", RELATED: Fans share favorite memories of Michael Stanley. Born Michael Stanley Gee, he grew up in Northeast Ohio, graduating Hiram College, then later attended on a baseball scholarship. The energy of his music and its ability to bring people together helped to make Cleveland the Rock and Roll Capitol of the World, and it galvanized the community to rally together and make our city the home of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. And I went back., John said. Michael Craig Stanley, age 59, of Gladewater, Texas passed away on Friday, July 29, 2022. What was missing was the wonderful sense of place that are in the previous books. We will miss Michael dearly. It's been a while since I read one of these, but I'd forgotten the stark contrast between this depiction of Botswana, as a nation as flawed as most others, and that if Alexander McCall Smith, whose Botswana is idyllic, full of polite, respectful people who might succumb to greed, bad judgment, or witchcraft from time to time, but not much worse than that. I was always drawn to the rousers and this one has more rousers than weepies.. Of course not. Hook is an essential for any good novelhow it start and keeps a leader keep on reading it. Following his stint on TV, he became an afternoon radio DJ from 1990 through February 2021, alongside occasional albums and local shows. Michael Stanley, who became known nationally for a radio hit in 1981 but was the very symbol of rock n roll for decades in the city of Cleveland, died Friday at age 72. His songs have a way of getting in your head and became songs you end up singing to yourself over and over from then on His music will always be part of me., Tweeted KISS Paul Stanley: RIP MICHAEL STANLEY No relation to me, was a Cleveland legend. Services will be held 11:00 AM Monday, December 17, 2012 at Temple Beth. The family requests contributions in his memory to the Cleveland Food Bank (www.greaterclevelandfoodbank.org) and/or the Cleveland Animal Protective League (www.clevelandapl.org). The author Michael Stanley (South African born writing duo Michael Sears and Stanley Trollip) have created a top notch and totally compelling Botswana police series, that is both atmospheric, gripping and utterly loveable. My sincere condolences go out to the Stanley family on the passing of Michael. John even sat in on some recording sessions. On the one hand I understand Mabaku's wanting to make it a clean break, but I felt he could have nuanced it somewhat. The cause of death was lung cancer that had been diagnosed seven months earlier. The native of Northeast Ohio led the Michael Stanley Band to fame in the late 1970s and early 1980s before becoming a popular radio and television host. I didnt get into this whole thing to be the front man of MSB or whatever, Stanley told local Ohio TV station 3News Monica Robins in 2014. Michael Stanley is the writing partnership of Michael Sears and Stanley Trollip. El, 5150 Calkins Rd, Flint. But before and after that, the band was disproportionately huge in Ohio and surrounding states, which took their song Midwest Midnight (introduced on the live album Stage Pass, with its famous cleavage-baring cover) to heart as a statement of regional pride. Kubu is told to stay off the case and focus on the murder-made-to-look-like- suicide of a civil servant in the mining department. Our readers left thousands of comments on our social media He is predeceased by his mother, Martha Fitzpatrick; his father, Stanley Gee; and his late wife, Denise Skinner. Szymczyk told Cleveland.com that although Stanley was in declining health as they cut the Tough Room album last year, Its pretty rocked out. We just couldnt bust him out of there.. I enjoyed this instalment very much. Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 16th 2023 from 10:00 AM to "Michael Stanley is dealing with serious health issues that prevent him from joining you in his 3-7pm time slot. "My biggest regret is that, for a lot of people, there was a feeling that it wasnt a successful band or that we were only a Cleveland band." If not, choose an option to start listening on demand commercial free to all shows now! Catch up on last 4 shows: Tour of Australia, Japan, Jamaica, Spain & France; Co-Host Juice Newton; Heartbreak Hotel and Songwriter Paul Williams! Rabbi Karen Companez officiating. What follows is a very frustrating time for Kubu as his irascible boss Mabaku bars him from any participation in the investigation because of Kubu's obvious closeness to the victim. CLEVELAND Legendary Cleveland singer-songwriter and radio personality Michael Stanley died Friday at the age of 72, following a months-long fight with lung A Death in the Family is book 5 in the Detective Kubu series written by brilliant writing team, Michael Stanley (Michael Sears and Stanley Trollip). Hardly a day went by when John didnt play a Michael Stanley song or two, or three. Even more importantly, Michaels songs spoke to our hearts., As fans we adored and revered him, and in return he loved us right back, Harris continued. For the last three decades, Clevelanders were also lucky enough to have had Michael take us through afternoon drive time, playing classic rock songs on 98.5 WNCX. 33 on the Billboard 100. By subscribing, I agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. ", "Somebody once said that if you love your job then it's not really work," he said. Meanwhile, major trouble ensues in the mining town, when the elders decide not to accept the Chinese mining company's offer. Another excellent addition to the Detective David "Kubu" Bengu series. He played in a band that was first called The Tree Stumps, then Silk, and was able to secure his first record contract in 1969. 2023 Deadline Hollywood, LLC. Michael Stanley's health is keeping him off-air for the time being. His letter to his fans before his death says it all. 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In 1990, he became the afternoon drive host at 98.5 WNCX, a position he would hold for the next 31 years. Photo: 98.5 WNCX/Facebook. Stanley was deeply involved in the local Cleveland community, so much so that a section of Clevelands Huron Avenue was renamed Michael Stanley Way in 2019. I got in it to be a songwriter. Michael Stanley was born on 25 March 1948 (age 72 years; as in 2021 at the time of death) in Cleveland, Ohio, United States. He was graduated from Hiram College. His fathers name was F. Stanley Gee and his mothers name is Martha Galloway Gee. Michael Stanley was one of the most famous American singers, songwriters, and musicians. Listen online, phone or pad! 07, 2021, 12:57 p.m. Cleveland music icon Michael Stanley died Friday at the age of 72. Stanley is survived by two daughters, Anna Sary (Christian) and Sarah Sharp (Aaron); his wife, Ilsa Glanzberg and stepson Cole Sweeney; his sister, Nancy Oosterhoudt, and niece, Claire Kloss; and five grandchildren: Mallory Sidoti (Mike), Aidan Kraus, Brody Kraus, Wren Sary and Phoebe Sary. His contributions to rock and roll and our region will not be forgotten, and we are honored to preserve his legacy and tell his story forever at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame., A statement from his family said that the singer/songwriter (and, in his final act, DJ) full name Michael Stanley Gee had passed away peacefully at home on March 5th with his family by his side Michael battled lung cancer for seven months with the same strength and dignity he carried throughout his life. Stanley Michael passed away on February 14, 2023 in Dove Creek, Colorado. When the #2 government mining official ends up dead, an apparent suicide, Kubu finally finds a distraction from his misery, and quickly determines the death was not accidental, and he sets off the find the murderer. The Michael Stanley Band, or MSB for short, would record 11 studio albums and set concert attendance records in Ohio. He always has rousers and weepies. Stanley will be buried in a private ceremony at Lake View Cemetery. That song and a 1983 follow-up, the Cleveland-inspired My Town, which also cracked the top 40, were early staples of a nascent MTV. We want to hear from you! Michael Stanley April 29, 1968 - November 10, 2021 Raleigh, North Carolina - Michael Stanley, 53, of Raleigh, formerly of Dunn, died Wednesday, November 10, US stocks have surged too high and are now in a "death zone", Morgan Stanley's Mike Wilson said. Most of the early records by Stanley and his group were produced by Bill Szymczyk, best known as the Eagles producer. I adored the idea of a Botswanaian police procedural that steps away from the philosophical Mma Ramotswe mysteries. According to author Jacob Hoye in his book, "MTV Uncensored," "He Cant Love You" was the 47th video ever played on MTV. In its late 70s/early 80s heyday, the Michael Stanley Band would sell out multiple nights at the Richfield Coliseum and Blossom Music Center. Stanley age of Saginaw, Michigan, born February 3rd, 1928 passed away on February 23rd, 2023 ;Surviving Stanley:Surviving besides his wife Bernice are two sons Michael Stanley's passing at the age of 30 on Thursday, August 11, 2022 has been publicly announced by Sien-Shelton Funeral Home in Skiatook, OK. Details! The Michael Stanley Band, or MSB for short, would record 11 studio albums and set concert attendance records at the Richfield Coliseum and Blossom Music Center. He also won 11 local Emmy Awards as co-host of WJW Channel 8s PM Magazine from 1987-90, and then spent another year on the stations Cleveland Tonight. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. The different strands of the same story come together at the end. Michael Sears and Stanley Trollip known collectively as Michael Stanley bring us a brand new gripping story featuring Detective Kubu. Read because you love post colonial African detective fiction. Those desiring may make contribution to Temple Beth El or. John called the Michael Stanley song Midwest, Midnight the greatest song about the music industry. He says the song explains why the Michael Stanley Band was a major regional band, but never huge nationally. In a letter posted Saturday on the radio stations website, Stanley wrote a farewell to fans: Hey gang Well, if youre reading this then I am off to catch up with that big club tour in the sky. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. As international thrillers go you'd be hard pushed in my opinion, to find a better series to indulge in. So, I hear Michael Stanley almost every daywalking in the woods.. The group scored in 1981 when the song He Cant Love You cracked the Billboard Top 40, getting as high as No. A musician & songwriter who could pack arenas. Sure it would have been nice if this had all lasted a bit longer but my time on this mortal coil has been blessed with great family, friends and coworkers and you cant ask for much more than that! Take care of yourself and each other and remember, now more than ever: Its your world pay attention! He will always be remembered as a loving father, brother, husband, a loyal friend, and the leader of one of Clevelands most successful rock bands.. WebStanley Michael passed away on February 14, 2023 in Dove Creek, Colorado. He was at the station for more than 30 years, ending his stint just last month when ill health overtook him. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) Before the Zoom interview even started, Thomas John turned his phone around to show a large photo hanging on the wall of his basement office. Michael Stanley, who became known nationally for a radio hit in 1981 but was the very symbol of rock n roll for decades in the city of Cleveland, died Friday at age 72. The Michael Stanley Band broke up in 1986, after having gone through a succession of major labels that included Epic, Arista and EMI America. John mentioned that the Michael Stanley Band broke the record at the Blossom Music Center for a three nightstand: 64,965 on August 23, 24, and 26, 1982. It starts with a family tragedy and ends up as a much more entangled, complicated tale of international corporate interests and corruption. He does and keeps getting reprimanded. Cleveland rock and roll legend Michael Stanley died Friday at the age of 72 following a months-long battle with lung cancer. This one is a very heart-rending and personal story for Assistant Superintendent David "Kubu" Bengu, who works in CID out of Gabarone, Botswana, in which he is awakened in the middle of the night to be told that his father has died--and worse, has been brutally murdered. Johns ultimate tribute to Michael Stanley can be heard through his earphones during his daily walks in Poland Woods. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. 33 on the chart. The cause of death was lung cancer that had been diagnosed seven months earlier. Such grace.. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, based in Cleveland, issued a statement Saturday, remembering Stanley as our citys most beloved musician, songwriter and rocker., His heartland music resonated with legions of listeners, and his concerts set attendance records and took on mythic proportions. MICHAEL STANLEY OBITUARY. And if thats true (and I definitely think it is) then I have been happily out of work for over 50 years! Will he compromise the case, should the culprit be apprehended? We had two top 40 hits. Stanley did his final afternoon drive shift on WNCX on Feb. 19. Thank you to Orenda books for providing me with a copy of this book for review. Despite this only being my second read in this exceptional series, set in modern day Botswana, the writing duo of Michael Stanley (Michael Sears and Stanley Trollip) have already established a firm place on my 'must read' list. The story felt disjointed and not up to their usual standard. Stanley was part of what would become known as the genre of "heartland rock," emphasizing the values of blue-collar middle America, along with such artists as Bob Seger and John Cougar Mellencamp. Hes remembered by Holly Gleason. Detective novel set in Botswana but for Kudu, this time it's personal! The live double album Stage Pass was recorded in Cleveland, and youd see him at the Agora [in Youngstown] and it was exactly the same vibe, said John. And the record they broke was Led Zepplins, said John. Michael Stanley, who became known nationally for a radio hit in 1981 but was the very symbol of rock n roll for decades in the city of Cleveland, died Friday at age 72. One evening Kuku's world is turned upside down when he, the detective, gets the call he himself so often had to make to the family of victims his gentle father has been stabbed to death in a deserted road. Michael Christensen died Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023, at Faith Regional Health Services in Norfolk. He was 72 and his death was confirmed by his manager. Signup for Breaking News Alerts & Newsletters. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. This is not a terribly bleak depiction of this sunny land, but a reminder that even a country full of good people can fall prey to bad influences. Peace., Joe Walsh, another Cleveland rock hero and a player on Stanleys second album in the 1970s paid homage. WebSTR/AFP via Getty Images. I'm afraid he's been murdered.". I probably will try another of these books at some time but better ones are calling me now. John himself was behind The energy of his music and its ability to bring people together helped to make Cleveland the Rock and Roll Capital of the World, and it galvanized the community to rally together and make our city the home of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. On Wednesday, the WNCX-FM radio station in Cleveland announced Stanley, who passed away Friday at the age of 72 from lung cancer, leaves more than a small part of himself behind in his native Cleveland -- and a gaping hole in a It was a well-plotted police procedural that allowed the reader to fully follow the Botswana crime-solving process, which is similar to that in the US. In 1981, MSB received national attention when the song "He Can't Love You" cracked the Billboard Top 40, getting as high as No. "And if that's true (and I definitely think it is) then I have been happily out of work for over fifty years!". Thats what I wanted to do.. Michael Stanley, who parlayed rocker stardom in the 70s and 80s into successful stints in radio and television in his later years, died Friday of lung cancer at his In the Botswana of detective Kubu Bengu, all manner of nasty things are afoot, including political corruption, mineral exploitation, foreign influence and manipulation, not to mention multiple murders, some of them very close to home. Michael Stanley, who parlayed rocker stardom in the 70s and 80s into successful stints in radio and television in his later years, died Friday of lung cancer at his home. FORECAST | Windy start to the weekendflurries too! But as popular as MSB was locally, they just couldnt quite ascend to national stardom. Cleveland rocker Stanley has died at age 72 after battling lung cancer. Stanley's family says in a statement he died Thursday, March 4, 2021, in Cleveland, where he performed regularly and worked at rock radio station WNCX. (CHUCK CROW/AP) This mystery, #5 in the series featuring Botswana policeman David "Kubu" Bengu, was just plain excellent. Michael Stanley.. Greg Harris, president/CEO of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, released a statement saying: It is with a heavy heart that we share that Clevelands native son and local treasure Michael Stanley has passed away. There is a mine in the area that wants to expand and it would displace a lot of local villagers and the villagers are split whether to let the mine expand or not. Michael was our citys most beloved musician, songwriter and rocker. Share Obituary Let others know about Kilgroe Funeral Home We regretfully announce the passing of Michael E. Stanley, age 64, of Moody, Alabama passed away on Monday, October 31, 2022. Stanley age of Saginaw, Michigan, born February 3rd, 1928 passed away on February 23rd, 2023 ;Surviving Stanley:Surviving besides his wife Bernice are two sons and one daughter, Gary Witkowski, Saginaw; Gail (John) Dumbra, Lewiston; Michael Witkowski, Saginaw; six grandchildren, Kirk, Jeffrey (Lauren), Brandon (Crystal), Jeremy, Justin and 39. Kubu's focus is all about improving the lives of his fellow natives and the inherent good of the man ensures he is excellent company! Hardly a day went by when John didn't play a Michael Stanley song - or two, or three. Michael lives in Johannesburg, South Africa, and Stanley in Minneapolis. I was like, Damn, Bob (Seger) sure busted out. He also spent a year on the same stations Cleveland Tonight, with his television years garnering him 11 local Emmys. His heartland music resonated with legions of listeners, and his concerts set attendance records and took on mythic proportions. For 12 years, Thomas John introduced the bands at the Agora in downtown Youngstown, for which he was paid. We will miss Michael dearly.. "We were big in San Francisco, but we didnt do much in LA. We were big in Denver, we were big in Texas and Florida, but we couldnt get into Indianapolis.". His record company changed his name to Michael Stanley. The MSB had its biggest national profile in 1980 when the single He Cant Love You reached No. After the breakup, Stanley returned to solo albums and also hooked up with the bands the Resonators and the Ghost Poets, releasing work on Razor & Tie or his own labels. He then transitioned into a radio personality. Stanleys illness became known when he took leave of his usual afternoon radio shift at Clevelands 98.5 WNCX in late February and the station released a statement requesting prayers for his family. On March 3, the classic rock station finally acknowledged his absence, saying, Michael Stanley is dealing with serious health issues that prevent him from joining you in his 3-7pm time slot. Thats the kind of impact they had.. No, we didn't.". In 1974, Stanley put together the band that would take his name and catapult him to success. He co-hosted PM Magazine on Clevelands Channel 8 from 1987-90. Age 50, of Grand Blanc, died Friday, December 14, 2012 at his residence. Flood Warning issued for parts of several Northeast Ohio counties, The beloved musician-turned-DJ had been battling a serious illness, Fans share favorite memories of Michael Stanley, Stanley told Cleveland Magazine in a 2019 interview, 2022 shaping up to be 'epic' year in concerts, Cleveland Cavaliers CEO Len Komoroski says, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 2021 induction ceremony moves to Cleveland's Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse this October, Michael Stanley joins Contemporary Youth Orchestra to create Another New Years Eve fundraising video. It has 199 of my favorite all time songs, five of which are Michael Stanley. An amazing book from Michael and Stanley, amazing for its contradictions and irony. Michael has always been a master at the craft of songwriting. So,they didnt give him any support. The Rocky River High School and Hiram Thanks for all your help! He played in a band called The Tree Stumps, then Silk, and was able to secure his first record contract in 1969. Add a Memory Send a note, share a story or upload a photo. I was so disappointed that this was the last book in the series, but when I wrote the authors on another matter, they said that there was a new one in the works and it would be out in July in the UK and in October in the US. A good mystery set in Botswana. The 73-year-old rocker - who got sober almost four decades ago - has recalled how he was unable to identify himself from his stage persona, who is famous for wearing signature black eye make-up and parading on stage with snakes around his neck, during his []. I like the Detective Kubu books, but in general feel that they go on and on. Michael Stanley's passing at the age of 64 on Thursday, June 30, 2022 has been publicly announced by Jones-Walton-Sheridan Funeral Home in Cranston, RI. Kubu comes back from a police conference in NY, inspired to find the truth, and restore his prodigious appetite. WNCX later wrote that Stanley had been battling lung cancer for the past seven months "with the same strength and dignity he carried throughout his life.". The beloved musician-turned-DJ had been battling a serious illness for some time, and his former manager and best friend David Spero confirms to 3News the local entertainment legend passed away in his sleep Friday night at the age of 72. We are sad to announce that on February 24, 2023, at the age of 66, Stanley Michael Black of Etters, Pennsylvania passed away. Two years later, "My Town" became the bands second Top 40 hit, peaking at No. Choose from our database of on demand commercial free programs from the past 5 years, classic programs & themed box sets at your convenience! He will have a posthumous album, Tough Room, out later this year. I was literally stunned, said John, upon learning that legendary Cleveland rock and roll star Michael Stanley died Friday of lung cancer. The funeral service will be private, and Stanley will be buried at Lake View Cemetery, the family said. Kubu's father, an aging man in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease, was his hero and they were very close, so imagine his dismay when he is instructed to have nothing to do with the investigation--although he knows on an intellectual level that it is only right and proper. All the characters are well etched. Published: Mar. You don't do that if you're not successful. He passed away August 18, 2020 following a brief battle with cancer. I really, REALLY hope this is not the last in the Detective Kubu series! I mean you felt like you were a part of that album even though you werent.. 33 on the chart. Two years later, My Town became the bands second Top 40 hit, peaking at No. A bright light & warm soul. Michael Stanley, who became known nationally for a radio hit in 1981 but was the very symbol of rock n roll for decades in the city of Cleveland, died Friday at age 72. But all the record companies cared about were the foreign bands they were signing. How come we cant get Michael, too. He was huge in the Midwest Cleveland, Detroit, Pittsburgh. Get our latest storiesin the feed of your favorite networks. I hoped to enjoy this because of the setting of Botswana. Pictured was a head and shoulders shot of Michael Stanley singing into a microphone. But can he? Record executives soon changed his name from Michael Gee to Michael Stanley. Kubu's father is killed and he is told he can't participate in the investigation. WNCX says he will be laid to rest at Lake View Cemetery in a private Cleveland rocker Stanley has died at age 72 after battling lung cancer. Did we reach the level that we wanted to, or that the fans wanted us to? Stanley was enough a part of Cleveland iconography that he appeared as himself on The Drew Carey Show, set in that city. This time, tragedy strikes Asst. Solid Gold Members get 5 years of shows, classic programs & themed box sets, plus weekly show download! PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- If you grew up in the Rust Belt in the 1970's and 1980's, chances are you heard Michael Stanley on your radio at some point. You are a rocker! Michael graduated from Plano Senior High School, and went on to earn his Bachelor's of Business Administration and Finance from Texas Tech University in 2004. A Death in the Family follows on from Deadly Harvest, that I read not so long ago. That was the coolest thing. And I walk out the door, and Im walking down Federal Street, and I realize I never got paid. The rocker was most recognized in the post-Michael Stanley Band years as a local TV and radio broadcaster. (As a solo artist, Stanley recorded for MCA and Tumbleweed, and his first band, Silk, released an album for ABC in 1969, also produced by Szymczyk.) I was literally stunned, said John, upon learning that legendary Cleveland rock and roll star Michael Stanley died Friday of lung cancer. Family and friends are I received an advance e-book copy of A Death in the Family by Michael Stanley directly from the author in exchange for an honest review. Born Michael Stanley Gee, Stanley grew up in Northeast Ohio, graduating first from Rocky River High School and then Hiram College. Superintendent David Kubu Bengu when his own father is murdered. While it was quite an involved mystery and the characters were interesting, I had expected a different approach to crime solving more in touch with the community and more charismatic detective. This latest Detective Kubu Mystery is a gem, although the Botswana assistant superintendent of its CID is one frustrated detective throughout most of the novel. Kubu is such a lovely character. This one felt flat. "We toured seven or eight months out of the year for 13 years. I have a little MP3 player, he said. The Daily News publishes death notices and obituaries on a daily basis for Norfolkans, area residents and former residents. The obituary was It has been important to him to be on air up until recently, because you, his fans, mean that much to him., Stanley left an unreleased album in the can which brought producer Szymczyk back into the fold, more than 50 years after he produced the 1969 album by Silk, followed by a healthy run of records for Stanley and the MSB in the 70s. Stanley's family says in a statement he died Thursday, March 4, 2021, in Cleveland, It was really a lot of us against the world kind of feeling, he said. 3News spoke with David Spero about the life and career of Michael Stanley. WebThe obituary was featured in The Journal on February 28, 2023. It was signed, T.J. In 1974, Stanley formed the band that took his name. Deadline is a part of Penske Media Corporation. CLEVELAND If you grew up in Northeast Ohio in the 1970s and '80s, chances are, Michael Stanley and his band, the Michael Stanley Band, wrote the soundtrack to your formative years. I think that some good edits wouldn't have hurt the story in the least, and could have saved the reader from feeling bogged down midway through the mystery. When his father is stabbed to death, Kubu cannot stay away from the investigation, with his ego trumping common sense. We are sad to announce that on February 24, 2023, at the age of 66, Stanley Michael Black of Etters, Pennsylvania passed away. Even thought this is the fifth book in the series, I do think the books work quite well as stand alone novels. But before the bus pulls out I wanted to thank all of you for being a part of my musical journey.