Remembering Michael Stanley
• Cleveland’s own Michael Stanley, who fronted his own popular Michael Stanley Band for decades and who most recently had been doing afternoons on Entercom Classic Rock 98.5 WNCX/Cleveland, died Friday, March 5 after a battle with lung cancer. He was 72. A statement from Stanley’s family read, in part, “Michael battled lung cancer for seven months with the same strength and dignity he carried throughout his life. He will always be remembered as a loving father, brother, husband, a loyal friend, and the leader of one of Cleveland’s most successful rock bands.”
Indeed, Stanley, whose given name was Michael Stanley Gee, enjoyed a Top 40 hit in 1981 with “He Can’t Love You,” but his band had been hugely popular in the region for many years. As reported by Variety, the severity of Stanley’s illness became public knowledge in February when he took a leave of absence from WNCX and the station released a statement requesting prayers for his family.
Greg Harris, President & CEO of Cleveland’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, issued a statement on Stanley’s passing, aptly describing him as a “local treasure.” The statement continued, “Michael was our city’s most beloved musician, songwriter and rocker. His heartland music resonated with legions of listeners, and his concerts set attendance records and took on mythic proportions. Even more importantly, Michael’s songs spoke to our hearts. As fans we adored and revered him, and in return he loved us right back. The energy of his music and its ability to bring people together helped to make Cleveland the Rock and Roll Capital of the World, and it galvanized the community to rally together and make our city the home of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. We will miss Michael dearly.”
Shortly before his passing, Stanley shared a farewell letter, posted to the WNCX website, that read, “Hey gang… Well, if you’re reading this then I am off to catch up with that big club tour in the sky. But before the bus pulls out I wanted to thank all of you for being a part of my musical journey… Somebody once said that if you love your job then it’s not really work. And if that’s true (and I definitely think it is) then I have been happily out of work for over 50 years!” The letter concluded, “Sure, it would have been nice if this had all lasted a bit longer but my time on this mortal coil has been blessed with great family, friends and coworkers and you can’t ask for much more than that!… Take care of yourself and each other and remember, now more than ever: It’s your world… pay attention! Peace.”
Stanley will be laid to rest at Lake View Cemetery in a private service. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory can be made to the Cleveland Food Bank and/or the Cleveland Animal Protective League.
