| Author | Message | ||
  Lowell (lowell) 1-Arriviste Username: lowell Post Number: 8 Registered: 6-2004 Posted From: 66.167.41.70 |
For the occasion of Mike Hanks 75th Birthday on August 31, the SoulfulDetroit.com Project is pleased to present the "The Mike Hanks Story", written by Graham Finch, illustrated and webbed by Lowell Boileau and produced by David Meikle. Enjoy (Message edited by Lowell on August 29, 2004) | ||
SisDetroit (sis) 6-Zenith Username: sis Post Number: 483 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.43.206.95 |
Quite interesting. Well, there's one who was at odds with Mr. Gordy.  Great job Graham, Lowell, and DMeikle. | ||
Carl Dixon (carl_dixon) 4-Laureate Username: carl_dixon Post Number: 93 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 195.153.219.170 |
This is so interesting. Well done to all. Looking forward to the next chapter. Graham, have you spoken to Ken Sands about his involvment with some of the engineering (he played the tambourine on 'Together, we shall overcome)? | ||
Graham Finch (acooolcat) 5-Doyen Username: acooolcat Post Number: 188 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 210.200.105.226 |
Many thanks Sis and Carl, and obviously to David and Lowell too. Without them this simply wouldn't have happened. Lowell's graphics are again wonderful. Carl, yes; I've Emailed Ken quite a lot, mostly about his days at Magic City. Details about those later MAH'S 45 will be included in the second half: stay tuned! | ||
Robb_K (robb_k) 6-Zenith Username: robb_k Post Number: 488 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 217.232.147.107 |
Great job, everybody!!! I can't wait for #2! | ||
Davie Gordon (davie_gordon) 5-Doyen Username: davie_gordon Post Number: 191 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 217.204.65.210 |
Congratulations to all concerned on a wonderful job. THIS is what SoulfulDetroit's all about. Eagerly looking forward to part two Davie | ||
Don (don) 6-Zenith Username: don Post Number: 688 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.75.167.159 |
Too bad I don't have my record & pic collection anymore. After viewing The Mike Hanks Story not only it makes for good reading. I once owned copies of Pink Lips, I told you so, and Shake it loose. I read that all later sides that Mr. Hanks did wasn't distributed regional-wise only local. Well, that's not true some stuff did make it outta Detroit, so I'll have to disagree there. I'am aware of his D Town and Wheels label from 63-65. I got my copies from producers, arrangers, singers, groups, musicians. And, yes, I know all about Mike Hanks works and a couple of people that had the pleasure & opportunity to work with him. Also is how I got copies of a few sides from Serock & Tru-Glo-Town was thru The Late Don Gardner and regional sides from Ed Townson who collaborated on Mavin Gaye's Let's Get It On. Graham you deserve an award for this in some kind of form. Don Chicago | ||
Ron Murphy (ron_murphy) 4-Laureate Username: ron_murphy Post Number: 135 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.42.90.140 |
I have told Graham before that he is a good writer making the story interesting and easy to read, unlike others he does everything possible to get the facts, this along with Lowell's graphics and David's overseeing makes these stories great. thanks Graham,Lowell and David for such excellent work. | ||
Graham Finch (acooolcat) 5-Doyen Username: acooolcat Post Number: 189 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 210.200.105.225 |
Many thanks for the kind words. There are a few typos and a couple of captions that need tweaking, but I'm sure David will sort those out in the next few days. I'll have to crack on with the rest of part 2, which will be another 13 or so pages! And the research is forever on-going; only last week I spoke to a singer who told me she was in The Elegants, a female group that featured on the D-Town gig at the 20 Grand in 1965. Unfortunately they never recorded anything for Mike. Don, Mike's records weren't only available in Detroit and were distributed nationally. Where did you read the contrary to that? As you probably know, there were tons of distributors in Detroit, scattered along Woodward Avenue. | ||
Soul Sister (soul_sister) 6-Zenith Username: soul_sister Post Number: 1462 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 65.43.165.74 |
Interesting stuff indeed, great job to all involved especially to Graham for telling it like it was. Looking foward to part 2!! S.S. | ||
Don (don) 6-Zenith Username: don Post Number: 699 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.75.167.159 |
Well, Graham, I posted what was written and from what I read in The Mike Hanks Story. And actually alot of his his products wasn't distributed here in the many tons as reported, why, because you reported why, fair enough-ok? Even if it had I hadn't seen enough of them? Although I've worked at alot of shops that still kept any and all soul recordings from every region mind you. I don't want to come off as being mean spirited, I'm not. You done the research you got the records, I was only elaborating what you reported is all. I heard many things what was going on and the story about the dogg dune & the sign I heard the story before, though it was never mentioned again. That's was the reason why. I don't like to gossip about BS, I like to talk about the music and nothing but Cooolcat. I'm turning over a new leaf never, will I go that route ever again. I look forward to Pt 2. Don | ||
Nikki (45rpmgal) 3-Pundit Username: 45rpmgal Post Number: 56 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 65.206.46.218 |
Terrific bio & images....very well done! This is the kind of stuff I really enjoy reading about! Plus I love Mike Hanks (and related) records and am proud to own some that are on the site (and others that are not shown). This era is also what I enjoy discussions on (late 50s to mid 60s). Congratulations to all of you for a job well done. Look forward to Part 2. Nikki http://www.harmonytrain.com | ||
Ralph Terrana (ralph) Moderator Username: ralph Post Number: 546 Registered: 3-2004 Posted From: 209.240.205.63 |
Graham, I was fortunate to know Mike Hanks. Great story so far. Looking forward to more. What suprised me was Mike's age. I always thought we were about the same in years. Nice work as always, David and Lowell. | ||
Lars Nilsson (lg_nilsson) 2-Debutant Username: lg_nilsson Post Number: 22 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 83.226.8.86 |
Really great! Very interesting. Many thanks Graham, David & Lowell Lars | ||
David Meikle (david_meikle) 5-Doyen Username: david_meikle Post Number: 355 Registered: 3-2004 Posted From: 62.252.128.19 |
It was a pleasure to see the finished product tonight. Graham's unparalleled research and Lowell's beautiful graphics make this a joy to behold. Well done guys. | ||
C Bell/Eric (c_belleric) 2-Debutant Username: c_belleric Post Number: 15 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.79.123.27 |
Great Job to all! As you can tell by my username this is my favorite webisode topic so far. Mike sure had a lot of talent and he did have good musicians that were allowed to be more funkier under his wing then over at Motown. I love the certain charm of the rawness of the recordings. The first Mike Hanks item I ever heard was my fathers original copy of "Hurt By Love" by Silky Hargraves that was probably bought at a small record store in Belleville. I've talked with Hindal Butts and Melvin Davis about Mike Hanks and they had nothing but good things to say. I learned from Melvin Davis about the C. Bell thing. I guess Mike used to say "Give Some To C. Bell". Hindal Butts (drummer) told me that Mike put him on the payroll without Hindal having to do anything. Nelson Sanders also told me recently that he auditioned at D-Town but waited all day and got frustrated and left. Mike saw him some time after that and asked Nelson why he did not wait because he was ready to cut something on him. Nelson eventually found his niche at La Beat/Rambler for Lou Beatty. Even if Mike did not like what Motown stood for his stable of artists gave some major props to the Motown acts in the song "Detroit, Michigan". One last little tidbit that I heard a few years ago is that someone that worked at the Motown museum remembers throwing out boxes of D-Town records. Maybe Berry was buying them up so they would not be consumed by the public???? Once again great job to all! DETROIT, MICHIGAN! | ||
Don (don) 6-Zenith Username: don Post Number: 704 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.75.177.246 |
I ain't stupid... | ||
Robb_K (robb_k) 6-Zenith Username: robb_k Post Number: 497 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 217.228.217.86 |
I think there's been a miscommunication here. Many of Mike Hanks' productions were distributed nationally, but some were not. I think I remember seeing most of even what was distributed locally (Michigan-Toledo) in Chicago, too. I think only some of the rarer stuff didn't make it to Chicago. | ||
Don (don) 6-Zenith Username: don Post Number: 707 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.75.177.246 |
Robb, I got one question. I heard that Mike's son refuses to lease out any product of his father's. By the time learnt of the goldmine compliation actually existed about 3 yrs ago, there was a full cd worth of Hank's releases and I think another. I guess what I'm actually saying is that anybody that has those cd's or 3, truly fortunate. Don | ||
Graham Finch (acooolcat) 5-Doyen Username: acooolcat Post Number: 191 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 210.200.105.229 |
Don, Goldmine released those CDs after contacting Donald Hanks. The guy at Goldmine - Martyn Koppell - thought he had permission, but he didn't: basically there was a mix-up. Nevertheless, they came out and I think you can now pick them up on ebay quite cheaply, so it shouldn't be too difficult to get copies. For what it's worth, ownership of Mike's catalogue belongs to his widow, Gracie, and not his children. | ||
Don (don) 6-Zenith Username: don Post Number: 709 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.75.177.246 |
Yo Acoolcat, it usta be easier and excessible to purchase from North America. Cause Ebay and The UK is quite ridiculously high, you know? Don | ||
David Meikle (david_meikle) 5-Doyen Username: david_meikle Post Number: 358 Registered: 3-2004 Posted From: 81.130.211.124 |
I bought several of these cd's on ebay to take as gifts to Detroit last month. They were all less than $8 each. | ||
Don (don) 6-Zenith Username: don Post Number: 715 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.75.177.246 |
Sorry David, I thought it was a bid war type of situation. DON | ||
Graham Finch (acooolcat) 5-Doyen Username: acooolcat Post Number: 192 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 210.200.105.225 |
Don, drop me an email with your address and I'll send you a CD with various recordings of Mike's, FOC... acooolcat@yahoo.com | ||
Steve K (ltlftc) 2-Debutant Username: ltlftc Post Number: 22 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 24.11.188.92 |
Congrats to all involved on another amazing webisode; informative and entertaing , as usual! Graham ( and David) , your interest in documenting the historical detail of this music is inspirational and , I swear, Lowell has to be the best graphic artist working on the internet. | ||
Eli (phillysoulman) 6-Zenith Username: phillysoulman Post Number: 1464 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.236.25.141 |
Great webisode for an unsung hero of Detroit music. | ||
Ryon6 (tyrone) 3-Pundit Username: tyrone Post Number: 31 Registered: 5-2004 Posted From: 192.128.133.68 |
Graham, this is a great story. I have never heard of Mike Hanks. Now, I can't wait for part 2. Great job by all. Perhaps I'll look on eBay for some of his recordings. | ||
Don (don) 6-Zenith Username: don Post Number: 724 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.75.190.16 |
Graham- Acooolcat, I'll have to get in touch with you thru a friend's computer, because my friends computer has been acting weird. Of course I can log onto sites, I just can't get thru to the email. I'll try probally tomorrow to email you and let you know it is me, so you won't confuse me with someone else. I'll give you my B-day numbers as a pass code so you'll know it is me. Don | ||
BJL (bjl) 3-Pundit Username: bjl Post Number: 54 Registered: 5-2004 Posted From: 217.205.87.151 |
I really enjoyed the story - congratulations on the great research and graphics. Just a point on "Clara Belle Williams" and the idea that it might be Mike Hanks: I doubt it for a few reasons. CBW is the real name of Cara Bell, who wrote several songs with Dave Hamilton. I don't know anything about her, but maybe someone else does? (BTW: a lot of her songs are published by Dianne Dooney Publishing - in 1984, their address was 17615 Roselawn, Detroit MI 48221. Ring any bells with anyone? At that time, the address for Mah's Publishing Co was c/o Mike Hanks, 224 Holbrook St, Detroit MI 48202.) I've not heard the Big Jack Reynolds on Mah's - what is it like? Blues or soul or ? | ||
Graham Finch (acooolcat) 5-Doyen Username: acooolcat Post Number: 194 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 210.200.105.229 |
Ryan6 I'm glad it's motivated you to seek out some of Mike's recordings. There are usually some on ebay and I suggest you search for "D-Town", or some of his more prolific artists: Lee Rogers, Dee Edwards, or The Peps. | ||
Graham Finch (acooolcat) 5-Doyen Username: acooolcat Post Number: 195 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 210.200.105.229 |
BJL Those are interesting comments about Cara Bell. Did she actually exist? Mike wrote some songs with Dave, as you know. What puzzles me is that Mike would include C Bell's name, even when he was the only other songwriter - such as on "I Want You To Have Everything." I've interviewed quite a lot of people regarding Mike, and nobody has ever been able to tell me who C. Bell was/is. Diane Dooney and MAH'S publishing now have the same common address - I believe. I would class Big Jack's "Made It Up In Your Mind" as more R'nB than Blues. The other side - You Don't Treat Me Right - is more Blues though. Let me know if you want to hear it... my address is above. BTW, the songwriters on both sides are Jack, Dave Hamilton and C. Bell ! | ||
Brian T. (mrclemma) 4-Laureate Username: mrclemma Post Number: 74 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 216.0.242.60 |
I'm a little confused here;everyone is tossing glowing accolades about. I have one record of Mike's("Can I Be Your Lover Boy") on the Brax label from '59. It's pretty mediocre(though paradoxically, charming) stuff straight outta Pleasantville. Definitely aimed at the Leave it to Beaver market. Was his later stuff more "soulful" and worth taking a chance on? That said, though, it does book pretty high in Osborne's guide and God knows what in Manship. | ||
Graham Finch (acooolcat) 5-Doyen Username: acooolcat Post Number: 196 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 210.200.105.225 |
Hi Brian T. I've likened Mike's early sides to Little Willie John, although his "Can I Be Your Lover Boy" is slightly up-tempo and rocking. No, it's not Soul, but it was recorded in 1959! Mike was never going to make it as a vocalist, and was a frustrated muscian more then anything. Depending on your own personal taste, you might want to check out some D-Town and Wheelsville 45s from the mid-sixties. I'm sure you'll find something that hits the spot. | ||
Graham Finch (acooolcat) 5-Doyen Username: acooolcat Post Number: 197 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 210.200.105.225 |
Brian, I forgot to mention that I think it's always a mistake to connect the value of a record with how good it is. For example, Lee Rogers' "How Are You Fixed For Love" on Wheelsville can be picked up for less then $20, especially in Detroit. It was relesed on a couple of times, and if you get label# 118 you'll have a great B-side: "Cracked Up Over You." But if you're into Motown sound then these songs are probably not for you. BTW - There will be label listings of all known Wheelsville and D-Town 45s included in the second part. | ||
David Meikle (david_meikle) 5-Doyen Username: david_meikle Post Number: 363 Registered: 3-2004 Posted From: 81.130.211.124 |
Brian With respect, let's liken your experience to someone who digs pop music and hears the first Beatles recordings....... Try and get hold of the cd "Dancin in D-Town". It's full of rough edged high quality Soul Music which cannot fail to please fans of that genre. Mike Hanks is one of the most important people in the Detroit Story. No question. David | ||
Graham Finch (acooolcat) 5-Doyen Username: acooolcat Post Number: 198 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 210.200.105.225 |
Here you are, Brian... http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISA PI.dll?ViewItem&category=306&i tem=4033639357&rd=1 | ||
Ian Walsh (btown) 1-Arriviste Username: btown Post Number: 2 Registered: 9-2004 Posted From: 62.252.192.11 |
Hello SDers, nice to see the site is up to its wonderful standard. Again a great presentation, but what else would we expect! If only we could click on the record labels for a quick (say 10 sec) listen! Can't wait for the next instalment (and other subjects to come). Apologies for not contributing to SD for a good while - personal reasons! I've a lot of catching up to do. A big hello to all my friends here. Cheers, Ian ps. Book please Graham! | ||
Graham Finch (acooolcat) 5-Doyen Username: acooolcat Post Number: 206 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 210.200.105.229 |
Don - I thought you might be interested in this CD... http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISA PI.dll?ViewItem&category=58600 &item=4035777855&rd=1&ssPageNa me=WDVW | ||
Don (don) 6-Zenith Username: don Post Number: 784 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.75.171.151 |
Hi ya Acooolcat, After reading your post, did you read my earlier reply to you above. Computer is experiencing pop-up sceens, spycams and may have viruses. My other buddy is out of town with his family, I should expect him back by next week. Tried to get thru to the log screen you posted below..I couldn't get into it, I tried. Don | ||
C Bell/Eric (c_belleric) 3-Pundit Username: c_belleric Post Number: 38 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 4.165.159.2 |
I talked with Hindal Butts tonight and he informed me that at the time Mike Hanks was also running some clubs in Detroit. I guess he had a part in operating The Webwood and The Palladium. | ||
Graham Finch (acooolcat) 5-Doyen Username: acooolcat Post Number: 218 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 210.200.105.229 |
Hi Eric I don't know anything about The Palladium, but Mike ran The Webbwood Inn and The Stadium Lounge. I know Hindall gigged at both and there'll be mentioned in parts 2 and 3. |
