Music
Rob Tyner
1944–1991 · singer
Detroit-born lead singer of the MC5, whose incendiary live album Kick Out the Jams was recorded at the Grande Ballroom in October 1968.
- Born
Detroit, Michigan- Died
Royal Oak, Michigan
aged 46- Birth name
- Robert Derminer
- Also known as
- Robin Tyner
- Detroit years
- 1944–1991
- Field
- Music
01 / The Detroit story
The Detroit story
Rob Tyner was born Robert Derminer in Detroit in 1944 and took his stage name from the jazz pianist McCoy Tyner, a sign of the free-jazz ambitions he brought to rock. As lead singer of the MC5, the Downriver band founded with guitarists Wayne Kramer and Fred “Sonic” Smith, he became the voice of Detroit's high-energy, politically charged late-1960s scene. Managed by the activist John Sinclair, the MC5 were a house band at the Grande Ballroom, and on October 30 and 31, 1968, Elektra recorded their shows there for the debut album Kick Out the Jams. Its profane rallying cry and Sinclair's liner notes caused a national uproar. Back in the USA (1970) and High Time (1971) followed before the band split. Tyner stayed in the Detroit area, producing, writing and occasionally recording, including the solo album Blood Brothers (1990). He died of a heart attack in 1991 near his home in Berkley and is buried at Roseland Park Cemetery.
Highlights
- Lead singer of the MC5
- Kick Out the Jams recorded live at the Grande Ballroom, October 30–31, 1968
- Took his stage name from jazz pianist McCoy Tyner
- Solo album Blood Brothers (1990)
- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the MC5, 2024
02 / Their Detroit places
Their Detroit places 2
Where they lived, worked, performed and liked to hang out. Closed and demolished places stay here too, because they are part of the city's history.
Recorded here · 1966–1970
Grande Ballroom
Closed · 1928–1972
The MC5's home stage, where Kick Out the Jams was recorded live on October 30–31, 1968. Closed as a venue in 1972; the building stands empty.
Buried here · 1991–
Roseland Park Cemetery
Cemetery on Woodward Avenue in Berkley, near his home, where he is buried.