We Never Knew Just What it Was ... The Story of the Chad Mitchell Trio

by Mike Murphey

Of all the groups to emerge during the folk era of the 1960’s, first the Chad Mitchell Trio and later The Mitchell Trio were unequivocally the best. Their complex harmonies, sense of comedic timing and stage presence were unique to the folk movement. They didn’t enjoy the commercial success of other groups because their material made political and social statements that radio and television refused to play. They were wildly popular, though, on college campuses throughout the country during this turbulent time and fostered political and social awareness among thousands of young men and women as they faced the challenging era ahead.
But as Mike, Chad and Joe Frazier raced along a frantic treadmill of rehearsals, recording sessions, nightclubs and concerts, Mike and Chad began to realize the demand for musical perfection was the only thing they had in common. Their personalities were and remain polar opposites. When Chad left in 1965, neither mourned the parting. John Denver replaced Chad. Two years later, Joe’s demons caught up to him forcing Mike and John to fire Joe.
When folk reunions became popular, fans and folk historians agreed that The Trio was the one group that would never take the stage again. Their schism was just too great.
Mike and Chad and Joe hadn’t spoken in twenty years. Then came a call. I will if he will. Their mentor and music director Milt Okun worried they were making a mistake. They couldn’t possibly be as good as their fans remembered.
They were. Mike and Chad kept their day jobs, and their distance. But once again, they shared the music.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography

350 pages, Paperback

Expected publication August 11, 29021

About the author

Mike Murphey is a native of eastern New Mexico and spent almost thirty years as an award-winning newspaper journalist in the Southwest and Pacific Northwest.
Following his retirement from the newspaper business, he and his wife Nancy entered in a seventeen-year partnership with the late Dave Henderson, all-star centerfielder for the Oakland Athletics, Boston Red Sox and Seattle Mariners. Their company produced the A’s and Mariners adult baseball Fantasy Camps. They also have a partnership with the Roy Hobbs adult baseball organization in Fort Myers, Florida.
At the age of 60, Mike stopped procrastinating and revived his life-long ambition to write a novel. His debut novel, a coming-of-age story called Section Roads—a coming of Age story set in the small town where he grew up—has been recognized by Indie Reader Discovery Awards, Reader Views Reviewers Choice Awards, The IAN Book of the Year Awards, the Somerset Contemporary Fiction Awards, and the Independent Publishers Book Awards. His novel, The Conman … A Baseball Odyssey, has been recognized by the International Book Awards, the eLit Awards and the Manhattan Book Awards. He has also published his humorous science fiction Physics, Lust and Greed series, which includes Taking Time … a Tale of Physics, Lust and Greed, Wasting Time and Killing Time. “We Never Knew Just What It Was… The Story of the Chad Mitchell Trio” is his first work of non-fiction. Mike loves fiction, cats, baseball and sailing. He splits his time between Spokane, Washington, and Phoenix, Arizona where he enjoys life as a writer and old-man baseball player.

Reviews

[BooksCoffee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murphey takes readers back to the age of the 1960s folk era in this sweet latest.

A biography at heart, the book focuses on the trio’s journey from anonymity to stardom and their shifting relationships as Chad splits up from the band and goes his separate way. Murphey covers everything—from the carefree, fun days of Gonzaga University to their journey to success that begins in New York, with their first recording contract, followed by a frantic routine of rehearsals, recording sessions, nightclubs and concerts, their split in 1965, and their memorable reunion in Spokane decades later.

The trio is thoroughly likeable, but they’re more interesting for their flaws, particularly Chad, with his vibrant energy, stage presence, and occasional delinquencies. Mike’s cautious nature and ambition are sure to entrance any music lover. The utterly sweet Joe remains an interesting character throughout. The legendary John Denver doesn’t get much space in the trio’s story but leaves a lasting impression nonetheless. Murphey evokes the 1960s eclectic music scene with skill and conviction, expertly capturing the band’s raw, infectious energy.

Readers will gladly immerse themselves in Murphey’s rich and complex tale of hopes, dreams, and complicated relationships.

[Reader Views · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unfortunate but true, there are many who do not remember this incredible group. Let me just say, I didn’t either. But after reading this, I did my research because I found them to be exemplary; they had that “star” quality during their time period that did not come from using tricks, special lighting, speakers that caused audience members to actually lose their hearing; nor did they dress up in silly costumes or cake their faces in make-up in order to grab someone’s interest. No. These three men (specifically; Chad Mitchell, Joe Frazier and Mike Kobluk) were categorized as a “folk group,” yet were so much more. They were young, clean-cut gentlemen who had the ability to speak their minds when it came to the social issues of the day through their unique sound and beguiling words. And although they never received the credit they deserved, they stood on stages as big as Carnegie Hall and brought audiences to their feet.

Now, Mike Murphey has created this book that goes in-depth into the times and trials of the Trio, opening the curtains on a group that was more than interesting and had a ton of things to say. This being his first shot at non-fiction, Murphey states at the very beginning that his look into the Trio is more “creative” non-fiction. After all, with time moving forward and primary figures leaving this earth, it’s impossible to quote these conversations between the Trio, even with the help of two who were there. But when it comes to his portrayal of the young men, it feels more than accurate.

The tale begins in 2007 in the Spokane Opera House, with Mike and Chad talking things over forty-three years after they’d performed there and received a review calling them “depressing.” A big screen set center-stage shows clips of the Trio performing on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1963. (Five years before Mike turned the Trio over to John Denver.) Mike then went on to manage the Spokane Opera House and the entertainment events held there for years to come, which had him meeting all the “big names,” from Bing Crosby to Ella Fitzgerald.

Chad, on the other hand, had thought about staying in the industry after the Trio’s time had passed, and still felt anger over the conflict that’d broken up their group so long ago. But when these three voices got together, even after all these years, it was a stunning concert to hear. Jim Kershner of the Spokane Spokesman-Review was the one who was definitely happy about that fact, seeing as their review this time around had been placed in his hands.

The writer, along with two of the Trio, take us back in time to see the beginnings, the missed opportunities, and both the enjoyable and painful moments the three men had to go through when it was their time to shine. And it makes the reader even happier to know, after all these years, a little more about the men who shaped the minds of many and how they ended up. Intriguing, in-depth, and cool are the three words I would use to describe this book. It felt like the 60s came alive once again, and this author was kind enough to bring to the surface a band that should have been higher up on the popularity food chain. Why? Because they weren’t fluff; they actually had something to say. I thank the writer for showing that to everyone! I would definitely classify this as a “must read.”

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not a widely read book, as indicated by only 15 ratings and 8 reviews on Goodreads as of today 5/8/22. But for people like me who were very much into folk music and the Chad Mitchell Trio during the 60’s and 70’s, it was a very interesting book. It had one revelation after another for me. How did the Trio break up back then? How did John Denver, Dave Boise and Michael Johnson get in the group? What was Milt Okun to them and all the other groups he was involved in? What did they do after their last performance in the Trio?

This was a five star book for me as a folk singer from that era.

[R.K. Emery · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a look back into the past and a look into the lives of a group of guys who lived a high life.

It's rich in both history and music. Its a great look into both of those things.

It's a past and present type of telling. How did it start, where did it go, where are they now.

It's well-written and compelling.

[C. Gonzales · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you have a love for folk music and true stories? If so, this is perfect. Mike Murphey brings us the story of The Chad Mitchell Trio and it is so very well written. It compells the reader, it brings out the emotions as the reader goes through the journey with the guys.
Ups and Downs... it does not sugar coat it really delves deep in a great way.
Wonderful story.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book I didn't know I needed until I read it. A real blast from the past for those of us who loved, pursued, wrote to and obsessed over the Trio. The only thing that would have made it better would be pictures. Thanks for taking me back to my teenage years. I sang along with every page.

[William Orr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fairly easy read. Not always chronological, and leaves some loose threads, but lots of insights and a little nostalgia. (The Kindle version had no photographs.)

Unless you’re a tried-and-true fan, you’ll enjoy the book more if you listen to the songs as you go. Their music was actually wonderful.

[Jean Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting book about one of my favorite groups. There is a lot of information that was new to me.

[Lynn Swanson]

I thought it was wonderful. I love the trio. There's only one question that hasn't been answered---I REALLY want to know how tall Chad is !!!!!

The book is well written---it tells their stories---lumps and all. There is also humor....

Another question---how much is this book ????
I have the paperback but want the hardbound.

I recommend this book for all fans of CMT and people who want to know more about the 60's and the folk music.