Magnetics Interview

[boba]

Hi. Today on my radio show I interviewed two members of the Magnetics. The Magnetics are the first group I've interviewed from Cabrini Green (the North Side Chicago housing project most famously depicted in the TV sitcom "Good Times"). The group formed in the late 50s and were neighbors and classmates with the Impressions, Billy Butler and the Enchanters, and artists like Major Lance and Jerry Butler. Johnny McKinney was originally from Albion, Michigan and first recorded as a solo artist for Chicago's Mad label in the late 50s and recorded for New York's Clock record label in 1960. Johnny met the Magnetics in the late 60s and became the replacement for their lead who was drafted and killed in Vietnam. The group's first recordings were released in the late 60s on the tiny Sable label out of the South Side of Chicago. The group then cut one more record on Calvin Carter's J-V label (his attempt to revive the Vee Jay label from bankruptcy). Johnny McKinney began working in Milwaukee, and ended up playing on the scene and recording two records there as solo artist Johnny Lemac. Johnny continued to be involved with music and still runs McKinney music on the south side of Chicago, where he sells musical instruments and gives lessons. Andrew Griffin also tells interesting stories about growing up in Cabrini Green. Check out the interview at the bottom of my webpage:

https://www.sittinginthepark.com/interviews.html

Thanks for your interest,

Bob

p.s. thanks to John Anderson for the lead and Chalky for sending me audio files to play during the interview and give to the group members.

[Pete S]

This is brilliant. Can't believe how accurate their memories are, they can remember absolutely everything. Absolutely fascinating listening Bob, really enjoyed it. (Except for you saying "ok" about 2000 times, how about 'right' or 'I see' occasionally )

[Ady Potts]

Great stuff Bob !

Nice to know who the group members & lead singers were on 'When I'm with my baby' & 'Count the days'.

Was a bit surprised at J.McKinneys reaction when you said to him about his most recent release Had someone forgot to mention it to him ?

[Dave Moore]

Hey Bob,

Great job. Just enjoyed the whole interview. Fascinating stuff, thanks for taking the time and trouble with the interviews, they're a 'must do' when the new ones are uploaded. Thanks again.

[Baz Atkinson]

Brillainy insights amd memories this is first class stuff,even put it on my ipod!

BAZ A

[boba]

This is brilliant. Can't believe how accurate their memories are, they can remember absolutely everything. Absolutely fascinating listening Bob, really enjoyed it. (Except for you saying "ok" about 2000 times, how about 'right' or 'I see' occasionally )

Thanks, I guess it's still better than me saying 'uhhhhhhhhh' a million times like I do on my music shows.

[Guest Dan]

That is just fantastic Bob - thanks for posting up

[Pauldonnelly]

fantastic .

[Chalky]

listened to just over a third so far and it's fabulous listening, cheers Bob

[Guest meaty]

listened to just over a third so far and it's fabulous listening, cheers Bob

one time me and a friend tried to count the number of times you said "OK" in an interview Bob.

This Magnetics one is excellent, thanks for posting it

[Robin S]

Superb listening....I'll have "I'll keep holding on" going around in my head for the next week now. Such a sublime haunting masterpiece....

Edited June 25, 2008 by Robin S

[boba]

Superb listening....I'll have "I'll keep holding on" going around in my head for the next week now. Such a sublime haunting masterpiece....

thanks everyone for the feedback, i appreciate it.

[Dylan]

looking forward to listening to this at the weekend.

go your site as one of my favourites got lots of other interviews still to get through as well.