Raised in a multicultural, ethically diverse post World War II, San Diego neighborhood built for quick housing relief during the war named Linda Vista. Grew up with all the baby boomers that reached puberty listening to Chuck Berry, Coasters, Drifters, Elvis and Bill Doggett. Quickly favored R&B and Soul music over top 40 bubble gum songs. Picked up the guitar somewhere around 1958.

Started playing pop music, (now R&B classics), in high school dance bands during the sixties. In 1963 entered the United States Air Force, and took his guitar, Mickey Baker's Jazz Guitar book and five record albums:
· Bobby Bland's "Here's The Man,"
· James Brown's "Live at the Apollo Theater,"
· Ray Charles' "Greatest Hits,"
· Freddy King's, "Hideaway,"
· B.B.King's "My Kind of Blues."

Formed the Fabulous "Jades" while in the Air Force with the superb talents of Big John Johnson, Leroy Johnson, TC Webb, Leslie Burnside, Nevilles and Don Grady. Was exposed to Hard Bop, and bought his first jazz album in the USAF, Miles Davis' "Seven Steps To Heaven." This addicted him to Hard Bop for a lifetime. Jimmy Smith and Kenny Burrell's, "Blue Bash" best-loved album. Favorite jazz tunes: "All Blues" by Miles' crew, and "Song For My Father" by Horace Silver.
Returned to California, and his hometown of San Diego, in 1967, and started playing in pop bands touring around California. Formed the Irvine "Big Daddy" Rucker, Blues Band writing songs, and recording. Michael maintains the largest record & tape collection of late blues legend Big Daddy Rucker. Spent the remainder of the seventies writing, sitting-in with other groups and at backyard barbecue jam sessions. (Real Garage Band Stuff)
Started "Cruizin," an Oldies but Goodies band, with Victor Marquez during the early eighties, and brought back classic Rhythm & Blues songs. Finished off the eighties in the King Biscuit Blues Band with blues harp king, Ken Schoppmeyer. Created Bostonia Music (ASCAP), recording and producing. Established a guitar shop called "The Music Store." Guest appeared on local Radio Stations. Produced the publication, "Strictly Nothing But The Blues" during the late eighties and early nineties, while writing for other jazz & blues publications. Formulated, "Blues Guitar Chord," manual, which is still in publication.
In the mid-nineties Started playing in coffeehouses, and sitting in with different groups. Invited as the guitarist for the Gospel singing group, "The Brothers Of Praise," co-writing, arranging and producing their first CD entitled, "Are You Ready." From 1997 to 2001, Michael played locally, but has mostly concentrated on writing, arranging and recording in his computer based digital studio. His first CD was titled; Jazz, Rhythm & Blues.
Major influence icons: BB King, Kenny Burrell, Freddy King, Wes Montgomery, Albert King, Wayne Bennett, Billy Butler, Oscar Moore and Otis Rush. Current favorite picker is Chirs Cain with Blind Pig Records. Favorite Jazzmen: Donald Byrd, Oscar Peterson, Jimmy Smith, Lee Morgan and Horace Silver. Favorite Gospel Groups: Gospel Hummingbirds & Jackson Southernaires. Favorite blues tunes: Stormy Monday and Driftin' Blues, by Bobby Bland. Favorite Album, BB King, "Live At The Regal." Favorite jam, "Blue Train" by John Coltrane.

Web Page: http://mikedollins.homestead.com/MikeDollins.html