2.18.2011

HERE COMES THE MYSTERY MAN: DICK WAGNER


Dick Wagner with Alice Cooper

Today is one really cool day to be Retro: Kimmer. I get to write about one of my very biggest rock heroes of all time... Dick Wagner...

Mr. Wagner's discography and bio is so huge that I need a whole new blog to accommodate his music legacy. Dick has played on so many albums that it is impossible to list. His website does a very fine job and you can go check his history there.

I spent many hours this week researching Dick's life in rock music. There just aren't enough adjectives to describe his work. The word Legendary which is tossed around by so many lesser beings... very appropriately describes Dick Wagner.


Dick Wagner

I was introduced via the telephone by Mark Reaume who is one of my favorite RK readers. Mark and Dick are collaborating on a project and that is how I came to meet Dick . We had a very interesting opening conversation! He wanted to talk about my blogging work and I wanted to talk about HIS work (of course).

But where to begin with Dick's musical career?

"Baby Boy" was my starting point. A fun pop tune with a very young Mark Farner on backing vocals and rhythm guitar. I found a video which features 2 of the Bossmen songs. By all means listen to this.... I must have played this 50 times this week. Each time I hear something new that I missed the time before. Buy The Bossmen singles on CD Baby



 

Dick's Room

The Frost(s) or just Frost as we called the band back in the day...was my favorite of all of Dick's magical work. The late 60's psychedelic times deserved a band to match... We had it in spades in Michigan with Frost...

As I am the luckiest girl in the blogosphere, I am in a unique position to listen to fascinating stories of the musicians and the music that began emanating out of Michigan beginning in the late 50's and early 60's. Never dreamed that today I would be hearing Dick Wagner recite his lyrics to me over the phone... Just unbelievable.... All I can do is thank the universe for such an enormous gift...

I just received this note from Dick and it knocked me right out of my chair....

Kim, my friend...Amazing, the best way to describe you.... Amazing....I am so happy we've connected,at last... The Motor City needs a center of internet focus, and here you are...positive friendship and daily support for so many Detroit music makers, past, present and future.

Bless you for your dedication to all things musical in Detroit and for informing the world on the beautiful sounds and stories about the immense talent that made up the city of Detroit music scene, that still does thrive from within the city limits, to the outer reaches of the beautiful state of Michigan, and far beyond. May the love you give be returned one hundred fold.


DICK WAGNER

Believe me... that love is returned to me every minute of every day....

Thank you so much Mr. Wagner and his business partner Susan Michelson for the story today.

Dick Wagner and Steve "The Deacon" Hunter


11 comments:

Dee Gilbert said...

What a Great letter to you and about you from Dick Wagner!Yeah! It is all THE TRUTH! Right on! Loved reading it! You Rock! We all know it!

Gerald Kuskowski said...

I learn so much about the local music legends from you Kim (you too Dee).....keep it up and thank you.
about a minute ago

Frederick Schmidt said...

Fantastic! Thank you Kim!!!

Fast Film said...

Dick W is right, you know...

Whaler said...

I remember Sitting outside a Music venue in 1970 Prudenville Mi...
Dick and I talked for 30 min about life ,Rock n Roll, and the times of the day..Total Gentleman..He Gave me insight for the rest of my life...
What a Musician...Peace....Whaler

Pete James said...

Here Comes The Mystery Man!"

Jim Scholten said...

The Bossmen were the 1st R&R band I ever saw live - I was in 6th or 7th grade, they were playing outdoors at a car show - changed my life! Needless to say, they were BOSS"

Dennis Sharp said...

Great!"

Knut Gigs said...

Thank you so very much Kim! Keep holding the fort of ROCK'N ROLL!"

Suzy said...

Wow, you got this up quickly!!! This looks great, Kim!!
Thanks!
Suzy

Diane Chamberlin said...

Loved your Dick Wagner story.. He is the best..

Inspired by Mr. Wagner I formed two bands that did very well in the 70's and 80's. If you are looking for something to do... check out...
Bondar and Wise .... or ... Bondarz Superstarz We have just released product on both acts.. Thank you, Allen Bondar / Dharma Records / Dick Wagner Band

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