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The great boogie woogie pianist,
Bob Seeley taught him his first boogie
woogie bass line at 13 years old!
The rest as they say was history! Mostly self-taught, he spent one year at North Texas State University hanging around some very talented players such as Lyle Mays and many big band jazzers that eventually led to his first recording contract with a country band in Texas.
He then came back to Detroit and had a couple of bands (one with Mark Pasman now host of the motor city blues project for many years) before the New York Express picked him up and within 3 years had an Atlantic recording contract.
Over the last 35 years Mike has produced CD’s, written commercially in all genres of music, arranged and co-written many songs as well. He is giving back now and teaching the teachers, the professionals and the students that want to have a professional or semi-professional career. He enjoys performing the most as detailed in the following history since he moved to Indiana.
After moving to northern Indiana in 1997 he sat in with the Elwood Splinters Blues Band (featuring Ole' Harv of the Blues Revue for the past 26 years) and was asked if he would join their band. Still with them today they celebrated their 20th anniversary CD release at Martha's Midway Tavern on 3/7/09. He has been asked by many fans to do a solo CD which was released on 3/21/2009 at the Phoenix Bar and Grill in Mishawaka, IN. Catch some clips of the new CD "Blue Shores" on his website. Just recently at the Fort Wayne Blues Festival, "Detroit" Mike was invited to play with the great Tommy Castro Band and afterwards Tommy asked if he could call him for future gigs in the region! And that he did inviting Mike to join him in August of 2009 in Grand Rapids at Blues on the Mall and in Auburn Hills, MI at Callahan’s. In Grand Rapids 6000 showed up to celebrate Tommy's new CD.
Although it was hard for Mike to leave so many great musicians and friends in the Indiana area, it didn't take long for the ever popular power trio "The Howlin' Hounds" to pick up Mike as their first ever keyboardist. Look for some very exciting high power entertainment to come from this powerhouse band!
Michael continues to be thankful to his wife, Becky, his family, friends and
the musicians that have believed in him and his playing for the past
35
years.
Testimonials
"Mike is incredibly diverse when creating a deep breadth of music for all occasions. For me, he developed beautiful opening
piece for all my downloadable podcasts. Mike's ear for music and authenticity connects with the person he works with - whether
playing in a group for a crowd or one-on-one as he did for me. Simply - a Great Musician!"
Soleil H.
Founder Stress To Success, YogaBlaze
Mike the music scene here in Michiana will have a big void without you here!
Donald Iain Brockie
Wish you all the luck, happiness, peace and joy.....lord knows you have spread these things to all of us...you will be missed in our music community....and even more so as a friend!
WebRadio Xers
You will be missed! What a selfless, class act, donating your family piano. Good luck!!
Linda Murphy
Listening to Blues review and heard you're leaving?!?!? Say it isn't so?! It was always an honor and pleasure to listen and jam with you!
The music scene in the Michiana area has lost the best keyboard player it ever had. I wish you well in your move, God bless
Mikee Wirt II
Hi Mike,
"Thank you! It was our pleasure working with you. Every single member of the band
told me that you were a class act who did such a great job in such short
notice and was also a lot of fun to work with on stage. I second their comments."
Dennis Stella
Award winning Las Vegas Style Elvis Tribute Artist
(referring to my visit on Gordy Young’s Podcast for his 25th show)
"People loved that show...a bunch of folks have told me it was the
best one they've heard, so that's cool! Anyway...yes, everyone
loved that show...you da man!
thanks again"
Gordy
"Mike is by far one of the most talented musicians I've ever known. As a composer,
arranger, singer and keyboard player he excels with energy, skill, pizzazz and emotion.
Mike is a man of faith, caring and kind. From ballads to gospel to boogie woogie to
the blues, this guy rocks!"
Roger C. Senkbeil
"Mike is an outstanding performer with a wealth of experience under his belt.
I've known Mike to be helpful and kind. The type of person I want to do business with."
Bryan Chris
"I have known and worked with Mike for several years. His ability to produce results
even in the midst of adverse circumstances is a testimony to his professionalism and character."
Cliff West
"I have been aware of Mike Hepner' musical aptitudes since meeting him in Michigan during the
early 1970's. Since then, Mike has honed his talents and developed his abilities as a piano/organ player,
composer, arranger and producer. Not satisfied to confine his music to any one genre, Mike can play blues,
jazz, boogie-woogie, new age and worship music with equal adeptness and feeling. I sincerely endorse
Mike Hepner as a person, and a multifaceted musician."
Steve Gilbert
"We loved the CD! My kids listened to the ENTIRE CD without once
asking me to put in
Justin B. LOL Thank you for the amazing
gift. :)"
Renee Comer Miller
"Mike is a keyboard virtuoso who can play any style with great flair.
He's a professional solo artist, sideman and studio musician."
Bruce Bartlett
Bartlett Recording Studios
"Hi Mike! Wow! What a great time Sunday! It is truly a pleasure sharing a stage with you."
Mike DeHays Bass player with
the Bobby Lee Caldwell Band
"Thanks for jammin' with us last night...you rock!"
Bobby Lee Caldwell
