User:Jackbelkin/sandbox

Mike (Myran) Belkin
Mike (Myran) Belkin was a legendary concert promoter within the Midwest with a short baseball career and a love for art. Mike was born in 1936 and originates from Cleveland Heights, Ohio where he was raised with his brother Jules Belkin. Growing up, Mike often worked for his father in the men's clothing industry in downtown Cleveland, Ohio. Mike later attended the University of Wisconsin where he was a pitcher on the baseball team. Mike continued his baseball career into the professional leagues where he was a member of the Chicago White Sox organization. He later turned his attention to the budding rock and roll industry in Cleveland, Ohio, where he created a promotion company, 'Belkin Productions,' with his brother Jules. 'Belkin Productions' was later bought by industry behemoth, 'Live Nation,' for an undisclosed amount of money in 2001. By then, Mike had married Sue Belkin and had a son named Michael Belkin and a daughter named Lisa Belkin. Mike also played an integral role in securing the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's home in Cleveland, Ohio in 1995. Mike Belkin was also the longtime manager to rock and roll legends, 'The James Gang,' 'Wild Cherry,' 'The Michael Stanley Band,' and, 'Donnie Iris.' Mike also played an important role in hit songs, 'Play that Funky Music White Boy,' 'Funk 49,' and many others. Longtime colleague and friend Mark Avsec says of the Cleveland native, "Mike was a success at everything he tackled." Mike later got divorced and remarried to his current wife Annie Belkin and had another son Sam Belkin.

Mike Belkin's memoir, "Mike Belkin: Socks, Sports, Rock & Art," was released in 2017. The book was incredibly well received and delves deep into his personal life and successes.

Mike shifted away from the music business into pseudo-retirement by collecting art and running a wholesale company, "Pinnacle Marketing." In addition to his post-music career, Mike enjoyed spending more time with his family: firstborn son, Michael Belkin, firstborn daughter, Lisa Belkin, and Sam Belkin.