Mike Messer - Wilson McKinley Interview

Born in Wisconsin before re-locating to Spokane, WA where he would later meet his future bandmates of the very influential “Christian Rock” group Wilson McKinley. Prior to joining the band, Messer participated in groups such as Merchants and The City Council before joining Wilson McKinley towards the end of the summer of love in ‘67. Messer’s youth was influenced by the likes of Hank Williams, Elvis Presley, Patsy Cline, Brenda Lee and many others. In this interview we explore the creative approach of the band as well as their writing and receding process, the overall vision of the music, the elements of religion coexisting with a rather drug fueled, war driven decade and much much more!

Are you originally from Spokae, WA? When did you first begin to fall in love with music? Was this something that was relevant around your households growing up? Do you have any siblings?

I was born in Antigo, Wisconsin in 1949. Moved to Winthrop Harbor, Illinois in 1951. Then to Spokane, Washington in 1960. I loved music very early on since I can remember. My parents listened to country music on the radio. I had 9 uncles on my dad’s side who played gospel country in their group, The Gospel Starlighters. I wanted a guitar at 5 years of age, but dad waited until I was 9 to get me a Sears Silvertone acoustic. I have 1 brother, and 3 sisters.

Who were some of your earliest influences? When and where did you see your first concert and when did it dawn on you that you wanted to be a musician? An artist. When and where did you play your first gig and what was that experience like for you?

My earliest influences were Hank Williams, Elvis Presley, Patsy Cline, Brenda Lee, and especially Ricky Nelson. I saw my first concert when I was 16. It was Gary Lewis And The Playboys at the Spokane Armory. I wanted to be a musician for as long as I can remember. My first gig was with my band The Beat Merchants at a house party. I was thrilled, and we were paid $25.

Did you participate in any groups prior to Wilson McKinley? Before the band became Wilson McKinley, it was called The CA Poppy Pickers, but you weren't with them at this time, correct? How did you initially meet your bandmates Randy Wilcox, Tom SLipp and Jim Bartlett? When and where did you guys first get together to jam and what was that experience like? What initially led to the decision to put the band together?

I played with “Merchants” for over a year, then joined The City Counsel for 6 months before joining the Wilson McKinley in August of 1967. I also played for the Sound Transfusion off and on when the McKinley didn’t have gigs. The Ca. Poppy Pickers wasn’t a band. Alshire Records released albums under that name of copycat hit records by other artists. When we went to Los Angeles our producers (Former members of Paul Revere and The Raiders Drake Levin and Phil Volk) had us record 15 songs to sell to Alshire for extra money to help pay for our own single that we released in early 1970. “Blues Go Home” When I See Her Smile” and “Last One Asleep.” Randy and I split from the other 2 members, Dick Pratt, and Bill Superak in September 1968. We got Don Larson to sing and play Bass. Our 3 part vocals were very tight and inspirational. We were all songwriters which was a plus. We got Steve Leinen on drums and Rich Hanes on guitar. They stayed with us for 3 months then moved on. In December of ‘68 we called Tom Slipp who was in the Electric Train in Tacoma, Wa. To invite Him to Join. He agreed and we kept that lineup until June of 1970. Having gone into the Jesus Movement ministry Don Larson bowed out, so we called Jim Bartlett in Lewiston, Idaho who was in a band called, Sleepy John. He readily agreed to join. That was the beginning of our ministry days. We all got along very well. Our sessions spawned many songs, and was very inspiring, especially after being filled with the Holy Spirit. People were coming to Christ constantly at our concerts.

Tell me about writing and recording the band’s debut album “On Stage” in ‘70. What was the process of creating that album as well as the overall approach? This album was recorded live at the Pender Auditorium in Vancouver, correct? Would you mind giving some background to songs such as “Children Of The King”, “Trouble Maker” and “Come by Here”?

The “On Stage” recordings were made without our knowledge on a 2 track Sony reel to reel by Carl Park’s brother Don. We had only written a few songs when that outreach was planned. “Children Of The King” was written shortly before we went there. Jim wrote the lyrics and sang lead. “Troublemaker” was by another artist released in the late 60s. It was one of the first songs we ever heard about Jesus on contemporary radio. Randy wanted to include it, and sang lead. “Come By Here” was an old gospel standard we would always sing at our worship gatherings. These and the other songs were recorded live at Pender Auditorium. “Spirit Of Elijah” was recorded live in our practice place called the “House Of David.” It was done in one night on a 4 track by Terry Sheets who was a friend of mine. Carl wanted a follow up to “On Stage” in a hurry, so a few mistakes were left in with no retakes. We weren’t happy with that.

The band would go on to write and record three more studio albums, “Heaven’s Gonna Be A Blast”, “Yesterday/Forever”, and “Country In The Sky” from ‘72 to ‘74. When you reflect back on your time in the band, what are some of your most fondest memories? What is your favorite song if you had to pick?

“Heaven’s Gonna Be A Blast” was done in a studio in Spokane on a $500 budget. It was our only album with all original songs. We were able to overdub vocals which gave some of the songs a fuller sound. “Country In The Sky” was recorded in our own studio at the ranch the ministry owned. Carl wanted a mellow album since he never liked our rock songs. He produced it. It wasn’t a fun time, but there was some nice songs that never sold very well. “Yesterday Forever” was and instrumental of old gospel standards. Carl wanted to appeal to the older generation. It didn’t do well either. All our music was the property of “Voice Of Elijah Inc.” All proceeds went to the ministry. We were never paid anything. My fondest memories were being able to play music with my beloved brothers, and to see the tremendous response from those who came to hear us lift up our Lord Jesus. I will carry that in my heart until I leave this world.

What did you guys want to achieve and express with your work as a band? Is there anything else you would like to further share with readers?

Our desire was to bring the saving knowledge of Christ to as many as possible. Those songs are still blessing people today, and I am so grateful for that. Thanks for the opportunity to share some of our history.