History of Michael Stanley in Timeline

Michael Stanley was a multifaceted American artist known for his contributions to music, radio, and television. Primarily recognized for his heartland rock music, he achieved regional fame in the 1970s and 1980s, both as a solo artist and with his bands, the Michael Stanley Band (MSB) and Michael Stanley and the Resonators (MS&R). His musical legacy remains particularly strong in his hometown of Cleveland, Ohio, and throughout the American Midwest.

March 25, 1948: Birth of Michael Stanley

On March 25, 1948, Michael Stanley Gee, later known as Michael Stanley, was born. He would go on to become a renowned American singer-songwriter, musician, and media personality.

1966: Michael Stanley Graduates High School

In 1966, Michael Stanley graduated from Rocky River High School.

1969: Silk Releases Album

In 1969, the band Silk, which Michael Stanley was a part of during college, released an album titled "Smooth As Raw Silk" on ABC Records.

1970: Marriage to Libby Hill Blake

In 1970, Michael Stanley married Libby Hill Blake, a teacher.

1970: Michael Stanley Graduates from Hiram College

Michael Stanley graduated from Hiram College in 1970 with a bachelor's degree, having attended on a baseball scholarship.

1973: Michael Stanley's Debut Album and "Friends and Legends"

Michael Stanley released his first solo album, "Michael Stanley," on Tumbleweed Records in 1973, featuring collaborations with notable musicians. Later that year, he released his second album, "Friends and Legends," on MCA Records.

1974: Birth of Twin Daughters

Michael Stanley welcomed twin daughters, Anna and Sarah, in 1974.

1974: Formation of the Michael Stanley Band

The Michael Stanley Band (MSB) was formed in 1974 by Michael Stanley, marking a significant step in his musical career. The band's initial lineup included Jonah Koslen, Daniel Pecchio, and Tommy Dobeck.

July 20, 1979: Record-Breaking Performance at Richfield Coliseum

The Michael Stanley Band set an attendance record at the Richfield Coliseum on July 20, 1979, with 20,320 attendees, solidifying their popularity in the Cleveland area.

1981: Charting Success with "He Can't Love You"

In 1981, the Michael Stanley Band achieved national recognition with their single "He Can't Love You" reaching the Top 40 charts. The song's popularity was further amplified by its music video, which gained significant airplay on MTV.

December 31, 1981: New Year's Eve Record at Richfield Coliseum

On December 31, 1981, The Michael Stanley Band set another attendance record at the Richfield Coliseum with 40,529 fans attending their two-night New Year's Eve concert, further cementing their status as a local phenomenon.

January 1, 1982: New Year's Day Record at Richfield Coliseum

Continuing their New Year's Eve performance, The Michael Stanley Band performed again on January 1, 1982, at the Richfield Coliseum, contributing to their record-breaking attendance for the two-night event.

1982: The Michael Stanley Band Expands

By 1982, the Michael Stanley Band had evolved into a seven-piece group, reflecting the growth and changes in their musical style and direction.

1983: "My Town" Becomes a Hit

In 1983, the Michael Stanley Band released "My Town," which became their last Top 40 hit. This song would later gain significant local recognition.

1985: Joe Walsh Records "Rosewood Bitters"

In 1985, Joe Walsh, who had collaborated with Michael Stanley on his debut album, recorded Stanley's song "Rosewood Bitters," a song that had become a staple in Stanley's performances.

1986: "My Town" Adopted by Ohio State University Marching Band

In 1986, the Ohio State University Marching Band began playing an arrangement of "My Town," further solidifying the song's legacy and its connection to Ohio.

1986: Farewell Shows at the Front Row Theater

Throughout the 1986-87 holiday season, the Michael Stanley Band performed a series of 12 farewell shows at the Front Row Theater in Highland Heights, Ohio, marking the end of their time together as a band.

1987: Michael Stanley Begins Co-Hosting "PM Magazine"

In 1987, Michael Stanley began co-hosting the television show "PM Magazine" on WJW Channel 8, expanding his career into television.

1987: The Michael Stanley Band Disbands

The Michael Stanley Band disbanded in 1987, concluding their journey as a group with a series of farewell concerts in their home base of Cleveland, Ohio.

1990: Michael Stanley Joins WNCX

In 1990, Michael Stanley began working as the afternoon drive disc jockey for the classic rock radio station WNCX in Cleveland, a position he would hold for many years.

1990: Divorce from Libby Hill Blake

Michael Stanley and Libby Hill Blake divorced in 1990.

1990: Transition to "Cleveland Tonight"

Michael Stanley continued his television career on "Cleveland Tonight," the follow-up to "PM Magazine," further establishing his media presence.

1991: First Heart Attack

At the age of 43, Michael Stanley experienced his first heart attack in 1991.

1991: Departure from "Cleveland Tonight"

In 1991, Michael Stanley concluded his time on "Cleveland Tonight," marking a shift in his television career.

1993: Appearance on "The Howard Stern Show"

Michael Stanley made a notable appearance on "The Howard Stern Show" in 1993, performing his song "Rosewood Bitters" live with Joe Walsh.

2000: Divorce from Mary McCrone

Around 2000, Michael Stanley and his second wife, Mary McCrone, a television producer, divorced after eight years of marriage.

2002: Marriage to Denise Skinner

In 2002, Michael Stanley married Denise Skinner, a former marketing staffer.

2004: "Michael Stanley Superstar" Play Premieres

In 2004, a comedic play titled "Michael Stanley Superstar: The Unauthorized Autobiography of the Cuyahoga Messiah" premiered, parodying Michael Stanley's celebrity status in the Cleveland area.

2011: Denise Skinner Passes Away

Michael Stanley's wife, Denise Skinner, passed away in 2011 from cancer.

2017: Marriage to Ilsa Glanzberg

Michael Stanley married Ilsa Glanzberg, an elementary school instructional aide, in 2017.

2017: Prostate Cancer Diagnosis and Second Heart Attack

Michael Stanley was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2017. Later that same year, he suffered a second heart attack and underwent quadruple bypass surgery.

2019: Michael Stanley and the Resonators Continue to Perform

In 2019, Michael Stanley continued to perform with his band, the Resonators, playing numerous shows across the United States, demonstrating his enduring passion for music and connecting with audiences.

March 5, 2021: Death of Michael Stanley

Michael Stanley passed away on March 5, 2021, leaving behind a legacy as a prominent figure in heartland rock, particularly in Cleveland, Ohio, and the Midwest.

2021: Michael Stanley's Passing

Michael Stanley continued his role as a disc jockey for WNCX until shortly before his passing in 2021, demonstrating his enduring commitment to music and radio.