What is the music of Michigan? (Detroit: house, school, friends)

[tuebor]

Some regions like Appalachia have their own distinctive musical traditions. It seems to me that a place as unique as Michigan ought to have a music it can call its own. Does it?

Of course Detroit has Motown and techno, but those genres are specific to Detroit and that kind of urban beat doesn't express other Michigan experiences, e.g., what it's like to hang out around a campfire with your friends by a lake in the woods, or kids going sledding in the winter.

There seems to be an active roots music scene in Michigan, with people like Steppin In It, Greensky Bluegrass, Rachael Davis, Seth Bernard & Daisy May, etc. I haven't made up my mind whether these folks have succeeded in creating something that expresses what I'm getting at, but I think they may be groping toward it. I think Steppin In it comes closest.

On the other hand, some Michigan musicians seem to be afraid to be themselves. I once attended a show by a Michigan bluegrass act (not one of the above named). The lead singer warned the audience that they were not going to limit themselves to strictly traditional bluegrass music. They then proceeded to play the most conventional bluegrass imaginable, albeit with impressive virtuosity. The singer even sang with a southern accent--and these guys were Yoopers!

Any thoughts on this? Any artists or particular songs that effectively express something of Michigan? Is there a "sound of Michigan"?

[Great Lakes Pirate]

The Music of Michigan = Rock -n- Roll.

Michigan was a melting pot of newly-arrived immigrants and southeners flocking to the capital of American industrialization. The music these people brought formed Rock n Roll. You could say it started with John Lee Hooker and progressed through Grand Funk RR, Iggy & The Stooges, MC5, right up to the White Stripes.

A short list of Michigan rockers: Del Shannon, Bill Haley, the Amboy Nukes/Ted Nugent, Alice Coooper, ? and the Mysterians, the Romantics, Wilson Pickett, Bob Seger & The Silver Bullett Band, Kid Rock... etc

[jeffncandace]

Originally Posted by tuebor

Some regions like Appalachia have their own distinctive musical traditions. It seems to me that a place as unique as Michigan ought to have a music it can call its own. Does it?

Of course Detroit has Motown and techno, but those genres are specific to Detroit and that kind of urban beat doesn't express other Michigan experiences, e.g., what it's like to hang out around a campfire with your friends by a lake in the woods, or kids going sledding in the winter.

There seems to be an active roots music scene in Michigan, with people like Steppin In It, Greensky Bluegrass, Rachael Davis, Seth Bernard & Daisy May, etc. I haven't made up my mind whether these folks have succeeded in creating something that expresses what I'm getting at, but I think they may be groping toward it. I think Steppin In it comes closest.

On the other hand, some Michigan musicians seem to be afraid to be themselves. I once attended a show by a Michigan bluegrass act (not one of the above named). The lead singer warned the audience that they were not going to limit themselves to strictly traditional bluegrass music. They then proceeded to play the most conventional bluegrass imaginable, albeit with impressive virtuosity. The singer even sang with a southern accent--and these guys were Yoopers!

Any thoughts on this? Any artists or particular songs that effectively express something of Michigan? Is there a "sound of Michigan"?

I see what you're going for, and Michigan may indeed have it's own expressions of the music you are talking about...but this is not original to Michigan. Our original music does indeed come from Detroit...rock n roll, electronica, Motown...

[Angel Bear]

Bill Haley and the Comets hail from Michigan too

Also, Detroit is the birthplace of house music I thought...not that I know the difference between techno, electronica, and house LOL.

We're ecclectic here...I myself enjoy the local bands here...My fave is Twistin' Tarantulas...they rock!

[M TYPE X]

Hello? It's "Hail to the Victors!"

HAIL TO THE VICTORS VALIANT
HAIL! TO THE CONQ'RING HEROES
HAIL!!!!! HAIL!!! TO MICHIGAN
Buckeye butt kicking kings of the West
The Leaders and the Best!

[Angel Bear]

M TYPe X,

I like your music Went to school there

[M TYPE X]

It's not really music ... but my parents bought me a singing keychain anyway. I play it every few weeks.

[jrmontag]

Originally Posted by jeffncandace

I see what you're going for, and Michigan may indeed have it's own expressions of the music you are talking about...but this is not original to Michigan. Our original music does indeed come from Detroit...rock n roll, electronica, Motown...

What they said.

[Jake1256]

motown sound

[athletesfoot]

Originally Posted by M TYPE X

Hello? It's "Hail to the Victors!"

HAIL TO THE VICTORS VALIANT
HAIL! TO THE CONQ'RING HEROES
HAIL!!!!! HAIL!!! TO MICHIGAN
Buckeye butt kicking kings of the West
The Leaders and the Best!

Yes, the famous Michigan Marching Band is certainly music of our beautiful state And I agree with the rest of the posters, motown and all the locals done good are our sound, I would think even up in other parts of the state.

As an off-topic side note, we were very excited to have Chris Webber (out in Vegas for his Bada Bling fundraiser) come to speak to the 3rd graders at my school, complete with free books and goodies for everyone. I went to school while the Fab 5 were there and was caught up in all the hype, so it was exciting for me to have him come out. He was great with the kids, they loved it!