Michael Stanley

Northeast Ohio native Michael Stanley has been a regional phenomenon for nearly three decades. Stanley began life playing  bass with the folk-rock group Silk in the late '60s. In the early 70''s he released two solo albums,  his talent catching the attention of producer Bill Szymczyk. He went on to form musical relationships with Joe Walsh and David Sanborn, among others.

He formed the Michael Stanley Band (MSB) in 1975 and recorded a string of albums through the late '70s and early '80s that enjoyed success nationally and were major hits in Ohio including the songs "Let's Get The Show On The Road" and "Rosewood Bitters." The Michael Stanley Band still holds attendance records at major concert venues. Michael's album releases include 1980's Heartland which included the songs "Lover" (with Clarence Clemmons on sax) and "He Can't Love You."  Michael had a top 40 hit with his anthem "My Town" in 1983. After recording for Epic, Arista, and EMI, MSB independently released two albums on their own.

He still regularly releases albums — both solo and with The Ghost Poets — and performs annual summer and New Year's Eve shows along with occasional acoustic dates; these concerts and albums both feature MSB alumni and other Cleveland musicians. Razor & Tie has reissued most of MSB's catalog and two excellent best-of collections on compact disc.  

When I asked artists to participate in this project, Michael was first to say yes and his version of John's "Smilin' Junkie Rag" was the first finished track to be turned in. This track, produced by Stanley, comes to life with his trademark vocal treatment and funky instrumental backing.

http://www.michaelstanley.com/
 

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