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Arts, Music & Photography Books > Music Books
Paperback Mingering Mike Book
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ISBN: 156898569X

ISBN13: 9781568985695

Mingering Mike

by
One cold December morning, Dori HadarDJ by night, criminal investigator by daywas digging through crates of records at a flea market in Washington, D.C. There he stumbled into the elaborate world of Mingering Mikea soul superstar of the 1960s and '70s who released an astonishing 50 albums and at least as many singles in just 10 years. But Hadar had never heard of him, and he realized why on closer inspection: every album in the crates was made of cardboard. Each package was intricately crafted, complete with gatefold interiors, extensive liner notes, and grooves drawn onto the "vinyl." Some albums were even covered in shrinkwrap, as if purchased at actual record stores. The crates contained nearly 200 LPs and 45s by Mingering Mike, as well as other artists like Joseph War, the Big "D," and Rambling Ralph, on labels such as Sex Records, Decision, and Ming/War. There werealso soundtracks to imaginary films, a benefit album for sickle cell anemia, and a tribute to Bruce Lee.

Hadar put his detective skills to work and soon found himself at the door of the elusive man responsible for this alternate universe of funk. Their friendship blossomed and Mike revealed the story of his life and his many albums, hit singles, and movie soundtracks. A solitary boy raised by his brothers, sisters, and cousins, Mike lost himself in a world of his own imaginary superstardom, basing songs and albums on his and his family's experiences. Early teenage songs obsessed with love and heartache soon gave way to social themes surrounding the turbulent era of civil rights protests and political upheavalbrought even closer to home when Mike himself went underground dodging the Vietnam War.

In Mingering Mike, Hadar tells the story of a man and his myth: the kid who dreamed of being a star and the fantastical "careers" of the artists he created. All of Mingering Mike's best albums and 45s are presented in full color, finally bringing to the star the adoring audience he always imagined he had.

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Format: Paperback

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Art Arts, Music & Photography Biographies Decorative Arts & Design Design Music

Customer Reviews

5 ratings
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greats stories exist without us knowing!

Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 16 years ago
The first time I hear of either Mingering Mike or Dori Hadar was when they both came to Amsterdam. Dori Hadar gave a lecture in the Academy of Architecture in Amsterdam, following the series theme "Amateurism". This book not only tells of a person's amazing power to create beatiful and original art, but also gathers material which is in itself a world to visit over and over again. I was very pleased to have bought it.

Mingering Mike is That Dude!

Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 17 years ago
I have been following Mingering Mike's intriguing story from the beginning since Dori and Frank discovered Mike's hidden gems. Let me say, I am still nothing short of amazed on this diggin' phenomenon. Top quality stuff here, so don't sleep!

AMAZING BOOK!! BRAVO

Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 17 years ago
I was so excited to finally see Mingering Mike's work in detail- as well as the scoop on this fascinating story. This book delivers- and features all of the charming words and whimsical creativity of a true outsider artist. Much like Henry Darger and his mystique- Mingering Mike's appeal lies in his dedication to his dream and the crafty ways he set out to acquire making it in the music business. The New York Times story on this kept me captivated and now I'm proud to own the final product of all this hard work! Kudos to Hadar and pals who made it possible...and of course mingering mike!

Wow!

Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 17 years ago
What an amazing book! Mingering Mike is a true superstar and Mr. Hadar has done a great job chronicling his (imaginary) career. Can't wait to hear the songs!

Amazing story, great find.

Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 17 years ago
Fascinating story and great publication. This is a must buy for anyone interested in Black Culture and History, Soul Music, folk art and everything having to do with current events in the 60's & 70's. It's like reading a diary from that time with groovy illustrations and intriguing ancedotes. Mingering Mike is a clever, inventive superstar.
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