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Dead Ringer: Classic Rock Aged to Perfection

Mike Karagin is the band’s drummer. Mike’s playing career is similar to Paul’s - he has a number of notches in his drumstick to mark the various local bands he’s carried the beat for. Some of his past bands include Razin’ Kane, Sidekix and Fanatix just to mention a few. He earned his keep playing straight up rock-n-roll of the 70’s and 80’s in many of the bars throughout SE Iowa. "I’ve been playing this stuff since it was new, before it was labeled classic rock!"

Mike actually grew up on the mean streets of Gary, Indiana. He was an original member of the Jacksons, predecessor to the Jackson 5. Mike & Michael J. were the two original front men of the band. Mike is referred to as "the 6th Jackson" in most of the Jackson biographies. But being white, it led up to the much publicized reverse discrimination lawsuit after being squeezed out of the band just before their success took off. This is when the infamous fight took place with Tito at the Jacksons’ Peddle Files recording studio during the now legendary "Rockin’ Robin" sessions, where Tito assaulted Mike with a cowbell, causing serious head trauma, and thus ending his singing career. JUST DON’T MENTION A COWBELL IN HIS PRESENCE!! What is not known to the public is that Mike is credited with creating the dance move "the moon walk", which Michael later stole, and launched him into superstardom status. But, as Mike states, "I’m not bitter, the whole experience has made me what I am today. But I am going to get even with that son-of-a-b**** Tito if it’s the last thing I do!! “ What I am ticked off about is, after being kicked out of the group for being white, Michael is now WHITER than I am." Oh, the irony.

Mike uses Mapex Orion Classic drums, Zildjian cymbals, and Roland & DDrum electronics. Some of his influences are Simon Phillips, Jeff Porcaro, Mickey Curry, and Liberty Devito. Mike resides with his wife Lynda on a farm near Morning Sun.