Column for January 13, 2005

It is a new year and people are talking about live music and we like that. I am not going to spend time here writing about Jessica Simson or Puff Daddy. They can get press in most any newspaper. Though I should mention my friend, Fox sports radio host JT the Brick, heard nightly here on WDFN am 1130 mentioned on his national radio show, he hoped Detroit would shine musically when we host next years Superbowl. With the rich Motown history and everyone from Bob Seger to Madonna. There should be no excuse.

I had to remind him during the Pistons championship play off game Areatha Franklin lip sinked and our big Thanksgiving Day Lions game featured John Melloncamp from Indiana. Why is it so hard for these big events to get it right? And why not feature musicians with Detroit roots.

OK, back off my soap box I want this column to be about local bands. The ones that may not get mentioned in any paper but this one. I heard from Joe in Seattle who reads the column via the world wide web. He enjoyed hearing about A rlen the former lead singer for Salem Witchcraft, who I dubbed the greatest undiscovered voice in America. Joe agreed that so many great talents never get discovered. One of his favorite musicians was Isiah "Doctor" Ross; He worked for GM in Flint, but did tours in Europe during the summer. Dr. Ross was a country blues artist who got his start with Elvis at Sun studios in the 50's. He loved to play his style of Blues, but couldn't get paid enough cash to make a living at it. So he earned most of this income as a janitor, while he kept on playing the music he loved.

I heard from Sandra Dziedziula a well known singer from Hamtramck. Sandra is promoting the new Jam Rag Family Album featuring 17 local bands. The Delta Children, The Twin Pigs, GNS, Kozmik Krunch, The Foundation and the rest of the bands have the right idea. Promote each other, promote live music from Detroit.

Ms. Dziedziula was also said to report the passing of Eddie Lee. He was a great singer/guitar player in such bands as Texarkana and Changing Wind in the 70s and 80s. He was 62 when he passed.

OK, quickly ten bands to check out in 2005. Ray Street Park, Mango Pie, Brothers Groove, Model Citizen, Cruizen Jupiter, Yankeeville, Rob Roy, Bridge, Which Doctors and Little Sonny Girl. For more info on local bands see local Detroit rock via live365.com, the link page on Bennyandthejets.com or search the bands name on Google.

To reach Ben E. Jet call (313) 730-1627 via e mail benejets@aol.com and see the web sites www.bennyandthejets.com and www.reverendguitars.com.