Very few artists have accomplished what Michael Roe has over the last forty years. Between his work with the seminal rock “laboratory” (The 77s,) his membership in a veritable supergroup of unknowns, (The Lost Dogs,) his own solo work, and numerous collaborations (Kerosene Halo with The Choir’s Derri Daugherty for instance,) Roe has made an indelible mark on thousands of hearts and minds. That he has done all of this in relative obscurity is a testament to the deep, spiritual, drive that propels him even when the “system” has let him down. In a fair world, Michael Roe would be a flat-out rock star. It seems someone had better plans for him.

In this “part one” of our two-part feature, Roe talks about his earliest influences as an artist: the record player in his parents’ living room. We get to hear a bit of an extremely rare 1969 record on which a 15-year-old Roe made his recording debut. We hear about the progressive faith community that embraced him and made space for The 77s to emerge. And the True Tunes Jukebox spilled records all over the show. On part 2 Roe will talk about his work with The Lost Dogs, the way his community has shaped him and his work, and what lessons he has learned after four decades in the trenches. We’ll also hear from several of his closest friends and co-laborers about what Mike’s life and work has meant to them.

BUY Michael Roe’s music HERE

Check out our special Spotify Mix of Roe’s music HERE

Don’t forget to check out Michael Roe’s special Jukebox Takeover mix, including over 60 of the most influential records in his life HERE

Find a list of all of the music on this episode on the SHOW NOTES PAGE at TrueTunes.com/Roe1

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@45RPM The Prayer Chain: Backstage in ’18