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Before Motown There Was Ollie

Before Motown There Was Ollie

By: Khaliph Young Moira McLaughlin
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The Ollie McLaughlin Story is a podcast tribute to one of music’s unsung visionaries—a pioneering DJ, concert promoter, and record producer who helped shape the sound of American soul and pop in the 1960s. From discovering Del Shannon and producing the chart-topping “Runaway,” to launching hits for Barbara Lewis, Deon Jackson, and The Capitols, Ollie McLaughlin had an ear for talent and a hand in history. Told through the voices of those who knew him, worked with him, and loved the music he made, this series explores his journey from Mississippi to Michigan, from local DJ to national hitmaker, and his lasting impact on the sound of a generation.

Copyright 2026 All rights reserved. Music
Episodes
  • I am Ollie McLaughlin

    I am Ollie McLaughlin
    May 26 2026

    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.
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    4 mins
  • When Jazz Came to Town

    When Jazz Came to Town
    May 26 2026

    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.
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    9 mins
  • Discovering Del Shannon

    Discovering Del Shannon
    May 26 2026

    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.

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    10 mins
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