Michigan Music History Podcast -- MMHP989 Podcast By Scott Baker Gary Johnson Fred Reif Mike Beattie 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:18--Benny Speer-Driving Benny & The Jets Into Michigan Rock History Part 1 of 2
    Mar 19 2026

    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

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    48 mins
  • MMHP Season 6 Ep:17--Ross Helco--The Beat Behind The Sunday Funnies Part 2 of 2
    Mar 5 2026

    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...

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    45 mins
  • MMHP Season 6 Ep:16--Ross Helco--The Beat Behind The Sunday Funnies Part 1 of 2
    Feb 19 2026

    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!

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    48 mins
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