Maxine Michaels’ signature style and programming selections are enjoyed by a huge list of friends and fans around the globe. Maxine consistently innovates with an uncanny ability to educate the masses about the rich history of jazz, cultural information and more.
She takes great pride in having given many Detroit-based music artists their first radio airplay, she has consistently stood as an advocate in support of Detroit area music makers and has worked to increase public awareness of talent through live jazz performances. She has also provided unforgettable service to the church and community Mayflower Music Series. Love from Detroit!
Maxine’s Latest Playlist
TIME – DURATION – ARTIST – SONG – ALBUM – LABEL
2/27/26 19:00 3:22 Shoo Doo Fu Fu Ooh! – Lenney Williams – Ultimate Collection – Universal Music
2/27/26 19:04 9:10 I Am Somebody – Grant Green – Live At Club Mozambique – Blue Note
2/27/26 19:14 4:51 Keep Your Hand On The Plow – Will Boyd – Freedom, Soul Jazz – Will Boyd Music
2/27/26 19:19 9:33 Caravan – Paul Vornhagen – Live At Blue Llama – Paul Vornhagen Music
2/27/26 19:29 13:22 Stickey Wicket – Dexter Gordon Quartet – Escape Cardin 77 – Elemental Music
2/27/26 19:42 8:39 Jazz Poem Sky Covington – Club Cresendo – Sky Covington Music
2/27/26 19:52 7:25 Fran Dance – Miles Davis & John Coltrane – The Final Tour – Legacy
2/27/26 20:00 5:02 What Is Hip – Lenny Williams – Ultimate Collection – Universal Music
2/27/26 20:06 13:12 A La Modal – Dexter Gordon – Escape Cardin 77 – Elemental Music
2/27/26 20:20 11:00 Creator Has A Master Plan – Joey DeFrancesco ft. Pharoah Sanders – In The Key Of The Universe = Mack Avenue
2/27/26 20:31 2:45 Save Your Love For Me – Nancy Wilson & Cannonball Adderley – Nancy Wilson/Cannonball Adderley – Capitol
2/27/26 20:34 12:36 All Blues – George Benson – The Gold Collection – Fine Tune
2/27/26 20:47 2:48 It’s A Man’s Man’s World – James Brown – ICON – Polydor
2/27/26 20:50 4:40 I Got You (I Feel Good) – Joshua Redman – Joshua Redman – Warner Bros.
2/27/26 20:55 7:05 ‘Cause I Love You – Lenny Williams – Ultimate Collection – Universal Music
2/27/26 21:02 13:45 Tell Your Story – William Hill III – Three’s Company – William Music
2/27/26 21:16 4:45 Atlantis Rising – Paul Alexis – Atlantis Rising – Sihon Music
2/27/26 21:21 11:42 Dexter Gordon Quartet – Rhythm A Ning/The Theme – Swiss Nights – Steeple Chase
2/27/26 21:32 9:16 Tenor Madness – Eddie Harris & Wendell Harrison – Battle Of The Tenors – Enja
2/27/26 21:42 4:52 Everything Must Change – Randy Crawford – Best Of Randy Crawford – Warner Bros.
2/27/26 21:55 8:13 The Keller/Kocher Quartet – Helen’s Song – Pipe And Slippers – BOPO Records
2/27/26 22:03 3:38 Lenny Williams – So Very Hard To Go – Ultimate Collection – Universal Music
2/27/26 22:07 4:11 Love’s Theme – Barry White – All Time Greatest Hits – FUNK
2/27/26 22:12 16:21 Walkin’ – Miles Davis & John Cotrane – The Final Tour – Legacy
2/27/26 22:29 9:22 Manteca – Dizzy Gillespie & Jon Faddis – Monterey Jazz Festival – Malpaso
2/27/26 22:39 5:05 NY Latin Jazz Mambo – Papo Vazquez & Mighty Pirates Trobadours = Picara Records
2/27/26 22:45 12:54 The Thrill Is Gone Medley – Bobby Bland & B.B. King – Together Again…Live! – MCA
* (all air time is approximate)
This year I had done nothing for Black History month. But your Feb 17th show took me where I needed to go. Hearing the Black National Anthem put me on the road. From that point on I sang, laughed, cried and danced. You touched my soul and made me happy! From an old Detroit jazz head, thank you
Wow, thank you Sharon, it’s nice to know our music touched you so deeply. Thanks for listening and keep on laughing and dancing!
Play Wayne Shorter Music
THOROUGHLY enjoy listening to Maxology! The playlists are diverse and the commentary is enlightening! Ms Michaels is the best and I could listen to her for hours on end!😍😍
We are happy to hear that, thank you Darryl!
Hello. While in the car driving, I heard the song A dream deferred. Who made that beautiful song?
A Dream Deferred by trumpeter John Douglas – CD titled JD’s Pursuit.
Thank you for listening.
MAXOLOGY!
Hi. Love the program. Is the playlist from 4/28 available? There was a great track that I can’t remember ( I think it was called “come with me” )
Hi Anthony,
Love to your listening, search and buy her music. Tania Maria – Come With Me
Thanks! WRCJ / MAXOLOGY
What was your playlist between 8:00 & 10:00 PM on 5/5/23….. it was fantastic!
Hi Bill, thank you, the playlist has been posted!
Hello Maxine! Your show on Friday 5/12/23 helped us keep our cool as we successfully navigated the road construction ongoing along I-75–gigantic trucks barreling past us, impatient drivers changing lanes, unexpected traffic shifts and suddenly disappearing lanes–as we headed homeward after our downtown gig! Special highlights included Rahsaan Roland Kirk’s rambunctious delivery of “Afro Blue” followed by David Fathead Newman’s silken tenor sax, Emmett Cohen’s masterful command of the piano and the soothing prayer of Donny Hathaway’s soulful voice on “Sack Full of Dreams”. Rick Matle and I are grateful for your presence on WRCJ!
Sheila & Rick, At your service…to make navigating the roads more bearable.
Priceless note and special thank YOU! – Max
Hello, you are one of Detroit’s jewels! Do you still do any activities for the community like the monthly concerts at the church?
Thea, awww the note makes me sweet weep…plans on-going to restore Mayflower Music Series. Sending a special thank YOU! -Max
Happy birthday young lady!!
To Harold: Birthday Thanks! -Max
LOVE LOVE LOVE your show, your selections are outstanding.
Would love to hear Dinah Washington’s Salty Papa Blues one day. Or really, any Dinah.
Keep it on, and thanks
To K: Love, Love, Love – your note is inspiring…Dinah At Your Request – Max
Max is amazing @ i have friends in Singapore, across Europe and Jamaica and in South Africa I also have a friend that is the Captain of a all female crew in on a seafaring international cargo ship that listen to her show where ever they are!
Wow, an international ship playing 90.9 across the seas, that’s cool!
Hello Maxine I’m a big fan of yours and I love your playlist I listen every night I wished you guys played jazz all day keep up the amazing work yours truly one of Detroit’s Biggest jazz fans!
Maxine appreciates your priceless note Keith… awww and we thank you.
You are truly unique ! Voice, tone and style. Music selection is the BEST ! You always seem to capture my mood and make me smile. Keep on keepin’ on !
Love you !
Note To Rich: More Love, More Kindness, More Peace & More Smiles – Great Thanks. – Max
Hi Maxine, I want to say that I very much appreciate your show and the July 21 set list was especially good. Thanks!
Hotter Than July….Cool Comment
William Special Thanks WRCJ 90.9 FM / MAXOLOGY!
-Max
Max, just want to give you a heads-up about a Brazilian group that you may already be aware of ? They’re called Milk’nBlues and play a nice blusy /jazz style that is so easy to listen to like “Sade, smooth operator” and others. I found them on YouTube & Spotify Check them out ! You might be surprised. Love your work.
From The Desk Of Rich: Now I Know And Special Thank YOU! -Max
Been jazzin with you since way back when. Love it! Keep doin what you do how you do.
Like An Old Soul Record…We Go A Long Way Bach. Very Special Thanks! -Max
My first visit, and I am loving the vibe already already! The song, Gengie how is it actually spelled? I’
Charles E., Awww glad you caught it – the correct spelling Dindi it’s the Willie Bobo version Live At Watts Jazz Festival. Special thanks for listening. -Max
Love the show tonight
Thank you for the music Naima!
I love this jazz show.
Ms. Michaels is very creative with the excellent programming.
Max is Mighty,💪🇺🇸 Semper Fi
Hello Maxine, this is Pat Cronley. You’ve played my music years ago. Loving the sounds !! Saw you down at Det Jazz Fest , fabulous !
You played Killer Joe tonight, Jan 19 around 9:00 . Can you please tell me who the artist was ??
Thank you
Pat
Hi Pat, Your note is a great surprise. Glad you caught the Quincy Jones Project – Cool Joe, Mean Joe (Killer Joe). You’ll find it on the CD – Q’s Jook Joint. Thanks! -Max
Hello Maxine! Just a word to let you know that you are the undisputed “Queen of the Airwaves” a.k.a. “Queen of the Highway” as we barrel northward on I-75 with the radio tuned to WRCJ, driving home on Friday nights from our gig in downtown Detroit. Especially remarkable on 4/5/24 was hearing the Dobbins, Krahnke and Weed Trio performing “Love You Madly”, followed by the loquacious Lou Rawls spinning the tale of the “Charge Card Blues”. Thank you for making our road trip so much more pleasant with the sounds of “Maxology”. Maxine, I realize that your comment page may not be the most appropriate format on which to invite you to an event but here I go! On Thursday, May 2nd from 8-10:30pm I will be celebrating my 50th year as a Detroit Jazz Artist at Alchemi, located at 215 S. Main Street in Royal Oak. Live music by Sheila Landis, Rick Matle and drummer Darryl Pierce. Food and beverages will be available. There is no cover charge. Reservations may be made at http://www.alchemiroyaloak.com. Hope to see you there! Thank you for keeping the jazz flame alive with “Maxology” on WRCJ! Yes, you DO understand!
Hello Sheila, Maxine says:
Your flashback to the playlist of 4/5/24 in the 10:00pm hour was a WOW MOMENT TODAY! Heartfelt thanks for the priceless note…makes me feel like what I do makes an impact.
Extra thanks for your show invitation.
Yes, You DO Understand!
I think the station should say something about the passing of
O C Roberts MC for the Reggae Sound Blast on 90.9. His passing was April 13, 2024 and service was April 28, 2024.
Hi Noreen, we’re very sorry to hear that news.
What show is playing now? It might have just ended at 1030pm (Friday 9th)guy was telling the story of jazz
Hi Eric, there was some technical trouble so we switched over to John Hill’s program briefly but here’s what Maxine was playing around that time:
08/09/24 22:13 16:17 Lou Rawls – Tribute Medley – Live At Mark Hellinger Theater – Lou Rawls Music
08/09/24 22:30 11:16 Ahmad Jamal – La Costa – Live At Baker’s – Personal Compilation CD – Ahmad Jamal Music
08/09/24 22:41 5:59 Rachelle Ferrell – You Don’t Know What Love Is – Live In Montreux – Blue Note
Can you give me more info on that song you played around 7:30 on Friday, 08/16/24 ?
By …James (last name, I think)…song “Breathe” ? Lots of flute on it. Thanks.
Hi Jerry, that was the James Russell Project doing Breathe.
MAXINE MICHAELS is Definitely a Detroit treasure that needs to be unearthed more!! …love her sets
Hi Maxine,
I caught a portion of your show on Friday the 13th and it was fabulous. Please post the playlist soon!
Dave Thomas aka Mr. T
Volunteer Broadcaster Host of Positive Amplitude
Hi Dave, that playlist is now posted. Thanks for tuning in!
To Detroit treasure Maxine M. – Love your show. Great songs, awesome variety.
1. What is the name of the category of songs that include talking, ie, telling a story? (Like By the Time I Get to Phoenix which you played last night) I’d like to do a search on that category to have a list of them. 2. I see your playlist from Sept. 13 on WRCJ site, and wonder how to see past playlists?
With honor to your mention as a Detroit treasure – truly humble & thankful. Appreciate the splash of love on the show for the variety in it.
Truth told I don’t do category of songs but prefer to weave groove theory and what feels good in the programming moments. The story telling is a bonus art form – glad you caught Isaac Hayes (By The Time I Get To To Phoenix).
Search sometimes we need the music and sometimes we need the lyrics . . .
Maxine M.
MAXOLOGY!
WOO! This is a jam that has elements of James Brown’s J.B.s and FUNKY FUNKY FUNKY get-down jazz! Maxology is in the house! Thanks for the soulful Detroit-vibe!
Felt That Funky & Soul ’cause we do that too. ..BONUS.to receive your pledge in support. Love From Detroit!
Your inspirations well received in studio…we offer great thanks.
Moon Dance – Moon Trance
We Thank YOU!
What was played at 8:37-840 pm on Friday night with Maxology 11.15.24!!!! Very sexy!!!
You heard Jr. Walker + The All Stars the track Cleo’s Mood.
P.S. thank you for listening.
~ Max
Still matching donations?
Hi Steve, our Giving Tuesday donation match has ended but we hope to have another special event like that again soon. Thank you for checking!
Last night (1/3/25) I heard an amazing live version of Love for Sale! Please tell who is the singer and band. Thank you and happy new year. 🕊️
Hi Eric, that was Dee Dee Bridgewater doing Love For Sale from her album Live At Yoshi’s on the Verve label. Thanks for listening!
Hello Maxine, You’ve done it again! You played a simply “dance-in-your-seat” segment of songs back-to-back: “Jan Jan”, “Song For My Father” and “It Don’t Mean A Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing” (which guitarist Rick Matle and I thoroughly appreciated hearing while safely strapped in our seat belts driving home after the downtown gig during the 10 o’clock hour of “Maxology” on Friday January 31, 2025. Thank you!
Hi Sheila & Rick,
What a sweet note…speaks volumes to the perfect timing and perfect placement for you to catch all that.
Warmest thanks for sharing great music.
~ Max
Happy Valentine’s weekend, Maxine. Just checking in to see if you received a copy of my latest recording, Paul Vornhagen–Live at the Blue LLama on Global Pulse Records. Thanks so much
Hello Paul, Special thanks for the note…anxiously watching for your new project. ~ Max
Just the show who was that last artist with xylophone?it was great!!thank you
Hi, thanks for listening, we’ll check with Maxine…
You are a genius. Where you get them tunes.
HI Maxine:
I love your show. I listen frequently from Chicago. However, I lived in Detroit for 40 years before I returned to my hometown(Chicago). Also, I’d like your help. I am trying to contact Mojo. We did a program on Detroit Black Journal in the late 1990’s called the “Technology Explosion”. Mojo may have a copy of the TV program. Best,
Kenneth
Awww that is a priceless note on many levels. Mojo is a Detroit radio legend and one of my mentors. Thanks Kenneth – Love From Detroit!
Can someone please tell me what song was playing about 4 songs ago? It was a long instrumental and ended with a keyboard solo. It ended at 9:14pm. I think Stevie wonder came on after. (Today’s date is April 25)
The realest on the station Maxology you know how to bring it keep up the good work. In Vegas enjoying Detroit talents
I mean Maxine don’t stop
I’m listening! Sounds great to me!
Thank you Roger!
You make it so hard to leave my office on Friday’s after work. Smooth Jazz, like back in the day in Detroit.
Thank you Vonda! If anyone asks, you stay late because you’re a good worker, not because of the music.
Why is it so hard to find your playlist for evening jazz? I want to find out what was playing between 8PM and 9PM Friday, July 11, 2025. Can you help?
Hi Ray, here are the songs from that time.
B.B. King & Bobby Bland – I Like To Live The Love I Sing About
Gerard Gibbs & Dr. Professor Leonard King – Gerard’s A-100 Alley Blues
Jimmy Smith – After Hours
Larry Smith & Company – A Night In Tunisia
William Hill Trio – Tell Your Story
Naima Shambouguer & Marion Hayden – Sugar
Al Jarreau – So Good
P.S. thanks for listening
Hello Maxine, hope all things are going great with you. As usual, the gritty, soulful song selections on your August 1, 2025 broadcast of “Maxology” held us spellbound as we drove home from our Friday night gig in downtown Detroit. When we unexpectedly heard our “live” version of “It Don’t Mean a Thing if it Ain’t Got That Swing” we listened with edge-of-seat excitement. “That’s US!” exclaimed guitarist Rick Matle (pronounced MAY-tull). Thank you for the “shout-out” Detroit style. In these times of massive governmental cuts to public media organizations, I’m mailing an additional donation in support of WRCJ today!
Hi Sheila, we appreciate the additional support! And thanks for the music!
Looking forward to the playlist for August 1. Going crazy trying to remember the name of one piece. Thanks!
Hi Wren, that playlist is now up!
SO SWINGING!
Thanks for playing ALL this great music!
Randy Johnston
We thank you for sharing your great music.
~ Max
This mornings program was much more pleasant. Thank you. Nice way to start the day
Maxine, you’ve done it again! On a Friday night in the heart of downtown Detroit all a-buzz and a-glow and jammed with traffic on the side-streets on the evening of the celebration of the Christmas tree lighting and what do you know Trombone Shorty’s in town performing at the Music Hall, we plow northward towards I-75. “Of course, that’s Lou Rawls!” “Pah rum, pa, pum-pum” I say to Rick Matle at the wheel. I’d know that signature husky quality that only Lou Rawls could spin anywhere!” “Where do you think I learned to sing the blues? I heard Lou sing “Tobacco Road” when I was a teenager. That settled that, and then I instantly recognized an alluring female voice confidently crooning “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year…”— my much younger self, in the esteemed company of: George “Sax” Benson, Cliff Monear on piano, Nick Calandro on bass, Rick Matle on guitar and Bob Harsen on the drums. Another musically memorable montage spun into the airwaves–only Maxine Michaels can transition tunes together like that! We love “Maxology”! Best wishes to all for a wonderful holiday season in Detroit and surrounding areas!
I’ve learned that preparation, timing is everything…glad you caught the movements. Happy Holiday Season!
Hi Max !
I’ve been under the weather for a while. A friend of mine posted something about Jazz and thought about your show and here I w. It’s good to be back.
Hi Cleo,
The Good News & Notes:
Delightful to know you’re listening . . .
Wishing Best Health – Happy Holiday Season
~ Max
Fabulous Playlist!!!as always
Thanks for those tickets😘
I’m thrilled….
Diane your warm note is priceless. The Wynton Marsalis tickets are our way of saying….thanks for listening. P.S. enjoy the show on us!
Plus to your inquiry on what was playing Friday in the 8:00 hour – here’s the list in order.
Stanley Jordan – Stolen Moments
Stuff Smith – Desert Sands
Wynton Marsalis – Bourbon Street Parade
Cool Mood Trio – Europa
Paul Alexis – Europa’s Embrace
Gil Scott Heron – Winter In America
Charles Mingus – Folk Lore #1
Love, Peace & Music ~ Max