(Biography)

Michael (Mike) Kilgore

Mike Kilgore is known as the drummer for the legendary band Black Merda. He has been drumming for Black Merda periodically since 1973. Michael is known for his versatility on the drums and his precise time keeping of staying in the pocket.

Michael Kilgore was born November 29,1951 in Detroit, Michigan. Michael began playing the drums at the early age of 11 years old. He was inspired by many entertainers at a young age but the one entertainer that stuck out the most was James Brown. He remembers the way James Brown would move around on the stage doing his fancy dance routines and ending it with the split.  James Brown would use (2) drummers on most of his shows and every time James Brown would make certain moves, the drummer would accent the moves with him which caught Michael’s attention.

Michael was a self- taught musician until he started High School in Detroit, that’s when he began taking formal lessons on how to read music and learning music theory. He began playing with the high school marching band, the stage band and singing with the choir.    

Michael graduated High School in January of 1970 and was drafted into the armed forces. He spent his tour of duty in the Navy stationed in Hawaii. He started playing with his first professional band while doing his tour of duty.

Since Michael’s return to Detroit after being discharged from the Navy, he has developed a reputation as one of Detroit’s leading show and studio drummers. He has performed with various Local and International Artists such as: Black Merda, Priscilla Price, Chuck CJ Styles, The Contours, Carl Carlton, Rudy Robinson and the Hungry Five, Betty Lavette, Johnny Taylor, T J Hooker Taylor, Albert King, Little Milton, Chic Willis, Cody Black, Earl VanDyke, Gordon Camp, The Holidays, JJ. Barnes, David Ruffins, Sweet James and The Fantastic Four, Beans Bowles and The Graystone Orchestra, The Royal Jokers, etc. and the list goes on and on. Musical productions include Crack-Stepping and the Rhythm and the Blues. Michael has also worked with various Churches and Gospel Groups. He is currently performing with Jackie C and The Detroit Rhythm Band and he also has his own Entertainment Agency (Ashtone Entertainment) and his own Record Label, (Ashtone Records).

































 

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