Before Motown There Was Ollie Podcast By Khaliph Young Moira McLaughlin cover art

Before Motown There Was Ollie

Before Motown There Was Ollie

By: Khaliph Young Moira McLaughlin
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The Ollie McLaughlin Story is a podcast tribute to one of music’s unsung visionaries—a pioneering DJ, concert promoter, and record producer who helped shape the sound of American soul and pop in the 1960s. From discovering Del Shannon and producing the chart-topping “Runaway,” to launching hits for Barbara Lewis, Deon Jackson, and The Capitols, Ollie McLaughlin had an ear for talent and a hand in history. Told through the voices of those who knew him, worked with him, and loved the music he made, this series explores his journey from Mississippi to Michigan, from local DJ to national hitmaker, and his lasting impact on the sound of a generation.

Copyright 2026 All rights reserved.
Episodes
  • Discovering Del Shannon

    Discovering Del Shannon
    Apr 21 2026

    This episode of Before Motown There Was Ollie dives into Ollie McLaughlin’s discovery of Del Shannon. From an unknown artist to the voice behind the No. 1 hit "Runaway," this story explores the magic of instinct and raw talent.

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    10 mins
  • The Funk Brothers

    The Funk Brothers
    Apr 21 2026

    This episode of Before Motown There Was Ollie honors the Funk Brothers, the legendary session players who built Detroit’s sound. Explore how Ollie McLaughlin’s productions intersected with these iconic architects of soul. It’s a story of collaboration, craft, and the hidden hands behind the hits that defined a musical generation.
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    9 mins
  • A Nephew's Experience

    A Nephew's Experience
    Apr 21 2026

    This episode of Before Motown There Was Ollie features a personal talk with Ollie's nephew, Bobby, offering a rare glimpse into Ollie McLaughlin as a mentor and family man. Beyond the studio hits, these stories reveal his quiet determination and the human side of a pioneer. It’s an intimate portrait of the lasting legacy he left on those he loved.
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    10 mins
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