My Town

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning the heartland rock anthem "My Town" by the Michael Stanley Band, from their 1983 album You Can't Fight Fashion, for all the Zoo Freaks tuning in. This track, a love letter to Cleveland, Ohio, hit #39 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a regional staple, with its gritty celebration of hometown pride resonating deeply. One juicy bit of trivia: the song was reportedly recorded in up to 100 city-specific versions to connect with fans across different locales, though Cleveland remained its heart and soul. The Ohio State University Marching Band has kept the song alive since 1986, blasting it at athletic events as a crowd-pumping tradition. Fans on Reddit have called it a "very good rock anthem," with its fist-pumping chorus—"This town, is my town, alright? Love or hate it, it don’t matter ‘cause I’m gonna stand and fight"—inspiring diehard loyalty, especially among Midwest rockers.

Another cool story comes from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, which honored the song in 1997 with a featured exhibit called "My Town." When Michael Stanley performed an acoustic version there, it was a homecoming moment that had Clevelanders buzzing. Posts on X from 2021, after Stanley’s passing, show fans and institutions like the @rockhall and @TBDBITL sharing tributes, with clips of "My Town" sparking waves of nostalgia. The song’s raw energy, paired with the band’s signature saxophone wails from Rick Bell, made it a standout on You Can't Fight Fashion, which climbed to #64 on the Billboard 200, their highest-charting album. Despite its success, Stanley felt the band was shortchanged by their label, EMI America, who only offered a six-month contract extension, a slight that fueled his resolve to keep rocking independently.

Michael Stanley, born Michael Stanley Gee in Cleveland, Ohio, on March 25, 1948, kicked off his musical journey while juggling a day job. After graduating from Hiram College in 1970 with a bachelor’s degree, where he played baseball on a scholarship, Stanley dabbled in music with a college band called Silk (originally Tree Stumps), dropping an album, Smooth As Raw Silk, on ABC Records in 1969. By day, he managed a record store chain, but his nights were for music. In 1973, he released his debut solo album, Michael Stanley, on Tumbleweed Records, laying the groundwork for his heartland rock sound. Forming the Michael Stanley Band in the mid-1970s, he tapped into Cleveland’s blue-collar spirit, building a cult following with relentless touring and albums that spoke to the working class. Their live shows were legendary, setting attendance records like 74,404 over four nights at Blossom Music Center in 1982.

Stanley’s career wasn’t just about music—he was a beloved radio and TV personality in Cleveland, earning local Emmy awards and the 2012 Cleveland Association of Broadcasters Excellence in Radio Award. Even after the Michael Stanley Band disbanded, he kept creating with groups like the Resonators, playing about 25 shows a year across the Midwest and East Coast. His official website, michaelstanley.com, is a treasure trove of his discography and legacy. Fans can connect on the band’s Facebook page, where memories and tributes flow, or follow Instagram for throwback photos and updates. On X, the account keeps his spirit alive with posts about his music and Cleveland pride.

For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper, fan communities are still active. The Michael Stanley Band Fan Club on Facebook is a lively spot where fans swap stories, share rare photos, and celebrate classics like "My Town." Another group, MSB Forever, keeps the flame burning with discussions about Stanley’s impact on Cleveland’s music scene. While there’s no standalone fan website, platforms like Last.fm offer tracklists and fan reviews, and Discogs is a go-to for collectors hunting vinyl copies of You Can't Fight Fashion. Stanley’s music, especially "My Town," remains a rallying cry for anyone who’s ever fought for their hometown, and the Zoo Crew’s spin is sure to keep the Freaks rocking.