The Slaves were based in Holmes Hall on the picturesque campus of Michigan State University.  Their biggest "hit" was the Muff Diver Blues but they were well known around campus for their patented dirty blues and early rock 'n roll tunes.  They broke into Spartan history as "The Blues Brothers and Sisters" by winning a talent competition (Gong Show) held at the MSU Student Union -- where celebrity judges including the famous Professor Charles P. "Lash" Larrowe (see http://spartanology.com/?p=23) picked their ribald collegiate anthem as the cream of the crop.  (The reward for winning: a massive pizza party for the group and all their friends.)

 

Callton was a harmonica prodigy -- using his mouth organ as a surrogate for lead guitar.  Ogea's pounding drums kept the band's heart beating.  Stuart tickled the ivories of a rare and coveted Wurlitzer ("Wurly") electric piano.  DeNato's patented voice -- an instrument of substantial power -- joined with the vocal cords of Callton and Brooks in defining the band's sound.

 

The Slaves went on to play concerts and coffeehouses at Holmes Hall and Shaw Hall, and were recorded April 26, 1980, at their final Holmes Hall performance before they faded into musical oblivion (or is that "history"?).  Among their other tunes were Maybelline, I'm Coming Home, The Milkman (with Steve DeNato on vocals), Dead on Arrival, Bring it on Home (to You), Ready Willing and Able (to Rock and Roll tonight), Go Cry on Somebody Else's Shoulder and Youngblood (the last song featured the entire band on vocals). They also performed classics like Louie Louie, Wild Thing, and Ain't That A Shame (all with Mike Callton, Steve DeNato and Marty Brooks on vocals).  There hasn't been a band quite like The Slaves since the group disbanded in 1980.  DeNato went on to start his own software consulting company serving businesses in Southern California.  Callton became a well-known local political figure and chiropractor in Michigan.  Stuart had a two-decade advertising creative career in Michigan, Wyoming, Pennsylvania and Virginia, and then became a teacher in Virginia.  Ogea has his own videography, DJ and karaoke business in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.  These four surviving band members are still wondering what became of Stevens and his magical bass, and Brooks, whose musical leadership and stage presence remain legendary.  Fortunately, a recording of the band's final performance remains available on request from this site's owner.  (See e-mail below.)