Michigan Music History Podcast -- MMHP989 · Scott Baker, Gary Johnson, Fred Reif, Mike Beattie

Michigan Music History Podcast-Greg Nagy: The Veteran Root Doctor Of The Blues Part 2 of 2

·1 hr 14 min·5 clips

Greg Nagy's hit song 'Stranded' was originally a reject from blues legend Robert Cray.

This episode features blues musician Greg Nagy in conversation with hosts Scott Baker, Dr. J, Fred Reif, and Mr. Mike at the Michigan Rock Legends Hall of Fame. Nagy discusses his new album "The Real You" and his extensive career within Michigan's music scene. The hosts engage Nagy on his musical influences, recording processes, and collaborations with notable artists. Nagy reveals his song "Stranded" was originally a reject for Robert Cray, given to him by songwriter Jeff Paris. He explains he deliberately added "Crayisms" to the guitar outro as a tongue-in-cheek nod. His new album was recorded at Sound Shop Studio in Macomb with Motor City Josh and a band including bassist John Baron and drummer Todd Glass. Nagy details co-writing the title track "The Real You" with Jeff Paris and recording vocals with producer Simeo, who has worked with Lenny Williams and L.J. Reynolds. He performed a duet of "Don't Let Me Down" with Thornetta Davis after they previously sang it at a benefit. Nagy covers songs like "Crazy" by Gnarls Barkley, aiming for an Al Green groove, and Brandi Carlile's "The Joke," focusing on lyrical phrasing. He also interprets Bob Seger's "Come to Poppa," a song originally by Etta James, with horn player Keith Kaminski. A surprising moment involves Nagy's story about Miles Davis asking Etta James if she knew Albert Collins in the back of a limo. He shares a humorous fan encounter with Albert King at Sully's in Dearborn, where a friend joked about unplugging the monitor. Nagy recounts tracking a song with Peter "Madcat" Ruth and Ray Goodman live in his basement, calling it the easiest and cheapest song on the record. He describes vocal advice from Jeff Paris about yawning to hit high notes and improve tone. Nagy explains his strategy of recording covers to act as a "welcome mat" for new listeners to discover his original music. The tone is casual and conversational, filled with insider stories and mutual respect among musicians. The style is interview-based and educational, delving into music history, technique, and the realities of the music business. Blues and roots music fans, especially those interested in the Michigan scene, will appreciate the deep dive into Nagy's career and connections. Listeners who enjoy behind-the-scenes stories about recording and touring will find this engaging. Those preferring a highly structured narrative or topics beyond classic blues and R&B might find it less compelling.

As heard by us

A warm Michigan blues chat that moves from memory toward what comes next.

Greg Nagy part two stays with a musician whose time is split between the road, The Real You, and the Michigan scene he keeps circling back to.

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Why you'd press play

Press play if you want a blues musician talking road life and Michigan music history.

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