Michigan Music History Podcast -- MMHP989

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!

Chances are you've heard this low-end thumper in your bass woofers, or have seen him perform around Michigan (as well as the world). He's performed with various national acts, including Bettye LaVette, Sturgill Simpson, Brett Lucas, Mitch Ryder, and more. He's a 'first-call' from the bass master. himself, Michigan's Don Was for multiple studio projects. Chuck Bartels lives, eats, breathes, and is raising a happy family out of Detroit and happy to offer his services for a variety of musical styles, as he often as he can. Chuck jumped into performing in the early '90s and has rounded the 'bases' with jazz, jam, Americana, blues, tribute showcases, R&B, soul, rock, and so much more. His ability to be as down-to-earth has garnished him quite a 'word-of-mouth' career. The MMHP was so grateful to line up this world-class bassist for a career retrospective in Bay City in early 2025. In part 2 of 2, Chuck offers background on the recordings he has helped make that should have taken off, his nature balance on home life and touring, his dream gig, and some bands from the past that fans should seek out. This epic hang is perfect for you all, looking to absorb some of the best current and national music that this man has touched. Thank you all for tuning into part one and ENJOY!

Chances are you've heard this low-end thumper in your bass woofers, or have seen him perform around Michigan (as well as the world). He's performed with various national acts, including Bettye LaVette, Sturgill Simpson, Brett Lucas, Mitch Ryder, and more. He's a 'first-call' from the bass master. himself, Michigan's Don Was for multiple studio projects. Chuck Bartels lives, eats, breathes, and is raising a happy family out of Detroit and happy to offer his services for a variety of musical styles, as he often as he can. Chuck jumped into performing in the early '90s and has rounded the 'bases' with jazz, jam, Americana, blues, tribute showcases, R&B, soul, rock, and so much more. His ability to be as down-to-earth has garnished him quite a 'word-of-mouth' career. The MMHP was so grateful to line up this world-class bassist for a career retrospective in Bay City in early 2025. In part 1 of 2, Chuck takes us on a journey from his very beginnings, to life on the road with television cameras in his face, Grammy nominations, and the humble outlook of what living in Detroit and playing music for life has afforded him. Tune in and enjoy the easy conversation!

A Grammy Award winning world renown man of harmonicas--acoustics, intellect, incredible sound telepathy, time signatures, and known to play many styles, Peter 'Madcat' Ruth joins the MMHP for a two-part series that discusses his career, his styles, his sounds, and we touch base on many of his guest sessions. He even performs for us! Here in Part 2, Madcat offers historical retrospective on bands, performances, his endorsements, and showcases that both worked and didn't work so well. He performs and gives back story to his many bands such as the Carma Quartet and Triple Play, and Madcat's Pressure Cooker. He talks about his "Anyone Can Play Harmonica" book/DVD series which was produced with the late Happy Traum, a not so great session and gig with Rory Block, and the ins-and-outs out of being a longtime disciplined performer from Ann Arbor. Sir Fred recalled a meeting with Madcat and blues legend Lazy Lester, much to Madcat's surprise. Tune into Part 2 and finish what 'ya started, NOW!

A Grammy Award winning world renown man of harmonicas--acoustics, intellect, incredible sound telepathy, time signatures, and known to play many styles, Peter 'Madcat' Ruth joins the MMHP for a two-part series that discusses his career, his styles, his sounds, and we touch base on many of his guest sessions. He even performs for us! In Part 1, Madcat gives us the Brubeck family background he was touring with from the '60s into the '70s, and brings us around to sessions with Blackfoot and George Clinton. There are many stops along this historic podcast way. Tune into part 1 of 2 NOW!

And in part two, finally for our second round with the guitar master, the MMHP989 are offered news on his current top of the charts smooth jazz single, 'Sunset Beach' as well as a deep peek into the making of the new Question Mark & The Mysterians documentary, 'Everything Comes To Me which is due out in 2026, along with the first issuing of the long lost 'third' Question Mark & The Mysterians album. Bobby is currently on the charts again with 'Sunset Beach' after hitting number one with the track 'Any Moment' in 2022 and of course '96 Tears in 1966. Bobby has been promoting the single with shows with the Mysterians, Question Mark & The Mysterians (two reunions this year alone), solo events and a duo along with MMHP's own Scott Baker. Baker also is a co-producer on the new documentary along with former MMHP guest and LA resident Daniel Ralston (Fake Zombies podcast!). Here is a good place to get the true backstory on the band and what to expect from Balderrama going into 2026. Bobby also plays some guitar for us! Hit PLAY NOW!

For our second round with the guitar master, the MMHP in the 989 are offered news on his current top of the charts smooth jazz single, 'Sunset Beach' as well as a deep peek into the making of the new Question Mark & The Mysterians documentary, 'Everything Comes To Me which is due out in 2026, along with the first issuing of the long lost 'third' Question Mark & The Mysterians album. Bobby is currently on the charts again with 'Sunset Beach' after hitting number one with the track 'Any Moment' in 2022 and of course '96 Tears in 1966. Bobby has been promoting the single with shows with the Mysterians, Question Mark & The Mysterians (two reunions this year alone), solo events and a duo along with MMHP's own Scott Baker. Baker also is a co-producer on the new documentary along with former MMHP guest and LA resident Daniel Ralston (Fake Zombies podcast!). Here is a good place to get the true backstory on the band and what to expect from Balderrama going into 2026. Jump in and turn up the knob NOW!

The MMHP989 sat down with Mike Richards in the summer of 2024, with lead singer and guitarist of ADABOY!, a group that has spanned the past decade with growth and adjustment moving around players and parts, as well as songs and styles, to create one of Mid-Michigan's burgeoning bands that have recorded albums from Bay City to Nashville. Richards has spoken about releasing singles, pulling down past albums in focus of their new management and progression in the industry, and staying true to not one style, but positivity in his music. Following his heart. In episode one, Richards gave us his past to present, with a new drummer on the horizon, wanting to issue singles as the months go by. Here in episode 2 recorded just weeks ago in 2025, Richards gives us a real-time update with the inclusion of his new single for the Detroit Lions, 'Uncaged' as well as where the band has gone professionally and with their goals over the course of the past year. This episode is a great two part series for people wondering how true bands stick to their guns and how much time is actually put into fulfilling their musical goals. Red39 Records is also in the picture now, as ADABOY! has upped their ante on a national level. Tune into Episode 2 of 2 and get in the mix with a true forward moving band....

HOLD THE PRESSES: While you await part two with Mike Richards from ADABOY! (dropping Thursday, Oct. 2)--Here is the lowdown for the 2025 Hells Half Mile Independent Film and Music Fest. We annually feature this episode to promote the bands that come to Bay City's acclaimed festival each year for our listeners that happen to be heading to Bay City to hear the independent acts and catch some films. This year's music includes La Rosa Noir, Hot Joy, The Courts, Yam Haus, and Bandeau. Links to sample all of this can be found from HHM on Spotify at: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/33lWqjyivxLsf9s37NI7i7?si=1fc6a955f559421d Special Thanks to all at Hells Half Mile, including Don Hessell and Spencer Biery...tune in NOW

The MMHP in the 989 sat down with Mike Richards in the summer of 2024, with lead singer and guitarist of ADABOY!, a group that has spanned the past decade with growth and adjustment moving around players and parts, as well as songs and styles, to create one of Mid-Michigan's burgeoning bands that have recorded albums from Bay City to Nashville. Richards has spoken about releasing singles, pulling down past albums in focus of their new management and progression in the industry, and staying true to not one style, but positivity in his music. Following his heart. In episode one, Richards gave us his past to present, with a new drummer on the horizon, wanting to issue singles as the months go by. We will update his story in part 2 in two weeks--showing the true projection and reflection of a band in action, growth, and its relationships with its fans. Richards spills the info on his life, mental illness, and his desire to be an assistant to society's growth, rather than be a negative flash-in-the-pan. Tune into Episode 1 of 2, NOW....

Malcom Cottle brings video to life. malcomcottlemedia.com is a bevy of projects, videos, and music that he has curated while enjoying time as a drummer in Freemont Pike, front man in Sons Of Horace, and curating the Sloan Museum of Discovery in Flint. Born in Ontario, Cottle has balanced dual citizenship with a passion for all things music, audio, video, production and hits his mark at all things-creative. Cottle was one of the producers of Great Affection--a video curated by MMHP's own Gary Johnson for the Bay County Historical Museum, which showcases all of Madonna's area's of Bay City, offering a glimpse into her time here. Cottle doesn't miss a beat with his work, videography, and his skillful blend of media. Tune into Malcom Cottle and get behind his art at artofmusicproject.org and his website mentioned above. GO!

The original Count--Butch Burden is still thumping the bass and singing the songs. Count & The Colony were the up-and-coming band in the mid-60s, hitting the road with Question Mark & The Mysterians, as well flagging shared management with Lilly Gonzales, touring in the Count's teen years. The road was no stumbling block, providing city-to-city exposure, parties, and dedication to craft which remains to this day. Then the money dried up. A Tangerine Records contract with the Ray Charles Estate included four originals that have never been released. Burden took his rich vocals, showmanship, and musical drive back home to Mid-Michigan where he continues to reside, 60 years later. His shows are documented in this two-part series through time, story, and epic detail. The bands that he jammed with, the music he created, and the longing to continue to be in a cover oriented group, Count & The Change, giving him a lifetime as a musician. Here in Part 2 of 2, Butch dives into the hotel residencies with Amphagas that put the spotlight on the band with the likes of Elvis, Led Zeppelin, Little River Band, George Benson, Liza Minelli, and moments with Robert Plant and Patti LaBelle that made up fantastic memories. We would like to thank Butch's wife Cindie for assisting in bringing archives and reminding Butch of memories along the way. Part 2 of 2 is ready to serve now in the MMHP in the 989!

WELCOME TO THE MMHP in the 989--SEASON 6!! We kick if off with the original Count--Butch Burden is still thumping the bass and singing the songs. Count & The Colony were the up-and-coming band in the mid-60s, hitting the road with Question Mark & The Mysterians, as well flagging shared management with Lilly Gonzales, touring in the Count's teen years. The road was no stumbling block, providing city-to-city exposure, parties, and dedication to craft which remains to this day. Then the money dried up. A Tangerine Records contract with the Ray Charles Estate included four originals that have never been released. Burden took his rich vocals, showmanship, and musical drive back home to Mid-Michigan where he continues to reside, 60 years later. His shows are documented in this two-part series through time, story, and epic detail. The bands that he jammed with, the music he created, and the longing to continue to be in a cover oriented group, Count & The Change, giving him a lifetime as a musician. You won't believe the stories through the eyes of the Count. He is finally sharing the memories. Tune in and TURN IT UP!

Swivel is still behind the keyboards--organ, synth, piano, and computers. For over 50 years, Swiv has accomplished touring the state in bands ranging from Smackwater, Jericho, Shepherd & The Flock, Amphagas, Moxie, Soul Express, Jitters, Count & The Change/Count & The Colony and beyond....PLUS, producing albums for Jay Whitney, Big Foot Bob, and Steve Drzewicki to name a few. His ability goes back to performing with his Brother Dave and hitting the road to every nook and cranny across the state of Michigan. There were time when they performed seven days a week through the '70s and '80s. Swiv brings humor, truth, details, and scrapes his memories for fantastic back color on his success in the music scene state wide.

Scott Morgan--household name to those in the know of Michigan legendary rock and roll. The Rationals, Sonic's Rendezvous Band, solo career, all points in between...It's difficult to envision Michigan rock without his legendary input! Scott takes us behind the scenes from his apartment and into the studio and on the stage with all aspects of his career and all the happenings behind it. Political, forward thinking, guitar and pen, with a golden voice, Scott gives the MMHP989 the keys to the kingdom. From his relationship with Fred 'Sonic' Smith to his partnership with The Hellacoptors, Scott is the linchpin to so many eras of Michigan Rock, he has been a part of some epic incarnation from the '60s to now. Here in Episode 2, Scott takes us behind the scenes with Seger, Stooges, MC5, Dodge Main, Hellacoptors, Rob Tyner and 'Bloodbrothers,' Seger and MC5 on 'Skunk', Jeep Holland, Dick Wagner, publishing deals and modern ways to make extra income, Slim Harpo, Third Man Records, and how Bo Schembechler was inspiring in A2 with UofM football for a box set title. And MORE....go now! Crank it...

Scott Morgan--household name to those in the know of Michigan legendary rock and roll. The Rationals, Sonic's Rendezvous Band, solo career, all points in between...It's difficult to envision Michigan rock without his legendary input! Scott takes us behind the scenes from his apartment and into the studio and on the stage with all aspects of his career and all the happenings behind it. Political, forward thinking, guitar and pen, with a golden voice, Scott gives the MMHP989 the keys to the kingdom. From his relationship with Fred 'Sonic' Smith to his partnership with The Hellacoptors, Scott is the linchpin to so many eras of Michigan Rock, he has been a part of some epic incarnation from the '60s to now. Don't waste any more time, just tune in and TURN IT UP! Part 1, now on the MMHP...

Mid-Michigan's Boss Hog of the blues, your #1 Blues Man, Larry McCray returns to the music bins and online lists with his second helping from the Josh Smith/Joe Bonamassa production stall on June 13, with Heartbreak City. The KTBA Records follow up to 2022's Blues Without You brings McCray back to his roots and offers more than a glimpse of vocal power, delivery, and searing solos that have been his trademark for his illustrious career, nearing 50 years, 35 on the professional circuit as a household name. Larry stopped by the MMHP989 Studio inside of the Michigan Rock Legends Hall of Fame in Downtown Bay City to give the early word in February on his recording trip to Los Angeles with the team last fall. At the time of this interview, 12 songs were recorded. 10 made the final cut and one of the two cut are a bonus digital download for the streaming services. Bye Bye Blues is already hitting the airwaves and McCray is in the midst of working up tour plans, based around his health and the annual Fall tour with Devon Allman/Allman Betts team that he has been on for three years. McCray takes the team behind the scenes for the writing of Heartbreak City with Peggy Smith, Charlie Walmsley, Josh Smith, as well as MMHP's own Scott Baker, the forward momentum he has been rolling with after getting a blues resurgence over the past few years, and of course tips his cap with great stories about meeting and playing with blues legends such as BB King, Albert King, Johnny Winter, Joe Bonamassa, and the Allman Brothers Family, amongst others. Get your blues on Michigan Music Fans, Brother Larry is back to sing you the blues and bring it on home!