By david, glasgow, scotland (213.122.232.232 - 213.122.232.232) on Tuesday, January 22, 2002 - 11:26 am:

mike apparently owned the mi-val label.

if he did, he may be interested to know that one of that label's 45's is up for auction on e-bay.

the record is joey delorenzo - 'wake up to the sunshine girl'.

minimum bid expected $1,500.

By Ralph Terrana (209.240.222.130 - 209.240.222.130) on Tuesday, January 22, 2002 - 02:22 pm:

David,
I hope Mike reads this. He told me he would be posting here. Don't know what happened to him. He did tell me something about being temporarily without a computer but having access to one.Maybe he will eventually show up.

By John Lester (213.122.202.131 - 213.122.202.131) on Tuesday, January 22, 2002 - 03:20 pm:

If Mike can find any of those Joey Delronzo 45's in his cupboard, he can sell them and buy a whole warehouse of computers and then he will have no excuse to NOT come and talk to us.

And you tell him Ralph that he owes you for putting him on a pedestal!!


(Ralph - ignore me, it's my London sense of humour!!!)

By Ralph Terrana (209.240.222.130 - 209.240.222.130) on Tuesday, January 22, 2002 - 04:13 pm:

John,
You're a hard guy to ignore and you need not make excuses for your London sense of humor. Actually, I couldn't agree with you more. I suppose it wouldn't hurt for me to call Mike again to see what's going on. I'm sure he would be interested in hearing about the value of his records.

By John Lester (213.1.133.104 - 213.1.133.104) on Tuesday, January 22, 2002 - 06:54 pm:

If I was Mike...and those records were worth THAT much, I would SURE like to know!!!

Go on Ralph, give him a call.....!!!

(hey guys....I hope you don't think I am giving Ralph TOO hard a time!!)

By Ralph Terrana (209.240.222.130 - 209.240.222.130) on Tuesday, January 22, 2002 - 06:59 pm:

You do keep me on my toes John.

By Carl Dixon London (195.153.219.170 - 195.153.219.170) on Wednesday, January 23, 2002 - 12:02 am:

These records make us 'swing' and be happy. Knowing the trivia like this is wonderful. The significence is deep rooted, why I do not know. I feel priviliged to have found this forum and learn so much about the music I enjoy, from others who have been in the business or collectors and fans like myself. The studios, musicians and who did what, where and why, will be a constant 'Fascination' (they were from Detroit too!)forever. Even what the weather was like, say, on a particular session could be important, especially if it was 6ft deep in snow and the tri-angle player was delayed getting to the studio!! I still buy 60's soul and always will. Without it, we could have been manacled to Freddie and the Dreamers forever! Keep the stories coming, they are so important.

Thanks

Carl Dixon

By Ralph (209.240.222.130 - 209.240.222.130) on Wednesday, April 10, 2002 - 06:48 pm:

To the form,
Harry Balk just called me with terrible news. Mike Valvano died today. Apparently he had a heart attack.I am devastated. Mike was my partner and my friend. I just talked with him a week ago.I don't know what else to say. Mike...you were the best and I will miss you always.

By Carl Dixon London (195.153.219.170 - 195.153.219.170) on Wednesday, April 10, 2002 - 07:02 pm:

Ralph

that is terrible, terrible news. Thank you for letting us know. Our thoughts are with you and his family.

By Ritchie (62.254.0.6 - 62.254.0.6) on Wednesday, April 10, 2002 - 07:06 pm:

Ralph

That really is terrible news. Our sympathies go out to his family, and of course to you too. We didn't know him personally, but share your feeling of loss. We're thinking about you. That's all I can say.

By david, glasgow, scotland (62.252.128.5 - 62.252.128.5) on Wednesday, April 10, 2002 - 07:06 pm:

this is so tragic. yet another reminder that time is not on the side of the story of sixties detroit.

mike's name graces many classic 45's.

i don't have the detail in front of me right now but i'm sure he co-wrote jimmy mack's 'my world is on fire' which was released on palmer records.

simply, that is the epitome of northern soul and what it stands for.

happy go lucky music, happy go lucky times.

can someone post a picture of mike please or tell me where i can find one.

mike valvano R.I.P.

By John Lester (213.1.137.121 - 213.1.137.121) on Wednesday, April 10, 2002 - 07:11 pm:

Ralph

How awful.......how incredibly awful

All thoughts to loved ones at this time.

By Ralph (209.240.222.130 - 209.240.222.130) on Wednesday, April 10, 2002 - 07:17 pm:

Thank you for your kind words. I've been sitting here thinking about Mike. I wish you all could have known him. He was such a sweet, kind hearted guy that truly loved music. Also, as Harry pointed out he was the kind of guy that truly enjoyed helping people. Everyone that met Mike liked him and could see his talent. He used to call my daughter " Little Darlin' " and was always buying her little gifts. She adored him. Boy I'm going to miss talking to him.

By Eli (170.115.179.117 - 170.115.179.117) on Wednesday, April 10, 2002 - 07:39 pm:

Hi Guys and gals!
I too am sory to hear about Mike> I was just reading something on him yesterday.
I have never met him, but I feel that I have known him thru the forum.
R.I.P. MIKE. MAY GOD BE WITH YOU!!

Eli

By john lester (213.1.137.121 - 213.1.137.121) on Wednesday, April 10, 2002 - 07:45 pm:

Ralph

I really wish I could say something to ease the pain for you but I know there are no words to help you.

Last week, I lost my American penpal of 25 years....and it really did hurt me bad. I am still hurting but I do find it helps knowing that my friend is NOT in pain, has NO worries and in due course, I will get to see him again. That last thought comforts me a great deal.

By Ralph (209.240.222.130 - 209.240.222.130) on Wednesday, April 10, 2002 - 08:15 pm:

John,
I do believe there is something after this life, so I'm sure Mike and I will hook-up again. Hey! A hundred years from now we'll all have a big party.

By Carl Dixon London (62.31.40.155 - 62.31.40.155) on Wednesday, April 10, 2002 - 09:01 pm:

Ralph - do we need tickets?? Cause I would like to be there please!

By Ralph (209.240.222.130 - 209.240.222.130) on Wednesday, April 10, 2002 - 09:06 pm:

You'll be there Carl.It will be an open party. Can you imagine that one? The Funks....Marvin and Tammy....Jackie...and all the others.

By Ritchie (62.254.0.6 - 62.254.0.6) on Wednesday, April 10, 2002 - 09:09 pm:

Remember what Curtis Mayfield wrote...?

"People get ready, there's a train a-comin'
Don't need no tickets, you just get on board."

By recordboyusa (208.61.5.193 - 208.61.5.193) on Wednesday, April 10, 2002 - 09:43 pm:

I never met Mike, but I know his music well.

It always hurts to lose another one.

Rest in peace, Mi-Val.

Jeff Lemlich

By Ian W (213.122.76.209 - 213.122.76.209) on Wednesday, April 10, 2002 - 09:45 pm:

In Mike's own words (for Act IV), he was 'A Better Man Than I'. So sad!

By david, glasgow, scotland (62.252.128.5 - 62.252.128.5) on Wednesday, April 10, 2002 - 10:20 pm:

i listened to one of his mi-val releases tonight on soulcast radio and it is absolutely fantastic.

joey delorenzo as mentioned at the top of this thread.

apparently released in 1973 it's a must listen.

By david, glasgow, scotland (62.252.128.5 - 62.252.128.5) on Wednesday, April 10, 2002 - 10:21 pm:

surely mike's image is available somewhere?

can anyone help?

By DeAnne (24.234.119.126 - 24.234.119.126) on Wednesday, April 10, 2002 - 10:30 pm:

I didn't know Mike..but my thoughts are with you, Ralph. We blink, and it's over. Enjoy every minute.

By MAAinc (152.163.201.59 - 152.163.201.59) on Wednesday, April 10, 2002 - 11:22 pm:

The Motown Alumni Association is deeply grieved over the death of Mike Valvano. Recently the MAA was going to have a reunion dinner of a few of the Motown lesser known artists, and the Hornets were one of the groups we were going to invite and honor. The group consisted of Johnny Powers and Mike Valvano. The reason the group broke up was because, Berry Gordy wanted the two to cut all of their hair off as a new gimmick, during the time of the Beatles and long hair. Mike and Johnny said no, and the group disolved with one song released. Though not the first group,the Hornet's were amongst the first of a series of White groups on the Motown label.
... An interesting Motown moment.
We're all gonna miss you Mike!
Billy Wilson
Motown Alumni Association

By Ralph (209.240.222.130 - 209.240.222.130) on Wednesday, April 10, 2002 - 11:39 pm:

DeAnne,
I love the Frank Sinatra line....Live every day like it's your last. One of these days you'll be right......Wisdom from the head honcho. I must say it is nice seeing all these messages regarding Mike. I know he would aprreciate this.

By Bob Olhsson (68.53.120.100 - 68.53.120.100) on Thursday, April 11, 2002 - 04:00 am:

As I clicked on the link to open this page, I was reaching for the telephone to call Mike. I haven't got any words, just this feeling of profound sadness.

One of my fantasies has been to get Mike back into a studio with a big rhythm section. Mike played a rhythm section in the same manner as Phil Spector, Bob Crewe, Brian Wilson and a number of the Motown producers. These people could shape 10 to 12 musicians into a pop record. Those of us who worked with Mike know that he was an integral part of the musical magic that made Motown unique. His melodic keyboard riffs found their way into a number of classic Motown songs especially before HDH left. He also played the back-beat tambourine on a number of early Motown hits. There were so many questions about early Motown I've always wanted to ask him and never enough hours in the days when we got together.

If anybody reading this is in contact with Mike's family, please send them my best wishes. An awful lot of us truly loved this special man.

By Carl Dixon London (62.31.40.155 - 62.31.40.155) on Thursday, April 11, 2002 - 07:44 am:

I have searched the internet and have come up with the following about Mike:

http://www.windowsmedia.com/mg/ArtistProfile.asp?p_id=P+++163703&name=Mike+Valvano

Read the Johnny Powers piece on:

http://www.detnews.com/millennium/990531/voices/voices.htm

I hope these links work!

By Carl Dixon London (62.31.40.155 - 62.31.40.155) on Thursday, April 11, 2002 - 07:58 am:

There is a coding error in the first link - it will never take you to the correct page for Mikes biography. However, on the left there is a search facility. Type Mike Valvano in it and click 'Go'. This will take you to another page (blue). Click Mike's name at the top and the biography should come up hopefully!

By djdetroit (194.120.135.222 - 194.120.135.222) on Thursday, April 11, 2002 - 10:57 am:

check out his biography on www.allmusic.com

or use this direct link (which hopefully works)

http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=Boi6fmpbd9f2o~C


Darin

By Carl Dixon London (62.31.40.155 - 62.31.40.155) on Thursday, April 11, 2002 - 12:42 pm:

Thanks djdetroit - your link goes straight to it! It is the same biography written by the same man as the link I posted, albeit on a different url.

Cheers

By david, glasgow, scotland (213.122.28.135 - 213.122.28.135) on Thursday, April 11, 2002 - 01:38 pm:

i wonder where the demo studio was as mentioned in paragraph 5?

this a good effort by andrew hamilton although we could have done without the 'moping around' comment.

By Ralph (209.240.222.130 - 209.240.222.130) on Thursday, April 11, 2002 - 01:50 pm:

Mike wasn't moping around. He would come to my office to keep me up-dated on his fight to get his money from the Frigid Pink record. He did finally get paid, but it was only a fraction of what was really owed him. But we were already making plans on getting Stoney and Meatloaf in the studio. No one understood better the ups and downs of the music business than Mike and he certainly wasn't the kind of guy to mope around and feel sorry for himself.

By Peter Lowrie (212.134.234.1 - 212.134.234.1) on Thursday, April 11, 2002 - 02:36 pm:

I had the great delight to stay with Mike for a week in 2000 and it was as if I had known him for all my life, He helped me through a tough time, and had a great time in doing so,I will miss him so much for me it's like losing a big brother. Thank you Mike for making my life better for having you in it.

By Marilyn (67.217.183.119 - 67.217.183.119) on Thursday, April 11, 2002 - 02:49 pm:

How terrible!!! I,too,will miss Mike. He was such a sweetheart! He used to come to my office whenever he was in town.
Marilyn

By harryweinger (68.37.255.124 - 68.37.255.124) on Thursday, April 11, 2002 - 11:14 pm:

I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Mike Valvano. Lamont Dozier recalls that Mike was the guy who did all the footstomps on the H-D-H Supremes records - Where Did Our Love Go, et al. Remember that next time you spin one of the classics, and tip your hat (or your toe).

HW

By Andy Rix (195.93.34.164 - 195.93.34.164) on Thursday, April 11, 2002 - 11:24 pm:

I too am saddened to hear about Mike passing at such a young age ... this life we lead is so fragile as many of us are all too aware.
I'm gonna call George Kerr to let him know ... he spoke with great fondness about Mike & I know he too will be saddened to hear this news
Andy

By david, glasgow, scotland (62.252.128.5 - 62.252.128.5) on Thursday, April 11, 2002 - 11:26 pm:

thanks ralph for the clarification.

thanks also to everyone who commented on mike's passing.

By An Old Friend (63.198.70.120 - 63.198.70.120) on Friday, April 12, 2002 - 09:34 pm:

Mike Valvano was raised in Detroit and grew up loving music. In 1960, at 17. he signed with Motown with his group: Mike & the Modifiers. The short-lived band signed for seven years but only had one release "I Found Myself A Brand New Baby" on Gordy Records in 1962. Mike vaguely remembers the Modifiers as Roy Gasperada, Gasperada's cousin, a guy name Ralph, and a dude he can't remember. He sang lead and the Modifiers backed him on keyboard, drums, and guitars; they disbanded and splintered when the record bombed. All but Valvano who stayed 17 years and performed to many tasks to list. He wrote "Pretty Little Angel" with Stevie Wonder and Clarence Paul, for Edwin Starr, and placed songs with Billy Eckstine, Rustix, and others.
He prepared acetates (45 rpm records) for Motown's Quality Control Meetings where the creative staff voted on new recordings. Berry Gordy wouldn't let them listen to songs on tape because the public didn't hear them on tape. Everything sounds good on tape booming through large woofers, at Motown they judged from vinyl and tiny speakers. He chauffeured Motown stars in the company's van to record hops, ran the monthly auditions, where he witnessed the Jackson 5's famous audition, and provided hand claps and tambourine shakes on sessions, and still has his original tambourine.

Valvano has fond remembrances of some Motown superstars. (Diana Ross) "she had the eye of a star, I knew she was going to be big"; (Smokey Robinson) "one heck of a nice man"; (Mary Wilson) "she had a beautiful voice, but nobody gave her credit."

Motown signed group members to individual contracts and Mike's was still valid, though he was groupless. Clarence Paul (Five Royales) was assigned to produce Valvano; he cut two solo albums that never left the shelf. A single with the Hornets "Give Me A Kiss" emerged on VIP Records in 1964 but with unnoticed. Valvano describes the atmosphere at Motown as creative and intense, "there were fights, but they were like family fights; we did picnics and barbecues, and the artists helped on each others recordings."

Valvano's only separation with Motown came a couple of years before his contracts were officially up, but Berry, released him from with best wishes. He worked with many artists including Barbara Lewis, the Pushcarts on Top Dog Records, and co-wrote the Precisions "If This Is Love I'd Rather Be Lonely," on Joe Brown's Drew label. The Precisions had a minor hit on the charts "Why Girl" and its successor was set until Mike, Cholly Bassoline, and Martin Coleman (Valadiers) showed the fellows the new song. They rehearsed it with the group in a demo studio located in a hotel's basement. Everybody loved it, and Drew released it instead of the scheduled release. It became the Precisions biggest selling record.

After Drew folded, Mike produced two Precisions singles for Atco Records that flopped. He scored with a psychedelic version of the Animals' "House Of The Rising Sun" by Frijid Pink, but didn't get paid, and moped around Motown complaining�he still hung around�when Berry interceded with some slick mouthpieces who got Mike his money. He returned to produce Stoney & Meatloaf and other acts on the Rare Earth label.

Motown relocated to Los Angeles in the 70's and was looking for new talent and sounds; they got both by signing Xit, a Native American band from Albuquerque, NM. Gordy sent Valvano to Albuquerque to oversee his new act. Mike fell in love, married a local, and stayed for 20 years. Xit released two albums on Rare Earth: Plight Of The Redman in 1972, and Silent Warrior in 1973. A single dropped from each album: "Nihaa Shil Hozho (I'm Happy About You)," and "Reservation Of Education." Xit's music consisted of rock sounds with authentic Native American music, including chants and war cries; Sound of America Records has reissued both on CD.

B.M.I. lists 92 songs by Valvano, who sometimes use J. Greer, his wife's maiden name on compositions. He produced a post Motown album I'm A Winner with a revised lineup of Contours for Rocket Records that resulted in legal complications with the original members. Ian Levine recorded Mike for Motorcity Records as Mike & the Modifiers. Valvano is still musically active, lives in Mill City OR, and is working on a tell-all book.

By An Old Friend (63.198.70.120 - 63.198.70.120) on Friday, April 12, 2002 - 09:40 pm:

Mike Valvano was raised in Detroit and grew up loving music. In 1960, at 17. he signed with Motown with his group: Mike & the Modifiers. The short-lived band signed for seven years but only had one release "I Found Myself A Brand New Baby" on Gordy Records in 1962. Mike vaguely remembers the Modifiers as Roy Gasperada, Gasperada's cousin, a guy name Ralph, and a dude he can't remember. He sang lead and the Modifiers backed him on keyboard, drums, and guitars; they disbanded and splintered when the record bombed. All but Valvano who stayed 17 years and performed to many tasks to list. He wrote "Pretty Little Angel" with Stevie Wonder and Clarence Paul, for Edwin Starr, and placed songs with Billy Eckstine, Rustix, and others.
He prepared acetates (45 rpm records) for Motown's Quality Control Meetings where the creative staff voted on new recordings. Berry Gordy wouldn't let them listen to songs on tape because the public didn't hear them on tape. Everything sounds good on tape booming through large woofers, at Motown they judged from vinyl and tiny speakers. He chauffeured Motown stars in the company's van to record hops, ran the monthly auditions, where he witnessed the Jackson 5's famous audition, and provided hand claps and tambourine shakes on sessions, and still has his original tambourine.

Valvano had fond remembrances of some Motown superstars. (Diana Ross) "she had the eye of a star, I knew she was going to be big"; (Smokey Robinson) "one heck of a nice man"; (Mary Wilson) "she had a beautiful voice, but nobody gave her credit."

Motown signed group members to individual contracts and Mike's was still valid, though he was groupless. Clarence Paul (Five Royales) was assigned to produce Valvano; he cut two solo albums that never left the shelf. A single with the Hornets "Give Me A Kiss" emerged on VIP Records in 1964 but with unnoticed. Valvano describes the atmosphere at Motown as creative and intense, "there were fights, but they were like family fights; we did picnics and barbecues, and the artists helped on each others recordings."

Valvano's only separation with Motown came a couple of years before his contracts were officially up, but Berry, released him from with best wishes. He worked with many artists including Barbara Lewis, the Pushcarts on Top Dog Records, and co-wrote the Precisions "If This Is Love I'd Rather Be Lonely," on Joe Brown's Drew label. The Precisions had a minor hit on the charts "Why Girl" and its successor was set until Mike, Cholly Bassoline, and Martin Coleman (Valadiers) showed the fellows the new song. They rehearsed it with the group in a demo studio located in a hotel's basement. Everybody loved it, and Drew released it instead of the scheduled release. It became the Precisions biggest selling record.

After Drew folded, Mike produced two Precisions singles for Atco Records that flopped. He scored with a psychedelic version of the Animals' "House Of The Rising Sun" by Frijid Pink, but didn't get paid, and moped around Motown complaining�he still hung around�when Berry interceded with some slick mouthpieces who got Mike his money. He returned to produce Stoney & Meatloaf and other acts on the Rare Earth label.

Motown relocated to Los Angeles in the 70's and was looking for new talent and sounds; they got both by signing Xit, a Native American band from Albuquerque, NM. Gordy sent Valvano to Albuquerque to oversee his new act. Mike fell in love, married a local, and stayed for 20 years. Xit released two albums on Rare Earth: Plight Of The Redman in 1972, and Silent Warrior in 1973. A single dropped from each album: "Nihaa Shil Hozho (I'm Happy About You)," and "Reservation Of Education." Xit's music consisted of rock sounds with authentic Native American music, including chants and war cries; Sound of America Records has reissued both on CD.

B.M.I. lists 92 songs by Valvano, who sometimes use J. Greer, his wife's maiden name on compositions. He produced a post Motown album I'm A Winner with a revised lineup of Contours for Rocket Records that resulted in legal complications with the original members. Ian Levine recorded Mike for Motorcity Records as Mike & the Modifiers. Valvano was still musically active, lived in Mill City OR, and was working on a tell-all book.

By Peter Lowrie (212.134.16.177 - 212.134.16.177) on Saturday, April 13, 2002 - 09:09 am:

Mike, had just finished a new CD it has 10 tracks with all types and style of music that made Mike Valvano. Mike sent this to me only a matter of weeks ago it's called MIKE VALVANO "Both Sides of Me" if any body would like a copy please e-mail and I'll do my best.I've told his family about this site and about the comments made and they are touched by the depth of feelings made here and send many thanks.
Peter

By Dwayne Gaddie (152.163.197.197 - 152.163.197.197) on Monday, April 22, 2002 - 02:50 pm:

I was working with Mike on his new C.D. called both sides of me. We were just getting ready to release it when Mike died. I have pictures of mike and I'll post them later on this sight. Mike was a great guy and I'll miss him.
Hey Pete in England you can get me at samsun9@compuserve.com Dwayne Gaddie

By david, glasgow, scotland (213.107.27.25 - 213.107.27.25) on Tuesday, April 23, 2002 - 03:19 pm:

hi dwayne, welcome to the forum.

it would be fantastic if you could upload some pics of mike.

By Vondie (199.2.172.192 - 199.2.172.192) on Thursday, April 25, 2002 - 11:46 pm:

Hello Everyone,

My name is Evonne Caskey and my mother is Mike Valvano's widow's best friend. I am writing to let you know how to reach his widow if you wish to send your condolences. Her name is Louise Valvano and her mailing address is P.O. Box 558, Mill City, OR 97360. I just wanted to give everyone some information about his marriage. Mike married Louise on August 6, 1990 and they remained happily married until his passing on April 6, 2002. You can either write to Louise (whom I gave the nickname of Weze when I was a child) at the address above or you can e-mail me with any messages at my e-mail address which is Eboniequeen72@aol.com. My mother is currently in Mill City with Louise helping her to handle Mike's business affairs and would love to hear from you.

Thank you &
God Bless
Evonne~

By Andy Alonzo (63.96.230.206 - 63.96.230.206) on Tuesday, April 30, 2002 - 03:11 pm:

We will miss Mike very much, if you were ever around Mike you know that he just expolded with music. One of the most talented men I 've ever known. Andy Alonzo/The Act IV

By Penny (12.225.71.43 - 12.225.71.43) on Tuesday, April 30, 2002 - 06:20 pm:

Mike was a one of a kind guy.He spent countless hours listening and talking to people in need and would give his last penny - and did - to those who needed it.this was something his family did not understand.But God had a purpose for Mike and he carried it out to the end.I had the privelidge of working with mike for the last three years and being a part of his life.His death has left an empty spot but Mike is in a far better place and heaven got a very special angel.
Pete in England - Billie,Mikes close friend and singing partner would like to talk to you e-mail us and let us know how to get in contact.
MOTHDRUMMER@msn.com

By Jason (12.231.163.140 - 12.231.163.140) on Wednesday, May 01, 2002 - 06:57 am:

My name is Jason Womack and I am Mike Valvano's step son. I would just like to thank everyone about all of the nice thoughts and words you have expressed towards the fond memory of my DAD.... a motown legend. Really soon there will be a few websites just about him and when they are ready I will get them to you all. If you have any questions or personal comments you may e-mail me at orial37@hotmail.com. Again..........thankyou to all.

By Ralph (209.240.222.130 - 209.240.222.130) on Wednesday, May 01, 2002 - 01:42 pm:

Jason,
Please do keep us informed on the web sites.I have many wonderful memories of Mike and would enjoy seeing his story.
Ralph Terrana