Before Motown There Was Ollie

Before Motown There Was Ollie features Ollie McLaughlin in his own words. Through archival audio, the visionary behind timeless hits shares his journey from Ann Arbor radio to the studio. This episode captures the personality behind the legacy and the mindset of a tastemaker who shaped a generation. It’s Ollie speaking for himself, reminding us why his influence and voice still matter today.

This episode of Before Motown There Was Ollie explores Ann Arbor’s jazz era, when Ollie McLaughlin and his brother brought legends like Chet Baker, John Coltrane, and Dizzy Gillespie to Michigan. Discover how these iconic performances at local venues laid the foundation for a vibrant scene, shaping the region’s artistic soul and musical impact long before Detroit’s rise on the global stage. Frank Uhle shares his story.

In this episode, Ollie McLaughlin tells how he discovered Del Shannon and helped bring the hit “Runaway” to the world. In a rare 1972 WAAM Radio interview, Ollie speaks with veteran radio personality Bill Bishop about recognizing Shannon’s talent and the push behind getting the record released.  This also includes excerpts from Del Shannon’s Masterpiece: The Story of Runaway, featuring pianist Max Crook reflecting on the recording. 

This episode explores Ollie McLaughlin's groundbreaking radio career in the 1950s. A pioneering DJ on WHRV, he introduced late-night jazz to listeners and created the influential Scooby Doo Club, a youth movement that connected teenagers throughout Ann Arbor. Featuring Bobby McLaughlin, Thomas O'Brien, and Dale Leslie. Audio excerpt from Memories of Ted Heusel featuring Ted Heusel, Bill Bishop, and Steve Filipiak. Courtesy of Dale Leslie. 

This episode recognizes some of the many people who contributed to Ollie's recordings, including arrangers, producers, and musicians. Together, their efforts helped shape the final sound. The episode also touches on the connection between Ollie's recordings and Motown's legendary Funk Brothers. Featuring Dennis Coffey. Audio Excerpt: From Standing in the Shadows of Motown (2002), featuring Johnny Griffith and Eddie Willis.  

This episode features Bobby McLaughlin's reflections on the career of Ollie McLaughlin. To Bobby, Ollie was more than an uncle—he was a music man whose ideas and instincts shaped every aspect of his work. Bobby discusses Ollie's groundbreaking career in radio, his eye for talent, and the keen ear that contributed to his success. 

This episode of Before Motown There Was Ollie features songwriter Sharon McMahon, offering a firsthand look at working with Ollie McLaughlin. Her stories reveal Ollie as a driven leader, highlighting the discipline and vision required for the industry and the creative structure of his inner circle.