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Mike Murphey
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We Never Knew Just What it Was ... The Story of the Chad Mitchell Trio Kindle Edition

by Mike Murphey (Author), Mike Kobluk (Author), Chad Mitchell (Author), Format: Kindle Edition
4.7 out of 5 stars 98 ratings

Of all the groups to emerge during the folk era of the 1960's, The Chad Mitchell Trio was 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 some other groups because their material made political and social statements that radio and television refused to air. They were wildly popular, though, on college campuses through America during this turbulent time and fostered political and social awareness among thousands of young men and women as they faced the tumultuous era ahead.

As Mike, Chad and Joe Frazier raced along a frantic treadmill of rehearsal, recording sessions, nightclub performances and concerts, Mike and Chad began to realize the demand for musical excellence was they only thing they had in common. Their personalities were and remain polar opposites.

When Chad left The Trio in 1965, to be replaced by John Denver, neither Mike nor Chad mourned the parting. Two years later, Joe's demons caught up to him, forcing his dismissal.

When folk reunions became popular in the 80's, fans and folk historians agreed that The Chad Mitchell Trio was the one group that would never take the stage again. Their schism was just too great.

They hadn't spoken in twenty years.

Then came a call.

I will if he will.

Their mentor and music director Milt Okun worried the were making a mistake. They couldn't possibly be as good as their fans remembered.

They were.

They kept their day jobs, and their distance. But once again, they had the music.

As their friend Tom Paxton noted, "Sometimes the only thing people have in common is musical talent. But if they have that one thing, they'd be fools not to use it.

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  1. Print length
    314 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    August 11, 2021
  4. File size
    3.0 MB
  5. Page Flip
    Enabled
  6. Word Wise
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"...The elements of the folk movement are brilliantly captured in the narrative and the author's gift for exquisite, lyrical prose combines with his keen ear for dialogue to create a fascinating reading experience... What is most compelling in this narrative is how the author writes about the power of shared passion trumping individual differences and the ebullient atmosphere it creates, making characters in the midst of conflict create a harmony that strikes infinite chords in the heart of the audience..."

--The Book Commentary Five Stars



"...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..."


--The Prairies Book Review


"From their earliest moments, the group demonstrated strong musical intuition in rehearsals and perfect synergy onstage, but their behind-the-scenes differences eventually pulled the fan-favorite ensemble apart, making for some tense and awkward moments, along with years of regret. Murphey's novel fills in the gaps of what transpired in those pivotal years but is also like a where-are-they-now look that lovers of folk music are sure to appreciate. Folkies the world over will be transported back in time in this nostalgic backstage glimpse at an iconic folk trio."

--Indies Today Five Stars

About the Author

Mike Murphey is a native of New Mexico and spent almost thirty years as an award-winning newspaper journalist in the Southwest and Pacific Northwest. Following his retirement, he enjoyed a seventeen-year partnership with the late Dave Henderson, all-star Major League outfielder. Their company produced the Oakland A's and Seattle Mariners adult baseball Fantasy Camps. He is author of the award-winning novels Section Roads and The Conman... a Baseball Odyssey along with his Physics, Lust and Greed time travel series. We Never Knew Just What it Was is his first effort at non-fiction. Mike loves books, 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.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B098PPYXS9
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Acorn Publishing (August 11, 2021)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ August 11, 2021
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.0 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 314 pages
  • Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ 1952112656
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 out of 5 stars 98 ratings

About the author

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Mike Murphey

Mike Murphey

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A native of eastern New Mexico, Mike Murphey spent nearly thirty years as an award-winning newspaper journalist in the Southwest and Pacific Northwest. Following his retirement from news journalism, 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.

Our company, Dave Henderson Baseball, produced the Oakland A’s and Seattle Mariners Fantasy Camps for twenty years. The Murpheys have also partnered with the Roy Hobbs adult baseball organization in Fort Myers, Florida. Mike’s love of fiction, cats, baseball and sailing affords him to split his time between Spokane, Washington, and Phoenix, Arizona, where he enjoys life as a writer and old-man baseball player.

To receive a free Short Story - OLD MAN BASEBALL here .... https://www.mikemurpheybooks.com/freebies

or visit my website ....https://www.mikemurpheybooks.com/

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
98 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book well-researched and compelling, with fascinating behind-the-scenes stories about the Chad Mitchell Trio. Moreover, the book receives positive feedback for its writing quality, with one customer noting it reads like great fiction. Additionally, customers appreciate the book's focus on folk music, with one review highlighting its insightful look at the folk music industry. They praise the trio's talent, the book's pacing, and its vocal performances, while one customer notes its biting satire that fits the times well.

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11 customers mention "Depth"11 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the depth of the book, finding it well-researched and insightful, with one customer highlighting its behind-the-scenes stories and another noting how fascinating it is to read about the group's history.

"...It has so much honesty, telling the sometimes painful truth instead of skimming over anything that might be unpleasant...." Read more

"...was also quite interesting...." Read more

"...their earlier and last performances, this book has the details, insights and facts of how these remarkable men shared their talents, personalities..." Read more

"...Always loved the Chad Mitchell trio and reading about history of the group was fascinating." Read more

10 customers mention "Readability"10 positive0 negative

Customers find the book to be a wonderful and compelling read.

"...praise and many grateful thanks to Mike Murphey for writing such a wonderful book and making me feel 14 again." Read more

"...in their music (or the Folk Revival), you will find this a most compelling read. There were many things about the Trio of which I was unaware...." Read more

"Enjoyable this was a very enjoyable book with lots of details about Chad Mitchell. It was well written and worth your time..." Read more

"I so enjoyed this book, I read it in two days. Brought me back to the 60's and 70's when the folk music was sublime...." Read more

9 customers mention "Music value"9 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the music value of the book, describing the folk music as sublime and praising it as a great resource for those interested in the genre, with one customer noting how it provides an interesting look at the folk music industry.

"...Listening to their music always lifts my spirits and makes me smile...." Read more

"...Their harmonies and musical arrangements were amazing, and their political satire was unparalleled during the Great Folk Revival...." Read more

"...It is an interesting look at the folk music industry for people who never really quite made it but love the music...." Read more

"...Brought me back to the 60's and 70's when the folk music was sublime...." Read more

5 customers mention "Writing quality"5 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, with one noting it reads like great fiction and another describing it as an extremely well written biography.

"...Ditto for “extremely well written”—in fact I’ve order another of Mr.Murphey’s books solely because this one is so well-written...." Read more

"...It was well written and worth your time..." Read more

"Extremely-well written. Surprisingly, a page-turner...." Read more

"...Very well written and uncommonly detailed and insightful. Amazing that author got them to reveal all of this." Read more

4 customers mention "Talent"4 positive0 negative

Customers praise the trio's talent, with one noting they are incredibly talented men, while another describes them as one of their favorite musicians.

"The Chad Mitchell Trio was—and is—at the top of my list of favorite musicians. “Mighty Day on Campus” was the first album I ever bought...." Read more

"Not only was this a wonderful testament to The Trio showcasing and highlighting their uniqueness and what set them apart, but I had always wondered..." Read more

"...Thank you for recognizing these incredibly talented men." Read more

"...Certainly shows exactly what made and broke this amazing group of the Folk Era." Read more

3 customers mention "Pacing"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the pacing of the book, with one review highlighting how it covers the group's adversities, failures, and foibles over the decades.

"...these remarkable men shared their talents, personalities and foibles over the decades...." Read more

"...insight into the lives, personalities, triumphs and failures of some very interesting people. Highly, highly recommended." Read more

"...interesting and noteworthy are the serendipities, achievements, adversities, and ultimate redemption of Chad Mitchell...." Read more

3 customers mention "Satire"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's satire, with one noting how well it fits the times, while another describes it as funny musical commentary.

"...and musical arrangements were amazing, and their political satire was unparalleled during the Great Folk Revival. (Or was it the Great Folk Scare?)..." Read more

"...Their music and their biting satire fit the times so well . . ." Read more

"...If you're a fan of folk music, great vocals or funny as all get out musical commentary you won't be disappointed by this book or any of the albums..." Read more

3 customers mention "Vocal quality"3 positive0 negative

Customers praise the vocal quality of the book.

"...like the Limelighters or Kingston Trio, even though they were vocally superior with exceptional musicality..." Read more

"...If you're a fan of folk music, great vocals or funny as all get out musical commentary you won't be disappointed by this book or any of the albums..." Read more

"Good book about a great singing group..." Read more

I have been a fan of their music for more years than I care to admit.
5 out of 5 stars
I have been a fan of their music for more years than I care to admit.
I have been a fan of their music for more years than I care to admit. Their harmonies and musical arrangements were amazing, and their political satire was unparalleled during the Great Folk Revival. (Or was it the Great Folk Scare?) At any rate, if you have any interest in their music (or the Folk Revival), you will find this a most compelling read. There were many things about the Trio of which I was unaware. As an example, when Mike Pugh left the Original Trio, he was almost replaced by Tom Paxton instead of Joe Frazier. It was at this time that the Trio was first introduced to Paxton's song "The Marvelous Toy" (which they later recorded). The information about Milt Okun and his relationship with the Trio (in addition to Peter Paul and Mary, The Brothers Four, and Tom Paxton) was also quite interesting. I could say a great deal more, but I don't want to spoil the book. However, I will mention that the book was dedicated to 'the happy memory of John Prine'. Pick up a copy. You won't be disappointed.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Christine Reynolds
    5.0 out of 5 stars A book each Chad Mitchell Trio fan needs
    Reviewed in the United States on October 14, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    The Chad Mitchell Trio was—and is—at the top of my list of favorite musicians. “Mighty Day on Campus” was the first album I ever bought. Listening to their music always lifts my spirits and makes me smile. I’ve been waiting for this book since 1962, and when I saw the announcement I…well…sorry, but I have to say it because it’s true…I squealed with joy.

    We Never Knew Just What It Was was absolutely worth the wait!

    I really can’t find enough words to say how much I loved We Never Knew. Yes, it’s a book about a much loved group with input from two of the original members, but it’s so much more. To say “it’s well researched” would be a major understatement. Ditto for “extremely well written”—in fact I’ve order another of Mr.Murphey’s books solely because this one is so well-written. We Never Knew is totally entertaining; there are so many great stories that I can’t pick just one to mention here. It has so much honesty, telling the sometimes painful truth instead of skimming over anything that might be unpleasant. It’s not just about Chad, Mike, and Joe (and John Denver and Mike Pugh), but about the people who worked with them through the years. I lost count of how many times I said “Wow!” I realized there’s a lot more to these three good looking men than just the best music ever. I laughed a lot, I cried at a few spots, and I finished the book doing something I would’ve thought was impossible—loving Chad, Mike, and Joe even more than I had all these decades.

    Anyone who’s ever been a fan of the Chad Mitchell Trio needs a copy. High praise and many grateful thanks to Mike Murphey for writing such a wonderful book and making me feel 14 again.
    6 people found this helpful
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  • H David Holbrook
    5.0 out of 5 stars I have been a fan of their music for more years than I care to admit.
    Reviewed in the United States on February 22, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I have been a fan of their music for more years than I care to admit. Their harmonies and musical arrangements were amazing, and their political satire was unparalleled during the Great Folk Revival. (Or was it the Great Folk Scare?) At any rate, if you have any interest in their music (or the Folk Revival), you will find this a most compelling read. There were many things about the Trio of which I was unaware. As an example, when Mike Pugh left the Original Trio, he was almost replaced by Tom Paxton instead of Joe Frazier. It was at this time that the Trio was first introduced to Paxton's song "The Marvelous Toy" (which they later recorded). The information about Milt Okun and his relationship with the Trio (in addition to Peter Paul and Mary, The Brothers Four, and Tom Paxton) was also quite interesting. I could say a great deal more, but I don't want to spoil the book. However, I will mention that the book was dedicated to 'the happy memory of John Prine'. Pick up a copy. You won't be disappointed.
    Customer image
    H David Holbrook
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    I have been a fan of their music for more years than I care to admit.

    Reviewed in the United States on February 22, 2023
    I have been a fan of their music for more years than I care to admit. Their harmonies and musical arrangements were amazing, and their political satire was unparalleled during the Great Folk Revival. (Or was it the Great Folk Scare?) At any rate, if you have any interest in their music (or the Folk Revival), you will find this a most compelling read. There were many things about the Trio of which I was unaware. As an example, when Mike Pugh left the Original Trio, he was almost replaced by Tom Paxton instead of Joe Frazier. It was at this time that the Trio was first introduced to Paxton's song "The Marvelous Toy" (which they later recorded). The information about Milt Okun and his relationship with the Trio (in addition to Peter Paul and Mary, The Brothers Four, and Tom Paxton) was also quite interesting. I could say a great deal more, but I don't want to spoil the book. However, I will mention that the book was dedicated to 'the happy memory of John Prine'. Pick up a copy. You won't be disappointed.
    Images in this review
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    One person found this helpful
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  • EllenOR
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating details about my favorite folk group
    Reviewed in the United States on August 24, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    For all of us who wondered what was happening in the years between their earlier and last performances, this book has the details, insights and facts of how these remarkable men shared their talents, personalities and foibles over the decades. Some of my happiest memories are my first Trio concert in Indianapolis when I was in high school and one of their final reunion tours in Salem, OR. There was no room in my head or heart either time for anything but joy and excitement. Their music and their biting satire fit the times so well . . .
    Helpful
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  • Donna Pinto
    4.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable
    Reviewed in the United States on October 14, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Enjoyable

    this was a very enjoyable book with lots of details about Chad Mitchell. It was well written and worth your time

    in the past mitchell was portrayed as a drug dealer when according to him he was just a really bad drug smuggler. Mitchell portrays himself as someone that doesn’t know what he is doing or where he is going and changes his mind frequently destroying his music career. It would have been nice to see more about the other members of the trio but Chad appears to be the one who cooperated.

    Some of the stories are outrageously exaggerated in my opinion but it is still a nice read. It is an interesting look at the folk music industry for people who never really quite made it but love the music.

    Due to visual problems I got the Kindle version of this to make the words huge to be able to read it. If anyone has the soft back or the hardback version of it can you tell me if there are any pictures because there were no photographs in the Kindle version
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Susan Malasics
    5.0 out of 5 stars A delight.
    Reviewed in the United States on March 24, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I so enjoyed this book, I read it in two days. Brought me back to the 60's and 70's when the folk music was sublime. Always loved the Chad Mitchell trio and reading about history of the group was fascinating.
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  • Carl Lofgren
    5.0 out of 5 stars Conntecting the Dots
    Reviewed in the United States on October 20, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Not only was this a wonderful testament to The Trio showcasing and highlighting their uniqueness and what set them apart, but I had always wondered exactly why they seemed to take a back seat in publicity to other groups like the Limelighters or Kingston Trio, even though they were vocally superior with exceptional musicality (including the accompaniment of Prestipino and Hefferman). I enjoyed ready about the other groups and period influentials they crossed paths with and performed alongside. Thank you!
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  • Corey L. Gordon
    5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding book, well-written. Great book for anyone interested in folk music.
    Reviewed in the United States on August 6, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Extremely-well written. Surprisingly, a page-turner. Anyone interested in the Chad Mitchell Trio, the early start to John Denver’s career, or the evolution of folk music from the late fifties “Michael Row the Boat Ashore” genre, to the social activism of “Blowin’ in the Wind” (which was first recorded by the Chad Mitchell Trio, as we learn) to the functional demise of folk music at the hands (and sounds) of rock ‘n roll, will find this an essential book. Plus, it is simply a wonderfully compelling and intimate insight into the lives, personalities, triumphs and failures of some very interesting people. Highly, highly recommended.
    3 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Helloagain
    5.0 out of 5 stars Chad Mitchell trio we never knew just what it was is the title of the book 📖
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 25, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    The Chad Mitchell trio story of a great group of 50s 60s and 70s telling what it was like in the days of folk music and folk Revolution John Denver later replaced Chad Mitchell and became the Mitchell trio with John Denver the lead singer of the trio I have read most of the book and a founded very interesting there was a lot of things that I I didn't know about the group very good read I've got 13 pages left to read to complete I'm sure I will do it soon highly recommended book good story with all the group together get yourself a copy now simply one of the best folk singing groups of all time a masterpiece 😆👍♥️
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  • Pauline Jablonsky
    5.0 out of 5 stars Who the CMT was.
    Reviewed in Canada on August 24, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Loved the whole story. Excellent book.
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