Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels began in the Motor City with William S. Levise, Jr. coming of age, winning a talent contest in high school, “Devil With the Blue Dress,” “Sock It To Me-Baby” and “Too Many Fish in the Sea” all from the late 60s were the band’s biggest hits. Bruce Springsteen, Bob Seger, John Mellencamp, and Price have given Mitch his props as an early influence.
Here are our favorite three Mitch Ryder songs all of which may have influenced many in later music…
“Devil With the Blue Dress” from the Motown music stable in the early 60s was a big hit for Mitch who covered the song. Mitch’s version was far more up-tempo than the original. The song was the highest charting song ever from Mitch.
“Sock it To Me Baby” was a top 10 single from 1967. Some say it was inspired by the popular ‘Laugh In’ TV show that featured that ‘Sock it to me’ catch phrase.
“Little Latin Lupe Lu” was a Bill Medley (Righteous Brothers) song, recorded and released by Mitch in 1966. This tune was the big break Mitch had been looking for, giving him the momentum to record and tour.
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