Remembering inspirational Detroit music man Jim Shaw

Any Detroit musician who had Jim Shaw in his corner knew two things: if Shaw liked the tunes, they were doing it right; and his support for the local melody-makers truly exemplified what it means to be a “fan.” Model D managing editor Walter Wasacz’s moving tribute to the man he called a “humble giant” on Detroit’s music scene is a must-read.

Excerpt:

He had a knack for spotting talent. When no one thought anything was
going on in the 1980s and early 1990s, Jim and his brother Steve Shaw
begged to differ. That period of basement and garage incubation begat
the Gories, Detroit Cobras, White Stripes, countless others — and
brought worldwide attention to the “Detroit sound.” But these guys were
living and breathing it long before, and after, British journalists
declared we were the “next Seattle.”

Jim Shaw died Dec. 3 after a two-year battle with cancer. He’s survived by his wife, Sandra Kramer. We extend our deepest sympathy — and our gratitude for counting Shaw as one of our own. Read the tribute here.