Michael Quatro

Michael Quatro (born 12 June 1943, Detroit, Michigan, US)[1] is a keyboard player and songwriter who has released eleven albums since 1972.[2] He specializes in keyboard-driven progressive rock.[3] He is also known for his work in the late 1960s and early 1970s as a booking agent and festival promoter, organizing and promoting the 1969 Detroit Black Arts Festival,[4] the 1970 Cincinnati Pop Festival,[5] and the 1970 Cincinnati Summer Pop Festival,[6] the latter of which was broadcast on television as "Midsummer Rock".[7]

Career

Quatro began taking classical piano lessons at 6[8] or 7[9][3] years old. He was known as a child prodigy[10] and studied under Mischa Kottler. As an adolescent he performed with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and would perform regularly on The Lawrence Welk Show.[11] Later he began to mix his classical influences with rock music in the Mike Quatro Jam Band (also known as the Michael Quatro Jam Band), and was known as "The King of Rock and Bach",[12] and the "Bach of Rock".[13] His classically-based, keyboard-driven progressive rock style has been compared to that of Keith Emerson[14] and Rick Wakeman,[15] and Wakeman was influenced musically by Quatro's debut album Paintings during the recording of The Six Wives of Henry VIII. Wakeman informed Quatro that he was his favorite keyboardist during this time, and used some of his Moog synthesizer lines on the album.[16][17] Quatro's rock albums are symphonic and progressive, and feature elements of psychedelia as well as pop-oriented tunes influenced by the Detroit sound. He has been described as a "whirling dervish at the keyboards"[15] and "a melange of Liberace and Rick Wakeman".[18] Quatro was described as "the only American with enough chops on the keyboard to be considered progressive" by the Columbia Spectator.[14] Quatro's music gained popularity in Detroit, Michigan, where he was popular in clubs[19] and received airplay on FM radio.

Quatro is also notable for pioneering the modern usage of the term "jam band" in the psychedelic rock and hippie rock festival scene. His group Michael Quatro Jam Band, used the term as early as 1970[20] on promotional materials for live shows[12] including on promotional materials for the 1970 Cincinnati Summer Pop Festival, as well as their two albums which were released in 1972 and 1973. True to the "jam band" form, Quatro is known for his extended passages and improvisation, often recording his tracks in one take.[3] The term "jam band" had been previously used in the jazz community, of which Quatro was undoubtedly aware as his father Art Quatro was a jazz bandleader.[21][19] However, the Michael Quatro Jam Band is the first known example of a band and promoter capitalizing on the term "jam band" in its modern sense, which has since become synonymous with psychedelic rock festivals.

The Mike Quatro Jam Band's 1972 album Paintings contains the single "Circus (What I Am)", which reached No. 8 on Billboard magazine's Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart[22] and No. 91 on the Cash Box Top 100 Singles chart. The album included a cover version of the King Crimson song "The Court of the Crimson King" sung by Quatro and featuring Ted Nugent on guitar.[23] Paintings also included Quatro's rock adaptation of Rachmaninoff's "Prelude in C-sharp Minor", entitled "Rachmaninoff's Prelude". Lead vocals on the album were handled by John Finely, formerly of Rhinoceros. Quatro's sister Suzi Quatro co-wrote the single "Circus (What I Am)" and "Each Day I Want You More" with Michael, and his sisters Patti Quatro and Nancy Quatro contributed backing vocals to the album. The album cover features psychedelic artwork by artist Brad Johannsen, who also did album covers for Lighthouse.[24] The Canadian Press reviewed Paintings as "ingenious, esoteric, and infectious",[25] and Billboard magazine described it as a "celestial calliope of diverse and lovely components...a uniquely enjoyable album."[26] Mike Quatro Jam Band debuted the release of Paintings with a live performance of the album with the Kansas City Symphony on February 13, 1972.[27][28]

The Michael Quatro Jam Band's 1973 album Look Deeply Into the Mirror also featured guitarist Ted Nugent on the song "Won't You Come Away".[29] Michael's sister, The Pleasure Seekers/Cradle guitarist Patti Quatro, wrote the song "Won't You Come Away", and co-wrote every other song on the album except for "Prelude in Ab Crazy", which was written by Michael. Aside from Ted Nugent's contribution, Patti played all the guitar on the album. After co-producing Look Deeply Into the Mirror with Michael,[30] Patti Quatro left the Michael Quatro Jam Band to join Fanny. The album cover for Look Deeply Into the Mirror was also done by artist Brad Johannsen.[31]

Quatro's third album, In Collaboration with the Gods, was the first album he recorded as a solo artist, and featured Rick Derringer on guitar and Flo & Eddie (Mark Volman and Howard Kaylan) from The Turtles on vocals.[32] In Collaboration with the Gods was reviewed by The Sydney Morning Herald as "a schematic masterpiece",[33] by The Pittsburgh Press as "a bountifully imaginative, well-executed piece",[34] and by the Spokane Daily Chronicle as "imaginative rock".[35]

Quatro's 1976 album Dancers, Romancers, Dreamers & Schemers features the track "Pure Chopin", a rock adaptation of Frédéric Chopin's "Nocturne in E♭ major, Op. 9, No. 2" which was reviewed as "spirited; melodic; romantic, and...awe-inspiring".[36] The track "Rollerbach" features Ray Parker Jr. on guitar, and Quatro's "Adagio" features Bobby Womack on guitar. David Surkamp of the progressive rock band Pavlov's Dog contributes narration vocals on the track "Ancient Ones". Patti Quatro sings harmony vocals on the album. The album also features the track "Stripper", which has been heavily sampled in hip-hop by artists including Amerie feat. Nas,[37] and the Madd Rapper,[38] among others.

Quatro's 1977 album Gettin' Ready features guitar from Ray Parker Jr.,[39][40] Jerry Cole of The Wrecking Crew, and Patti Quatro. Gettin' Ready features contributions from studio musician Don Randi, also of the Wrecking Crew, who did the horn and string arrangements and played additional keyboards. Michael Boddicker did the synthesizer programming, Reggie McBride played bass, and background vocals were contributed by Susie Allanson and Patti Quatro, among others. Gettin' Ready features a cover version of the Phil Lynott's Thin Lizzy song "Wild One", and a cover of the Russ Ballard song "I'm Winning" several years before Santana had a hit with it.

Quatro has sold 20 million records worldwide.[3]

Quatro is an independent entertainment executive and the older brother of musician Suzi Quatro. When record producer Mickie Most was in Detroit, Michael persuaded him to see Cradle featuring his sisters Suzi, Patti, Arlene and Nancy, as he was their manager at the time. Most waited for Cradle to break up before signing Suzi as a solo act.[41]: 76–79  As a result, she became the first female bass player to become a major rock star.[42]: 2 [43] After Cradle broke up, Patti Quatro joined the Mike Quatro Jam Band as guitarist and co-produced his 1973 album Look Deeply into the Mirror.[44] Quatro was also the booking agent for MC5.[45]

Quatro is still making music and as of 2010 was still promoting Detroit musical acts.[6]

Discography

Albums

  • 1972: Paintings (Evolution) as Mike Quatro Jam Band
  • 1973: Look Deeply into the Mirror (Evolution) as Michael Quatro Jam Band
  • 1975: In Collaboration with the Gods (United Artists) - AUS #73[46]
  • 1976: Dancers, Romancers, Dreamers, & Schemers (United Artists)
  • 1977: Gettin' Ready (Prodigal Records, a Motown label)
  • 1980: The Selections Of Paintings (Koala, a Tennessee label) 1979 re-recordings of the Painting album
  • 1980: Into The Mirror (Koala) 1979 re-recordings of the Look Deeply Into The Mirror album
  • 1980: Selections of Dancers, Romancers (Koala) 1979 re-recordings of the Dancers, Romancers, Dreamers & Schemers album
  • 1980: It's Only A Love Song (Koala) as Mike Quatro; remixed reissue of Gettin' Ready
  • 1980: Mirage (Koala) as Mike Quatro, mini-album of new songs; also released as Michael Quatro Band with added previously released tracks (Quality Records)
  • 1981: The Best of Mike Quatro (Koala) as Mike Quatro
  • 1981: Bottom Line (Spector International Records)
  • 1995: Vision (Quatrophonic Music USA)
  • 2004: Romantic/Classical/New Age (Quatrophonic Music USA)
  • 2005: The Shadow of the King (Reiwan)
  • 2006: Heavenward (Reiwan)

Singles

  • 1972: "Circus (What I Am)"/"Time Spent in Dreams"
  • 1973: "Natural Way"
  • 1973: "Tomorrows"
  • 1995: "Song of the Sea"

References

  1. ^ "Michael Quatro". JazzRockSoul.com. 21 January 2018. Retrieved 20 March 2026.
  2. ^ Ankeny, Jason. "Biography: Michael Quatro". AllMusic. Retrieved 2 June 2010.
  3. ^ a b c d "MICHAEL QUATRO". Prog Archives. Retrieved 25 July 2021.
  4. ^ Morris, Julie (7 November 1969). "Acts Billed Didn't Appear". The Detroit Free Press. p. 3. Retrieved 25 March 2026.
  5. ^ Nicholson, John (29 September 2025). "Counterculture History; Cincinnati Pop Festival March 1970". DJTees. Retrieved 20 March 2026.
  6. ^ a b Powers, Brian (9 June 2010). "A Summer to Remember". Cincinnati CityBeat. Retrieved 20 March 2026.
  7. ^ Simms, Greg Jr. (27 February 2023). "Airwaves- The Cincinnati 1970 Midsummer Rock TV show is far out". WYSO. Retrieved 20 March 2026.
  8. ^ "Mike Quatro Lets it All Hang Out - Issue 95, December 26, 1969-January 7, 1970 - Fifth Estate Magazine". Detroit Fifth Estate. 26 December 1970. Retrieved 22 March 2026.
  9. ^ Kiley, Kayla (21 August 2009). "Michael Quatro rocks Evart on Saturday". Cadillac News. Retrieved 21 March 2026.
  10. ^ Rodriguez, Juan (26 July 1975). "Michael Quatro: Reaching Out to Sell". Montreal Gazette. p. 40. Retrieved 28 May 2026.
  11. ^ "CTVA US Music Variety - "Lawrence Welk's Little Band" (ABC) (1958-59)". ctva.biz. Retrieved 22 March 2026.;"CREEM | ROCK AND ROLL NEWS". Creem Magazine www.creem.com (May 1970). 1 May 1970. Retrieved 22 March 2026.;"The Lawrence Welk Show". TV Guide. Retrieved 22 March 2026.;"Mike Quatro- Teen Pianist". IMDb. Retrieved 22 March 2026.
  12. ^ a b Simpson, Bob (13 February 2013). "Cock Rock: The Rape of Our Culture". Washington Area Spark. Retrieved 28 March 2026.
  13. ^ Bernas, Ronald J. (14 November 1991). "Maybe This Time-Two Singers Vie for Stardom" (PDF). Grosse Pointe News. pp. 9B. Retrieved 6 June 2026.
  14. ^ a b Gaines, Jr., Norman E. (6 March 1975). "Third Stream Albums Offset Dearth of Rock Originals". The Columbia Spectator. pp. 8–9. Retrieved 2 June 2026.
  15. ^ a b Burley, Ted (2 May 1980). "Quatro Wins Fans with Self-Promotion". Montreal Gazette. p. 52. Retrieved 28 May 2026.
  16. ^ Schaal, Hans-Jürgen (3 May 2023). "The Six Wives Of Henry VIII". Fidelity Magazine. Retrieved 10 June 2026.
  17. ^ Mayer, Ira (1 February 1975). "New York Central" (PDF). Record World. p. 12. Retrieved 10 June 2026.
  18. ^ Rodriguez, Juan (24 December 1976). "Mascouche to Buffalo: A Dry, Dry Run Indeed". Montreal Gazette. p. 31. Retrieved 28 May 2026.
  19. ^ a b Ankeny, Jason. "Michael Quatro Songs, Albums, Reviews, Bio & M..." AllMusic. Retrieved 28 March 2026.
  20. ^ Jannett, Resa (8 July 1970). "Events Calendar". The Fifth Estate. Retrieved 29 May 2026.;"Mini-Rock Festival set for Dec. 29". The Windsor Star. 18 December 1970. p. 6. Retrieved 29 May 2026.;Alexander, Betsy. "Some Heavy Music at The War Memorial". The War Memorial. Retrieved 1 June 2026.
  21. ^ Graff, Gary (25 April 2012). "First Real Women Rockers Pleasure Seekers/Cradle Honored by Detroit Music Awards WITH VIDEO". New Haven Register. Retrieved 2 June 2026.
  22. ^ "Evolution Album Discography". www.bsnpubs.com. Retrieved 3 June 2026.
  23. ^ "Mike Quatro Jam Band - Paintings". Discogs. 1972. Retrieved 31 May 2026.
  24. ^ Hardwig, Florian (5 March 2020). "Lighthouse – Thoughts of Movin' On album art". Fonts In Use. Retrieved 2 June 2026.;"LIGHTHOUSE – One Fine Morning anniversary 2 LP reissue". Outsider Rock. 7 November 2025. Retrieved 2 June 2026.
  25. ^ Bennett, Michael (1 June 1972). "The Music Box: Crazy Quilt Mixes on Albums (Out of the Bubble Machine)". The Star-Phoenix. p. 3. Retrieved 28 May 2026.
  26. ^ "Album Reviews". Billboard. 11 March 1972. p. 78. Retrieved 1 June 2026.
  27. ^ "Quatro Bows Evolution LP". Billboard. 18 March 1972. p. 47. Retrieved 3 June 2026.
  28. ^ Ed, Easy (22 November 2019). "Kansas City's Cowtown Ballroom: 1971-1974". The Real Easy Ed. Retrieved 3 June 2026.
  29. ^ "Michael Quatro Jam Band - Look Deeply Into The Mirror". Discogs. 1973. Retrieved 31 May 2026.
  30. ^ "The History – P&C Music". www.pandcmusic.co.uk. Retrieved 3 June 2026.
  31. ^ "Brad Johannsen". Discogs. Retrieved 2 June 2026.
  32. ^ "Michael Quatro - In Collaboration With The Gods". Discogs. 1975. Retrieved 31 May 2026.
  33. ^ Parker, Mike (19 November 1976). "The Rock Release: Clever Harry Chapin". The Sydney Morning Herald. p. 7. Retrieved 28 May 2026.
  34. ^ Bishop, Pete (27 April 1975). "Quatro 'Symphony' Highly Imaginative". The Pittsburgh Press. Retrieved 28 May 2026.
  35. ^ Griffin, Donnie (8 May 1975). "DISCritique: The O-Jays, Area Top LPs". The Spokane Daily Chronicle. p. 26. Retrieved 28 May 2026.
  36. ^ Obbagy, Bill (1 April 1976). "Live in Concert". Scene Entertainment Weekly. p. 14. Retrieved 2 June 2026.
  37. ^ "Amerie feat. Nas's 'Man Up' - Discover the Sample Source". WhoSampled. Retrieved 28 March 2026.
  38. ^ "The Madd Rapper's 'Dot vs. TMR' - Discover the Sample Source". WhoSampled.
  39. ^ "1977 Michael Quatro – Gettin' Ready | Sessiondays". Sessiondays. 30 May 2025. Retrieved 30 May 2026.
  40. ^ "Michael Quatro - Gettin' Ready". Discogs. 1977. Retrieved 31 May 2026.
  41. ^ Quatro, Suzi (2008) [First published 2007]. Unzipped (Paperback). London, UK: Hodder & Stoughton. ISBN 978-0-340-93751-8.
  42. ^ Auslander, Philip (28 January 2004). "I Wanna Be Your Man: Suzi Quatro's musical androgyny". Popular Music. 23 (1). United Kingdom: Cambridge University Press: 1–16. doi:10.1017/S0261143004000030. S2CID 191508078. Archived from the original (PDF) on 1 April 2012. Retrieved 29 April 2012.
  43. ^ "BBC Queens of British Pop, Suzi Quatro - David Jensen film clip 2009". BBC. London, UK. Retrieved 29 April 2012.
  44. ^ Leighty, Sam. "Perfect Sound Forever: The Pleasure Seekers". furious.com. Retrieved 3 April 2026.;Ceriotti, Bruno. "The Pleasure Seekers - Cradle". Bruno Ceriotti, rock historian. Retrieved 3 April 2026.
  45. ^ Sinclair, John (17–30 October 1968). "Rock and Roll Dope - Issue 64, October 17-30, 1968 - Fifth Estate Magazine". The Fifth Estate. No. 64. Retrieved 3 April 2026.
  46. ^ Kent, David (1993). Australian Chart Book 1970–1992 (illustrated ed.). St Ives, N.S.W.: Australian Chart Book. p. 243. ISBN 0-646-11917-6.
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