Total freedom to play what you felt, and never a frown or remark (maybe a grin) if you hit a bad note or played something that didn't quite work. Mutual respect and trust in each other as people and musicians.
We made Michael the band spokesman but no one was "leader".
I'm very lucky to have known and played with Michael, Johnn, Dennis, Mark and Mike and consider them as brothers.
Wow. Surprised and happy to see these videos here, and so sad to find out that our brother Michael has passed on. I last saw him in the early '90's, lost track of him and tried many times to find him but couldn't. As Mark said, he was one of the kindest, most genuine and gentle people I've ever known, besides his obvious musical talent and wonderful voice.
Seeing these videos and reading the comments has been so touching. My love to all my brothers of HH and all their family.
Michael... you will always be with me. Always, always, always and forever.Thank you for the most wonderful 40 years of my life. Please leave a light on for me when I see you again.
You guys sound great! I want to thank you so much for posting these. We keep Michael alive in our heart everyday. I feel fortunate to have had him in my life and miss him terribly. This means so much to me.
Just wanted to add that HH was very special.
Total freedom to play what you felt, and never a frown or remark (maybe a grin) if you hit a bad note or played something that didn't quite work. Mutual respect and trust in each other as people and musicians.
We made Michael the band spokesman but no one was "leader".
I'm very lucky to have known and played with Michael, Johnn, Dennis, Mark and Mike and consider them as brothers.
Thanks for posting these, Mark.
Jim Phelps - guitar, fiddle
steelmanjim 2 years ago
Wow. Surprised and happy to see these videos here, and so sad to find out that our brother Michael has passed on. I last saw him in the early '90's, lost track of him and tried many times to find him but couldn't. As Mark said, he was one of the kindest, most genuine and gentle people I've ever known, besides his obvious musical talent and wonderful voice.
Seeing these videos and reading the comments has been so touching. My love to all my brothers of HH and all their family.
steelmanjim 2 years ago
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steelmanjim 2 years ago
Comment removed
steelmanjim 2 years ago
My mom spent the best time of her life with Michael. She asked me to post the comment for him below:
heidibonito 3 years ago
Michael... you will always be with me. Always, always, always and forever.Thank you for the most wonderful 40 years of my life. Please leave a light on for me when I see you again.
Forever,
Rita
heidibonito 3 years ago
Heidi,
Your father was not only very talented, but truely was one of the kindest and genuine persons I'd ever met.
I consider myself very blessed to have been able to make music with him, Dennis, Jim, John and Mike.
Please let all your family and friends know that they too can enjoy some wonderful times once again with Mike Franklin and The Hired Hands.
Regards.
Mark Dalzell / Drums
mdslammer 3 years ago
You guys sound great! I want to thank you so much for posting these. We keep Michael alive in our heart everyday. I feel fortunate to have had him in my life and miss him terribly. This means so much to me.
Thank you,
Heidi (Michael's daughter)
heidibonito 3 years ago