I've known Mike for so long-50 years-that I know the one thing that eluded him was flat out fame. The sort where you're on the couch chatting with Jay or Dave. He's a great conversationalist on a myriad of topics but he always seemed to be backing a group or person who had either personal problems (Stills and Crosby) or who were so in love with their own fame (Frampton) that he could never get around that. And they probably kept him as their secret voice as that's what he often was.
He's busy as ever, just toured with Taj Mahal. Still has the great voice and the overwhelming talent. One of the most sought after side men in the music industry. It's interesting to think about the people he appeared with who are gone or forgotten but Mike perseveres. Starting with Jimmy Hendrix on to Peter Frampton. How many know that his wife is Candy Finnigan of television fame on the A&E program, "Intervention"?
It is truly sad that is was his only number one hit.. he is a great musician and a great singing talent. He has the chops and his Black and White album had many exceptional songs on it. I unfortunately lost my copy a few years ago and wish I could find another somewhere. I really loved getting to see Mike whenever he was in Wichita and happened to perform somewhere. I grew up there and although he did not come home often enough it was always a pleasure to see and talk with him. Great person
Mike Finnigan is my uncle! i love coming on here and watching his youtube videos and seeing you lovely comments! My dad and his other brother are all GREAT musicians! you see them in the "let me see the light" video which for our family is a crazy historical video. Can't wait for them to sing at my wedding later this year! =]
A great voice and song, a great time in Mike's career. Loved his B/W album. I had the "onceinalifetime" event when he allowed me to sing with him on his opening take while in Wichita during the "ReUnion" promotion thanks to Gary Bussart introducing me backstage to Mike. I mentioned I knew the B/W songs by heart, he said: lets see! After the one song I knew I needed to exit but he smiled and I bowed to him then joined the rest of the crowd in awe. Thanks for the song post; memory & Mike.
Mike used to play with Jerry Hahn around early 70s in the SF bay area. What a strange band for him to be in.... I have this Black & White vinyl that I recently found while cleaning out my garage...thanks for posting.
I grew up in near Wichita, Ks and remember having albums by Mike Finnigan. Later a friend of mine married Jerry Wood. Small world. He did have a great voice. Where is he and what is he doing now days? does anyone know?
Thanks so much for posting this. I think 'Black and White' is one of the all-time great albums, ever, by anyone. It's so sad to me that Mike didn't get the recognition he so much deserved. He's the best rock vocalist I ever heard.
@Brody666Ed it is so great to know that others share my appreciation of Mike. I totally agree that he is one of the finest musicians/singers to ever perform. Check out my favorites for a whole dedicated collection to Mike from YouTube. Thanks for your comment.
I used to follow Mike and his bands around the clubs in Wichita, KS ... when he played at Dearmore's with the Serfs, then later at The Redd Dog Inn when he teamed up with Jerry Wood in Finnigan & Wood. Have followed Mike's career for years. He's one of "the best" in the music industry. For more Finnigan videos check out The Phantom Blues Band, L.A. Blues Alliance, Sad Ass Desert Dogs, DFK, Kal David, and some of Etta James videos (Sugar On The Floor & Rock Me Baby) here on YouTube.
I've known Mike for so long-50 years-that I know the one thing that eluded him was flat out fame. The sort where you're on the couch chatting with Jay or Dave. He's a great conversationalist on a myriad of topics but he always seemed to be backing a group or person who had either personal problems (Stills and Crosby) or who were so in love with their own fame (Frampton) that he could never get around that. And they probably kept him as their secret voice as that's what he often was.
lewtroop 3 months ago
He's busy as ever, just toured with Taj Mahal. Still has the great voice and the overwhelming talent. One of the most sought after side men in the music industry. It's interesting to think about the people he appeared with who are gone or forgotten but Mike perseveres. Starting with Jimmy Hendrix on to Peter Frampton. How many know that his wife is Candy Finnigan of television fame on the A&E program, "Intervention"?
lewtroop 3 months ago
@lewtroop Many thanks for the update on Mike's life. Did not know about his wife. Great information. Thanks again.
Hoops
hoopskmccann 3 months ago
It is truly sad that is was his only number one hit.. he is a great musician and a great singing talent. He has the chops and his Black and White album had many exceptional songs on it. I unfortunately lost my copy a few years ago and wish I could find another somewhere. I really loved getting to see Mike whenever he was in Wichita and happened to perform somewhere. I grew up there and although he did not come home often enough it was always a pleasure to see and talk with him. Great person
rickhammons52 9 months ago
Mike Finnigan is my uncle! i love coming on here and watching his youtube videos and seeing you lovely comments! My dad and his other brother are all GREAT musicians! you see them in the "let me see the light" video which for our family is a crazy historical video. Can't wait for them to sing at my wedding later this year! =]
mollynsmiles 1 year ago
A great voice and song, a great time in Mike's career. Loved his B/W album. I had the "onceinalifetime" event when he allowed me to sing with him on his opening take while in Wichita during the "ReUnion" promotion thanks to Gary Bussart introducing me backstage to Mike. I mentioned I knew the B/W songs by heart, he said: lets see! After the one song I knew I needed to exit but he smiled and I bowed to him then joined the rest of the crowd in awe. Thanks for the song post; memory & Mike.
WilliamAshSTILL 1 year ago
@WilliamAshSTILL Wow-what an experience and what a genuine guy-Classy, friendly and an incredible talent. I envy your experience. Thansk for sharing.
Hoops
hoopskmccann 1 year ago
Mike used to play with Jerry Hahn around early 70s in the SF bay area. What a strange band for him to be in.... I have this Black & White vinyl that I recently found while cleaning out my garage...thanks for posting.
lastrick08 1 year ago
I grew up in near Wichita, Ks and remember having albums by Mike Finnigan. Later a friend of mine married Jerry Wood. Small world. He did have a great voice. Where is he and what is he doing now days? does anyone know?
martluth 1 year ago
check my playlist of youtube videos by Mike.
Enjoy it. thanks for history update-it is a small world.
Hoops
hoopskmccann 1 year ago
The production on this song is incredible. Mike Finnigan has been around the block and is still doing great work.
planatlaw 1 year ago
Thanks so much for posting this. I think 'Black and White' is one of the all-time great albums, ever, by anyone. It's so sad to me that Mike didn't get the recognition he so much deserved. He's the best rock vocalist I ever heard.
Brody666Ed 1 year ago
@Brody666Ed it is so great to know that others share my appreciation of Mike. I totally agree that he is one of the finest musicians/singers to ever perform. Check out my favorites for a whole dedicated collection to Mike from YouTube. Thanks for your comment.
Hoops
hoopskmccann 1 year ago
Matter of fact, you'll find most of those videos on my channel. It's basically devoted to Mike Finnigan's music.
larryinvegas 2 years ago
I used to follow Mike and his bands around the clubs in Wichita, KS ... when he played at Dearmore's with the Serfs, then later at The Redd Dog Inn when he teamed up with Jerry Wood in Finnigan & Wood. Have followed Mike's career for years. He's one of "the best" in the music industry. For more Finnigan videos check out The Phantom Blues Band, L.A. Blues Alliance, Sad Ass Desert Dogs, DFK, Kal David, and some of Etta James videos (Sugar On The Floor & Rock Me Baby) here on YouTube.
larryinvegas 2 years ago
I luv Mike Finnigan. Excellent sound--great job-Thanks!!!!
emsdallas 2 years ago
You are very welcome-will be doing more in near future.
hoopskmccann 2 years ago
Soulful, it gives me a Love Boat feeling.
Termite58 2 years ago