Mitch Ryder (second interview)
PMP Network Presents
Mitch Ryder is a singer, known for his work with The Detroit Wheels. He discusses his active touring schedule and upcoming performances. He also shares that his birth name is William Levissi and he originally performed as Billy Lee.
Mitch Ryder (second interview)
of "the Detroit Wheels"
About Mitch Ryder (second interview)
Mitch Ryder is a singer and frontman of The Detroit Wheels, known for energetic performances and powerful vocals. Born William Levise Jr. in Hamtramck, Michigan, he achieved multiple top 10 hits in the 1960s including "Devil with a Blue Dress On/Good Golly Miss Molly," "Jenny Take a Ride," and "Sock it to Me, Baby." He was inducted into the Michigan Rock and Roll Legends Hall of Fame in 2005 and the Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame in 2017.
In this interview
- Discussed active touring schedule including Winston-Salem, Clearwater, Pensacola, and Galveston dates
- Explained his birth name was William Levissi and he originally performed as Billy Lee
- Recalled "Sock it to Me, Baby" being banned in some markets for sexuality
- Noted the phrase preceded Laugh-In, borrowed from Aretha Franklin's "Respect"
“In this business you borrow from. Heavily.”— Mitch Ryder (second interview), in this interview
Since this interview
Ryder continued recording prolifically, releasing "Georgia Drift" in 2023, live album "The Roof Is On Fire" in 2024, and his 40th album "With Love" in 2025. A live recording of his 80th birthday concert was scheduled for release on Ruf Records in January 2026.
