John Robinson was raised in Stockbridge and began his media career at age 15 playing bass guitar and singing in a local rock band. From there he went into radio after receiving his license in 1974, along with being a TV host, author (ten books published to date), columnist, actor, producer, and emcee. He's been honored as Contributor of the Year by Townsquare Media and has also received a President's Club Award. His passions are all kinds of pop culture and Michigan history.
John Robinson
Oopsy the Clown: Detroit’s #1 Kid Show, 1967-1990s
Oopsy even beat out Bozo when it came to popularity. Here's an overview of the character, the man behind him, and the program...
“The Most Sumptuous Building in Michigan” – Wayne County Courthouse, Detroit
Offices began moving out in the 1950s and the city gave up on it in the 70s. Here's a brief backstory on the impressive Wayne County Courthouse...
Michigan Bath Houses: 1880-1950s (and One Dirty Little Secret)
One particular Michigan bath house had a dirty little secret...one that was well-known to teens. Here's info and a gallery of old Michigan bath houses...
Bill Kennedy: From Handsome Hollywood Film Actor to Detroit’s Favorite Movie Host
Bill Kennedy knew Hollywood - but he could still flub his way through his show. One of Detroit's TV favorites, here's some info and photos...
Michigan’s ‘Bates Motel’ – The Abandoned Star Lite Motel, Albion
Just off Michigan Avenue near Albion lies the abandoned Bates...er, Star Lite Motel, opened in 1952, closed in the 2010s. Take a look in and around the grounds...
What Happened to the Wrigley’s Supermarkets in Michigan?
I remember Wrigley supermarkets, but never went to one. Are there any left in Michigan? Here's some scant info and a few photos...
Photo Gallery: Jackson, Michigan in the 1940s
It was wartime. Michigan towns and cities did their best to keep morale high and people entertained. Here's how it looked in Jackson back in the 1940s...
The Vicksburg Spiritualist Camp – Kalamazoo County, Michigan: 1884-1900s
Spiritualism was at its peak in the late 1800s-early 1900s, and Michigan had its share of Spiritualist camps. Check out this one that popped up in Vicksburg...
Johnny Ginger: The Man Who Introduced The Three Stooges to Michigan, 1957
If it wasn't for this former standup comedian, maybe we wouldn't have known about The Three Stooges for years. Here's a look at the man who first showed us those films...
Michigan’s Oldest, Still-Operating Restaurant
This landmark Michigan eatery hit its 193rd birthday in 2024...and still operating...