You’d be hard-pressed to think of a rock band from the past 50 years that didn’t draw at least some influence from Detroit’s MC5. As a start, you can put any punk band in that category but their impact stretched far beyond the genre that they helped define.
Wayne Kramer, the band’s co-founder, passed away last week, leaving a legacy of both music and activism. Among his work in the latter category was Jail Guitar Doors, an organization that provides guitars to inmates as a means of supporting rehabilitation. The organization takes its name from a song by The Clash that references Kramer’s own experience serving time in a Federal prison.
Here are a few videos that celebrate Kramer and his impact on society and music. First is a classic and fiery performance by MC5 in Detriot back in 1970 Second is “Professor” Kramer demonstrating how to play that band’s stone cold classic “Kick Out the Jams”. Third is a video showcasing the story of the Jail Guitar Doors organization.
By the way, while looking for the videos below it was hard not to miss the smiles of musicians who have played with Kramer in recent years. Don’t believe me, check out Don Was in the 4th video below as he watches Kramer light the room on fire. “Kick out the jams, mother….!”
About the author: Mild-mannered corporate executive by day, excitable Twangville denizen by night.