil its new logo and name.

The event is 5-7 p.m. at the Fenton Community Center on Leroy Street. There will be prizes, appetizers and a cash bar."

Intelligent design issue continues to be issue in governor's race

WOODTV.com & WOOD TV8 - Grand Rapids news and weather - Intelligent design issue continues to be issue in governor's race:

"Republican candidate Dick DeVos has for the most part kept his gubernatorial campaign focused on the economy and off of himself.

But when he said in an interview earlier this week with The Associated Press that he'd like to see intelligent design taught along with evolution in science classes, it fired up blogs, party activists and editorial writers for days.

Since then, the conservative Christian has tried to steer the conversation away from his personal views and stress that deciding what's taught in science classes should be left up to local school districts."

Michigan's Musical Connection: Margaret Whiting

Finally....it's Saturday....the weekend. This week I am turning the spotlight on one of the most talented singers from the 40's & 50's era primarily. The featured artist is Margaret Whiting. Ms. Whiting comes from a family background in music and she became an iconic singer. I think she has one of the most wonderful voices I have ever heard. Be sure to check out the YouTube video at the end of the post and see if you don't agree.

Wiki

Margaret Whiting (born July 22, 1924) was a traditional pop music singer in the 1940s and 1950s.

Her musical talent may have been inherited; her father Richard Whiting, was a famous composer of popular songs. She also had an aunt, Margaret Young, who was also a singer and popular recording artist in the 1920s. In her childhood her singing ability was already noticed, and at the age of only seven years she sang for Johnny Mercer, for whom her father worked. In 1942, Mercer started Capitol Records with two partners, and signed her as one of their earliest recording artists.

Songbirds -

Throughout the long dark days of the Great American Songbook blackout, circa 1960-1980, it mostly fell upon Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald (with her Verve songbook series) to keep tradition alive. One of the pioneers of the LP songbook form, albeit in limited form in 1950, was Margaret Whiting with her Rodgers and Hart 10" LP tribute on Capitol. This Whiting Sings Kern songbook (originally a 2-LP collection, now available on one CD) represents one of only four trips that she made to the recording studio throughout the 1960s. Along with Jo Stafford, Doris Day, Rosemary Clooney, and Peggy Lee, Whiting had been one of most important pop singers of the 1940s and 1950s. This slackening off in studio activity was a stunning turn of events for a singer who, for more than two decades, had been a bellwether of good, no frills, straight-ahead pop singing.

BrainyQuote -

"I can't think of any other singer who grew up in a household where you would go into your father's studio and have someone like Arthur Schwartz working there. Imagine growing up and hearing Harold Arlen playing piano and singing his songs."

and this ....

"We teach young kids from 8 to 14 or 15 about their musical heritage through great songs written by American songwriters. We don't do too many modern composers, although we include songs from Billy Joel and other writers like him."
- Margaret Whiting

YouTube -

Stabenow, Levin support 3 Michigan judicial nominees

WOODTV.com & WOOD TV8 - Grand Rapids news and weather - Stabenow, Levin support 3 Michigan judicial nominees:

"Sens. Debbie Stabenow and Carl Levin said Tuesday they support three nominees submitted by President Bush to the U.S. District Court for Michigan's Western District.

The three nominees _ Grand Rapids lawyer Robert Jonker, Berrien County Circuit Judge Paul Maloney and Michigan Court of Appeals Judge Janet Neff _ told the Senate Judiciary Committee that they would respect the principles of judicial restraint if confirmed.

Stabenow, introducing the appointees, said they bring 'distinguished legal careers to the federal bench' and she hoped their nominations would reach the full Senate quickly.

'Senator Levin and I are bringing our full support, enthusiastic support, for the nominees,' Stabenow told Sen. Sam Brownback, R-Kan., who led the hearing."

X-Rite To Sell Grandville, Michigan Site To Target Corp. - Update

Daytrading, Eminis, Forex trading, Swing Trading BREAKING NEWS - 409103:

"Tuesday after the bell, X-Rite (XRIT | charts | news | PowerRating), a provider of color management solutions and products, announced it has reached an agreement to sell its Grandville, Michigan site to Target Corporation since the company plan to relocate its headquarters to Kentwood, Michigan in 2007.

X-Rite plans on moving early in the first quarter 2007, when its new headquarters and manufacturing facility is finished with a renovation project.

Final closing on the sale will be based on completion of the Buyer's inspection and due diligence process as well as the granting of governmental approvals related to the future planned usage of the property."

Michigan says Walgreen violated state pricing act

Michigan says Walgreen violated state pricing act | Bonds News | Reuters.com:

"Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox on Tuesday said he is taking legal action against Walgreen Co. (WAG.N: Quote, Profile, Research), the No. 1 U.S. drugstore chain, for failing to individually price items as required under a state law.

Walgreen, based in Deerfield, Illinois, was not immediately available to comment on the matter.

According to Cox, Walgreen has over 170 stores in Michigan. Investigators from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and the Attorney General's office studied items at 11 of the stores and found that Walgreen did not comply with Michigan's Item Pricing Act, Cox said in a statement.

The attorney general said that the average compliance rate for all stores was 30.9 percent, with one store having a compliance rate of just 10 percent."

River Rant: Gone West

River Rant: Gone West:

"Overheard recently at the Boise Airport Avis car rental counter:

RR: Hi, we'd like to pick up our rental car.

Dippy girl behind counter: Ok, you can have either a Saturn Ion or a mini-van.

RR: Uh, no. We pre-paid for a full-size car through Priceline. Here's the receipt.
"

For a moment I thought this was going the way of Planes, Trains, and Automobiles....

Another great blog with lots of cool pics.

MSU and UM Win Big

Unbeaten Michigan State overpower Pitt, 38-23

The Pitt Panthers must have compared notes after their 38-23 drubbing at the hands of Michigan State yesterday before 47,956 at Heinz Field because they all seemed to have come to the same conclusion.

"We didn't make any plays," said Pitt quarterback Tyler Palko.

"We just didn't make any plays," added linebacker Clint Session.

"We didn't make any plays," said Pitt coach Dave Wannstedt.

Michigan overwhelms Notre Dame

No. 11 Michigan put a big blue bruising on the second-ranked Fighting Irish in a 47-21 rout Saturday -- the most points scored against Notre Dame at home in 46 years.

``They deserve their just due,'' Irish Coach Charlie Weis said. ``I think it's important to understand that team just came and whupped us pretty good.''

Chad Henne threw three touchdown passes to Mario Manningham, and Michigan intercepted three passes by Brady Quinn, forced him to fumble and shut down the rest of the Irish offense.

Michigan ended a two-game losing streak against the Irish and a three-game slide at Notre Dame Stadium. The win likely silenced doubters who questioned Michigan after a 7-5 season and two less-than-impressive wins to open this season.

State will offer ID theft protection to study participants

WOODTV.com & WOOD TV8 - Grand Rapids news and weather - State will offer ID theft protection to study participants:

"The state plans to offer identity theft protection to more than four thousand people after an apparent theft may have put some of their personal information at risk.
Those affected will be able to have their credit monitored for a year at no cost to them.

A flash drive came up missing in early August from a secured floor in a Michigan Department of Community Health building."

Michigan's Musical Connection: Ray Parker Jr

Welcome to yet another addition of Michigan's Musical Connection. If this is your first time visiting, let me give you the ground rules.
Each Saturday I select, at random, a musical artist that has ties to the Water Winter Wonderland otherwise known as Michigan. If the artist was born in Michigan, grew up in Michigan, or currently lives in Michigan - they gain admission to my series.
Pretty simple, eh?

This week I have selected Ray Parker Jr.

I remember first learning of Ray Parker Jr when I worked for a record distributor in Livonia. He was performing with his band, Raydio, and was signed to the Arista record label. I recall the band had several 45's that had strong sales for the company and I remember that they became an "evergreen title" for the local stores. It was many years before I learned that he was from the Detroit area.

Without a doubt, the biggest success for Ray Parker Jr that catapulted him to international fame was his title song from the movie, Ghostbusters.

Here's a clip from Soultracks about Ray Parker Jr -

Ray Parker is best known for an extremely successful career as a solo singing artist and as frontman for the group Raydio, but his most meaningful legacy may be in his lesser known role as one of the greatest session guitarists in Soul Music history.

A true prodigy, Parker was a sought-after guitarist around Detroit while still in high school, and began playing on a number of Holland-Dozier-Holland productions before graduation. His big break came when, at age 18, he was contacted by Stevie Wonder to play guitar on Wonder’s 1972 tour with the Rolling Stones. Over the next half decade he established an enviable career as a choice session musician, playing on albums by artists such as Wonder, the Chairmen of the Board, the Four Tops and Marvin Gaye.

In 1977 Parker was signed by Arista Records for a solo career. Instead, he brought on three contract guest singers (most notably first tenor Jerry Knight – later of “Breakin” fame as part of Ollie and Jerry) to put a group face on his music as the fictional band Raydio. As many in the music business expected, Raydio became an immediate hit. However, rather than creating muscular, electric soul that may have been anticipated based on Parker’s resume, Raydio became known for creating catchy, facile pop music.

Ray recently released a cd called "I'm Free". Here's some bio information available at Ray's web site.

Born May 1, 1954, in Detroit, MI, Parker started out as a teenaged session guitarist playing on sessions recorded for Holland-Dozier-Holland's Hot Wax and Invictus Records whose roster listed Freda Payne, Honey Cone, Chairman of the Board, 100 Proof Aged in Soul, Laura Lee, and 8th Wonder. He'd also play behind the Temptations, Stevie Wonder, the Spinners, Gladys Knight and the Pips, and other Motown acts when they appeared at the Twenty Grand Club. In 1972, Wonder called Parker to ask him to play behind him on a tour that he was doing with the Rolling Stones. Parker thought it was a crank call and hung up the phone. Wonder called back and convinced Parker that he was the real deal by singing "Superstition" to him.

CT Adventures: Sneak Preview

The other day, my friends Conni Underwood and Todd Katke, sent me a preview copy of a new DVD they have put together. The DVD is called, "For The Love Of Hatcher Pass". It is very cool.

I've mentioned Todd Katke before here. Todd and I have been friends since the fourth grade. Since we are both old, that's a long time ago.

Todd is a wildlife photographer and for many years lived in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Well, a couple of years ago Todd (aka Buford T Porcupine ) pulled up stakes and moved to Alaska to be closer to the subjects he loves to photograph. Todd met Conni Underwood shortly after getting settled in Wasilla, Alaska. Conni is also a wildlife photographer whose love of the Alaskan wilderness is abundantly apparent once you see the images she captures.

Through their collaboration, Conni and Todd have formed CT Adventures. This DVD is the first project they have produced. I watched this preview copy the other day and was blown away. There are 139 images on the DVD and they serve as a tribute to the region known as Hatcher Pass, which is just outside Anchorage.

Great stuff! Thanks Conni and Todd for sharing Hatcher Pass with me.

Absolute Michigan News Blog

I love this page. The folks that have put this page together do a fantastic job. What a resource for all that is happening in Michigan and those that are making it happen.
Excellent blog and be sure to check out the other sites in their network.

Absolute Michigan News Blog

Detroit Lions Weblog: Lions Defense Encouraging in Opening Loss

I was able to watch this game on the regional feed here in Indianapolis. Though I was disappointed by the outcome, I was impressed at the defensive effort put forth by the team.

Detroit Lions Weblog:

"The Lions defense was nearly spectacular in the Lion's opening game loss to Seattle. They were agressive, hard-hitting and if they are able to play at this level consistently, will be a winning defense. Unfortunately, with the team's offensive struggles Sunday, the defense was unable to make the crucial stops on the Seahawks final offensive drive to send the game into overtime.

There appears to be no room for moral victories under new head coach Rod Marinelli. He said that the team lost the game and that was not what they had set out to accomplish, so he was disappointed. In my eyes, and likely most Lions fans, this game gives us something to feel good about (No matter how fleeting that feeling may be). This is the type of performance that this team can build upon, that's for sure."

Michiganblog » Blog Archive » Take A Chance On Love…

John at Michiganblog covers a lot of ground in his daily posts. Take moment and check out his page, you'll see what I mean. Great blog.

Michiganblog » Blog Archive » Take A Chance On Love…:

"Recently large demonstrations have taken place across the country protesting the fact that Congress is finally addressing the issue of illegal immigration. Certain people are angry that the U.S. might protect its own borders, might make it harder to sneak into this country and, once here, to stay indefinitely. Let me see if I correctly understand the thinking behind these protests.

Let’s say I break into your house. Let’s say that when you discover me in your house, you insist that I leave. But I say, “I’ve made all the beds and washed the dishes and did the laundry and swept the floors; I’ve done all the things you don’t like to do. I’m hard-working and honest (except for when I broke into your house).

According to the protesters, not only must you let me stay, you must add me to your family’s insurance plan, educate my kids, and provide other benefits to me and to my family (my husband will do your yard work because he, too, is hard-working and honest, except for that breaking and entering part."

lovedetroit: to stay or not to stay…

lovedetroit: to stay or not to stay…:

"lemme start by saying that i love the city of Detroit (hence the name of the blog)… i would totally love to stay in the city for as long as i’m in Michigan… but i honestly can’t say whether that will or will not happen… 2 main reasons:

Affordability – currently, i live in a 1 bedroom loft in Midtown… i love where i live and of all the places i’ve lived in Metro Detroit, it’s been my favorite (over Royal Oak, Farmington Hills and West Bloomfield)… but the next house i move into has to be a 3 bedroom and if i want something like that in Midtown/Downtown it’s gonna be way out of our price range… on top of that, the ‘burbs will have a plethora of options within our price range…"

Remember ...

Shock are WNBA champions again

Shock are WNBA champions again - 09/09/06 - The Detroit News Online:

"The Shock can thank Deanna Nolan’s shooter’s mentality for their WNBA championship victory Saturday afternoon before 19,671 at Joe Louis Arena.

Nolan finished with 24 points in the Shock’s 80-75 victory over defending champion Sacramento in the fifth and deciding game of the WNBA Finals. She was named Finals MVP, averaging 18 points.

Nolan made just 4 of 13 shots in the first half and the Shock trailed 44-36."

Michigan's Musical Connection: Freda Payne

It's Saturday and that means it's time for the latest installment in the series, Michigan's Musical Connection. Looking through my previous entries in this collection I noticed that I had yet to spotlight any female artists. Today we will begin to correct my oversight.

Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to re-introduce Freda Payne.

Wikipedia -

At an early age, Freda Payne grew up listening to different jazz singers such as Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday which helped her develop a taste for music. As a teenager, she attended the Institute of Musical Arts; she soon began singing radio commercial jingles and took part in (and won many of) local TV and radio talent shows. Her polished voice caught the attention of many different people including record producers. Berry Gordy wanted to give her a contract with Motown, and Duke Ellington (after allowing her to sing with his orchestra in Pittsburgh for two nights) also wanted to give her a contract. However, her mother did not permit these and wanted her to finish school first.

In 1963, she moved to New York City and worked with many different singers including Quincy Jones, Pearl Bailey, and Bill Cosby. During that same year, her debut album (of jazz), After the Lights Go Down Low and Much More!!!, was released on the Impulse! label (this album was reissued on CD in Japan in early 2002 and then reissued on CD in the United States in 2005). Three years later, she released her second album of jazz, How Do You Say I Don't Love You Anymore, for MGM. She also made occasional guest appearances on different television shows including The Merv Griffin Show and The Tonight Show (with Johnny Carson).

She even added theatrical credits to her repertoire; she understudied Leslie Uggams for the Broadway show Hallelujah Baby in 1967 and appeared with the Equity Theatre in a production of Lost in the Stars. Although she was doing well at supporting herself in the business, none of these things helped her break into stardom.

It should be noted there is a correction in the Wiki information. It lists Freda Payne as being born on September 19, 1945 when the actual birth year should read 1942.

From Freda's website -

Freda's link with some hometown friends proved to be very fruitful. Brothers Brian & Eddie Holland and Lamont Dozier (Holland-Dozier-Holland) were responsible for putting Motown music firmly on the map by writing and producing million sellers for acts that included the Four Tops, Martha & the Vandellas and the Supremes - whose last lead singer is Freda's sister Scherrie - also blessed with an incredible vocal talent.

Holland-Dozier-Holland's newly formed Invictus Records provided Freda with 2 million selling singles - Bring The Boys Home and Band Of Gold plus Deeper and Deeper, Cherish (What's Dear To You) and You Brought The Joy. Freda then moved to ABC and later Capitol Records, releasing the albums Payne & Pleasure, Out Of Payne Comes Love, Stares & Whispers, Supernatural High and Red Hot. 1993 saw the release of her critically acclaimed album An Evening With Freda Payne that perfectly showcases her incredible talents and incomparable jazz styling.

Most recently, Freda Payne is performing her tribute to Ella Fitzgerald and appears in the Sci-Fi movie, Saurian, which is due for broadcast on the Sci-Fi channel later this year.

Here's a clip via YouTube of Freda Payne performing on the Mike Douglas show in 1975.

Letter to Senator Stabenow

Wizbang Bomb Squad:

"When we're in school, we're told to send a letter to our Senator or Representative if we have some opinion about the government. We all know that the most likely response is a form letter, sent out by a staffer, and that's about all (although I did get a nice personal note once when I was about ten; thanks, Dennis Hertel!).

Well, tonight I felt compelled to send one to my junior Senator, Debbie Stabenow. "

2,996

Before I get accused of "google bombing", I have been posting this link on many of my other pages. Why? Simply, I think this is a worthy event to support. I am moved by this undertaking and believe the victims of 9/11 have not been given an appropriate tribute.
The media tends to focus more upon the murderers and, in many ways, portrays them as the victims.
Let us not forget - ever.
The lives of these innocent people and all the people that were touched by the actions of the cowards must never been forgotten.
Will this tribute stop the terrorists? Of course not. But it will serve as a grim reminder of the essential and critical nature of the battle we now find ourselves.

2,996:

"2,996 is a tribute to the victims of 9/11.

On September 11, 2006, 2,996 volunteer bloggers
will join together for a tribute to the victims of 9/11.
Each person will pay tribute to a single victim.

We will honor them by remembering their lives,
and not by remembering their murderers."

MLM - Network Marketing Blog : Michigan Gov. Candidate Dick Devos, "Steering the Ship" (Amway) When Alleged Antitrust and Racketeering Took Place

MLM - Network Marketing Blog : Michigan Gov. Candidate Dick Devos, "Steering the Ship" (Amway) When Alleged Antitrust and Racketeering Took Place:

"New details were filed today in the lawsuit that involves the Amway - Alticor - Quixtar company, where Michigan Governor Candidate, Dick Devos was president from 1993 to 2000.

Here is are the counts in the lawsuit:

Count I: Antitrust Violation - Group Boycott:
Count II: Antitrust Violation - Allocation of Customers
Count III: Antitrust Violation - Price Fixing
Count IV: Antitrust Violation - Conspiracy to Monopolize
Count V: Tortious Interference
Count VI: Injurious Falsehood
Count VII: Civil Conspiracy
Count VII: Violation of Title 18, U.S.C. 1962 (having to do with racketeering)"

Bill Ford steps down as CEO; Boeing exec picked as successor - 09/05/06 - The Detroit News Online

Bill Ford steps down as CEO; Boeing exec picked as successor - 09/05/06 - The Detroit News Online:

"Bill Ford Jr. stepped down as chief executive of Ford Motor Co. today and was replaced by Boeing Co. executive Alan Mulally, the automaker announced.

Mulally, 61, vice president of Boeing and president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, will head the troubled automaker's recovery as its new president and CEO. Bill Ford Jr. will maintain his position as executive chairman of the company.

Ford notified employees of the changes in a company-wide e-mail and will hold a press conference this afternoon at 5 p.m. in Dearborn."

Michigan's Musical Connection: Feature Enhancement

This weekend, I was trying to think about how I could make the series, Michigan's Musical Connection, an improved experience for the faithful readers. At first I thought, "improved.....? it's great already!". Then it hit me - V...I...D...E...O.

So I did a little digging and was able to locate some related video clips for some of the featured artist thus far and updated the original posts with the links. Now, when possible, Michigan's Musical Connection will feature video making the weekly series a multimedia extravaganza. All this and we reduced the price by up to 50% and more!

You can view the updated video by (1) click on the links in the sidebar where I have conveniently noted the updates - or - (b) click on the links below.

Joseph Bruce (Violent J)
Ron Carter
Marshall Crenshaw
Don Fagenson (Don Was w/ Was Not Was)
Michael "Cub" Koda (w/ Brownsville Station)

Enjoy the show!


Visit My Michigan Connection storefront.

Michigan's Musical Connection: Michael "Cub" Koda

Welcome to the Labor Day edition of Michigan's Musical Connection. This installment spotlights a guitarist who may be categorized as one the most famous "unknown" musicians of the 70's and 80's.

His name is Michael "Cub" Koda.

I had the chance to meet Cub Koda when I worked in the music business in Detroit. I worked for an independent music distributor, Ami Distributors, and we often handled logistics and promotion for small indie labels. When Cub Koda released his album, Cub Koda and The Points on the Baron record label, we sold it to local area record stores.

My meeting with Koda was a brief encounter and occurred on a day when he came to the warehouse to autograph promotional copies of his album for radio station promotions. He was in the office when I was asked to bring cartons of the LP from the warehouse. I was introduced to him by the owner of the company, we shook hands, and he thanked me for helping to sell him album.

I still have a promo copy of his album in my vinyl collection.

Here's some bio information about Cub Koda.



Allmusic -

Best known as the leader of Brownsville Station and composer of their hit, "Smokin' in the Boys Room," Cub Koda proved that his roots went far deeper, both before the band's formation, during its days in the sun, and long after its demise. His high-school band, the Del-Tinos, was dipping into blues and rockabilly as far back as 1963 -- not only pre-Butterfield, but pre-Beatles. Similarly, he recorded legendary home tapes during his off-hours from Brownsville, before the rockabilly revival had uttered its first hiccup, and later teamed with Hound Dog Taylor's former rhythm section, the Houserockers, to play the blues in the '80s. Along the way he cranked out a monthly column ("The Vinyl Junkie") and recorded a series of albums that kept roots music of all kinds alive without ever treating it like a museum piece. (more about Cub Koda here...)

On Tune Up, there is an interview with Cub Koda-

Cub Koda's career has covered the entire span of American roots music. Throughout Cub's recording career you can hear hints of blues, rock & roll,
rock-a-billy, jazz, folk, and another category that I'll just call Cub music. This all done with the clockwork precision of the seasoned pro that he is,
tossed in with Cub's sense of fun and adventure.

For those unaware of Mr. Koda's past accomplishments, please allow me to fill you in on some of the highlights. Cub was the lead guitarist, singer, & main songwriter of the legendary rock band Brownsville Station. They were were and are one of the most important bands to ever come out of Michigan. They were together from 1969 to 1979, and during that time they scored several international and national hits which include "Smokin' In The Boys Room", "Martian Boogie", "Lady Put The Light On Me"," Kings Of The Party", and "Let Your Yeah Be Yeah". "Smokin In The Boys Room" (which was penned by
Cub and Michael Lutz the bassist for Brownsville Station) went on to sell 2 1/2 million copies and was also a big hit for Motley Crue in the mid-eighties.

Lastly, Wikipedia has this info about Cub Koda -

Michael "Cub" Koda (born October 1, 1948, died July 1, 2000) was an American singer, songwriter, musician and music critic.

A native of Manchester, Michigan, Koda founded seminal 1970s rock band Brownsville Station and wrote many hit songs, including "Smokin' in the Boys' Room." While continuing to record and tour all his life, he also had a long career as a music writer. He co-wrote and edited the All Music Guide to the Blues (ISBN 0-87930-736-6) and Blues for Dummies (ISBN 0-7645-5080-2) and put together the CD of blues classics accompanying the latter title, personally selecting the exact version of each song that appeared on it. A complete discography and bibliography is available on the Official Cub Koda Homepage

Update: Bonus coverage on Cub Koda
Here's a little tidbit that you may enjoy via You Tube.