Before Motown There Was Ollie

I am Ollie McLaughlin

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.

When Jazz Came to Town

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.

Dont Touch That Dial

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.

My Time Working for The Man

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.