Michigan Music History Podcast -- MMHP989

Author: Scott Baker, Gary Johnson, Fred Reif, Mike Beattie

The MMHP989 brings together every style of Michigan Music, its history and backstory with detail. Featuring Dr. J (Gary Johnson) and Sir Fred (Fred Reif), Archivist/Wingman Mike Beattie, along with host, musician/journalist Scott Baker
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Language: en

Genres: Music, Music History, Music Interviews

Contact email: Get it

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MMHP Season 6 Ep:18--Benny Speer-Driving Benny & The Jets Into Michigan Rock History Part 1 of 2
Episode 18
Wednesday, 18 March, 2026

Benny Speer (#Mr. Benny & The Jets) knows a little bit about Michigan rock history. His father booked shows in Detroit, bringing in the first New York Dolls, Blue Oyster Cult and Kiss concerts, exposing and formulating the Motor City music scene to what we all know today. Benny played the clubs, halls, theaters, from Michigan through Canada, as a regional singer/guitarist. When his band Benny & The Jets hit the stage, it became a thing of beauty. The vehicles they arrived in were the bulletin boards and provided another layer of exposure. With all his back knowledge of not only the scene, but how it was formulated, Benny is one of Michigan's foremost musicologists of rock, particularly on how the history of it all came together. Benny's stories and continuing care of the curation of it, has him front and center telling everyone within ear shot. You can't get this gentleman to stop spreading the word, like a great musician. Benny is the originator. Turn it up and check out his Facebook feed! facebook.com/benny.jets.detroit