Scott Morgan is the former frontman and founding member of The Rationals, a popular Ann Arbor-based rock band that saw success in the mid-1960s and early 1970s with "Guitar Army," "I Need You," and their cover of Otis Redding’s “Respect." The Rationals played regional and national venues with groups like The Yardbirds, The Who, and Jimi Hendrix. After the group disbanded in the early 1970s, Scott founded and performed with other bands, including Guardian Angel, Scots Pirates, Sonic’s Rendezvous Band, the Hydromatics, and The Hellacopters. Scott talks with us about growing up in Ann Arbor during the 1960s and the region’s heady music scene during this period; his friendships and collaborations with area musicians such as Iggy Pop, Scott Asheton, Bob Seger, and Fred “Sonic” Smith. He also recalls some favorite Ann Arbor venues and how the local music scene has changed.

The Scott Morgan Collection comprises photographs, documents (including posters, postcards, and flyers) from the past 60 years, music from Scott's record collection, and a scrapbook from a fan of The Rationals. We also have news clippings and The Rationals: "Ann Arbor's Beatles," a 1991 interview with Scott Morgan and Bill Figg, by Frank Uhle.

Jim King is the owner of King's Keyboard House, which was established in 1961 by his father, Richard. Jim grew up surrounded by music, which led to him performing at iconic venues including Bimbo's On The Hill and The Second Chance with his bands. He shares stories of maintaining a longstanding local business and the legendary performers they've supplied.

Gregory Sipp is a retired Ann Arbor Public School teacher with a 35-year career teaching at both the elementary and middle school levels, first at Bryant Elementary, then Allen Elementary, and finally Tappan Junior High (now Tappan Middle School). In his 50s, Greg discovered a passion for mosaic art and dedicated himself to studying the medium and creating portraits, which he still does today. In this episode, Greg chronicles his early years as a teacher in the Ann Arbor Public Schools, highlighting encounters with mentors and colleagues, and the impact of school desegregation. He also takes us on his journey as an artist, discussing several of his mosaic works, the influence of jazz music on his creative process, and a memorable encounter with trumpeter and composer Terence Blanchard.

Robert and Patty Creal, married 63 years this summer, are both board members for the Washtenaw County Historical Society with deep family roots in the Ann Arbor area. In this wide-ranging interview, Bob, a retired lawyer, and Patty, a former teacher, talk about their parents' and grandparents' Ann Arbor. They also paint a vivid portrait of Ann Arbor during the 1940s and 1950s with stories of growing up on opposite sides of town during the World War II era of rationing and Victory Gardens to a courtship involving no less than two iconic Ann Arbor institutions. Bob also discusses the signal achievements of his father, Cecil O. Creal, who served as mayor of Ann Arbor from 1959-1965.

Paul is an award-winning jazz saxophonist, flutist, and vocalist who got his start in Ann Arbor in 1972 as an accompanist at the University of Michigan Dance Department. Over the past four decades, Paul has played in numerous configurations and venues worldwide. He talks with us about the jazz scene in Ann Arbor in the early years, some of his favorite local venues -- past and present, reminisces about some of the many musicians he's played with, and the many changes he's witnessed in Ann Arbor over the years.

In this episode AADL Talks to Vicki Honeyman. A woman of many talents and interests, Vicki spent 15 years as director of the Ann Arbor Film Festival after years of involvement in the University of Michigan’s film societies. She owned the store Heavenly Metal for 18 years, and continues her decades-long career cutting hair. Vicki tells us about balancing all of her roles and interests, fueled by her love of curation in all forms.

Tommy York, owner of the popular eatery York Food and Drink, started his career with Espresso Royale, eventually transitioning to Zingerman’s community of businesses. After several years, he joined partner Matt Morgan to open Morgan and York. Tommy talks with us about his background in social work and how it shaped the evolution of his business; some of the many personal and professional challenges he’s faced over the years, and how he learned from mentors along the way to put people before profit.

In this wide-ranging conversation, local radio personality and cultural historian, arwulf, recalls the many Ann Arbor institutions, icons, and events that shaped his life. He discusses the impact of Ann Arbor’s counterculture during his youth in the late 1960s, from an early introduction to 1950s-1960s blues, rock, and jazz; psychedelia in its many forms; and Ann Arbor's anti-war movement, to his artistic awakening through film, theater, art, and radio. He also shares memories of his interactions with members of the Rainbow People's Party, his work as a Psychedelic Ranger during the legendary Ann Arbor Blues and Jazz Festivals, and Ann Arbor’s experimental alternative education movement.

Dick Siegel is an Ann Arbor singer-songwriter and musician who has written and performed regionally and nationally for over 40 years. In this episode, Dick talks with us about his musical influences and how a cross-country road trip and open mic nights at the Ark inspired him to start writing his own songs. Dick also sings some of his favorite lyrics for us and discusses how they were inspired by friends, family, neighbors, or -- as in the song “Angelo’s” -- a beloved local restaurant.

Check out Dick’s records at AADL. You can also watch his 2006 discussion on The Fine Art of Songwriting.

Hiawatha Bailey lived in one of the legendary Hill Street houses at 1510 and 1520 Hill Street where he was a member of the Trans-Love Commune, the White Panther Party, and later the Rainbow People’s Party. In this episode, Hiawatha traces his political awakening and community activism in Ann Arbor’s countercultural heyday during the late 1960s and shares stories of living and working in the commune, including the day he hung up on Yoko Ono and got a follow-up call from John Lennon. He also takes us through his musical journey as a roadie for the local rock band The Up and Detroit's Destroy All Monsters to founding his own punk band, Cult Heroes.