“I don’t know why but sometimes it seems I like stories behind music more than the actual music itself. And this story might be one of the most incredible I have ever red.”

Between 1968 and 1977, Mingering Mike was one of the most prolific singer, songwriter, designer, producer, manager and promoter in the Washington DC musical scene. He was a one man corporation who produced more than 50 albums in a decade. Except that most of this only existed in Mike’s imaginary world. Very few people knew about his artistic output.

Some 25 years after he retired from show dreamness, his lost album collection has been discovered on a flea market by record collectors Dori Hadar and Frank Beylotte.

Suddenly everybody wanted to know more about this mysterious outsider artist leading to an internet craze, an article in the New York Times, exhibitions, a book and even a “real” record featuring two of Mike’s unreleased tracks.

A few weeks ago, Cynthia Jo, a regular visitor of this laid back website, met Dori Hadar in an airport on her way to Austin, TX where Mingering Mike was supposed to host a whole day of shows. And she immediately thought it would be a good idea for us to host a Mingering Mike Soul mix in our radio show.

Soon after we received two cd’s full of Mike’s favorite soul tracks from the period (1967-75) and a couple of letters with Mike’s comments on his choices.

Thanks to Cynthia Jo, Dori and Mike for making this possible.

Mingering Mike - Soul Show

Liner notes were slightly adapted. Check Mingering Mike’s original comments.

Arthur Conley - Funky Street (1967)
When I first heard this song, wow, it was full of energy. The music, the horn arrangement… wow wee wow wow

Gene Chandler - Nothing can stop me (1967)
With such a style, how will it carry over the next 2-5-10-15-20 years?

The Staple Singers - You’ve got to earn it (1971)
Most of the time when an artist releases a song, nobody can come close to the original version. Mavis Staples did, one laid back and cool lady.

Sly and the Family Stone - Family affair (1971)
From the first I was hooked and Sly kept my interest because he’s so gifted. How should I describe those lyrics… amazing, just amazing.

Wilson Pickett - Get me back on time / engine numbe nine (1970)
This music is great!

The Honey Cone - One monkey don’t stop no show (1972)
I prefer the full length version but it’s still a great song. The bongos, the horns, … man!

Crown Eight Affair - Dancin’ (1972)
When you do good music there’s always someone to copy your style but just hint different. The drums are so good.

Smokey Robinson - Coincidentally (1975)
The music and the funky it took to sing it. Out of sight. I didn’t know he had it in him.

Brenda and the Tabulations - Right on the tip of my tongue (1971)
I wasn’t in love but the way she sings it made me feel like she was singing for me.

Otis Redding - (Sittin on) the dock of the bay (1968)
When you like people you never dream that one day they could be gone, never to be seen again. But it is a little easier to bare when they give you a part of them before leaving. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Otis Redding.

Betty Wright - Baby Sitter (1973)
Some songs are so real you have to pay attention. Simple but to the point.

Barbara Streisand - Sweet Inspiration / Where you lead (1972)
Liked her singing but that night on TV she blew me away.

The Archies - Sugar Sugar (1969)
Studio performers with a hit song. But who are they really?

The Temptations - Run away child running wild (1969)
Great from start to finish. Just great.

Iron Butterfly - In a gadda da vida (1968)
What the heck am I listening to! One late night the radio station played it and I was hooked… Man I was hooked!

Further reading, listening and watching:

Watch Mike’s interview at SXSW in Austin, TX.

Be sure to visit Mike’s website - Dori Hadar authored the book “Mingering Mike: The Incredible Career of an Imaginary Soul Superstar” - Vanguard Squad released the first ever Mingering Mike record: “There’s Nothing Wrong With You Baby (parts 1 & 2)” - Here are the letters and CD’s we received from Mike through Dori.