Doug Brown & The Omens

Despite a meager recorded output, Doug Brown and the Omens continue to hold a key place in Detroit rock and roll history as a launching pad for the young Bob Seger. Brown was already fronting the Omens when he first met Seger in 1964, soon inviting the aspiring singer/songwriter to join the band; financed by Del Shannon, sometime around 1965 the group cut a single, "TGIF"/"First Girl," which represents Seger's first known official recording. In January 1966, Brown produced Seger's regional solo blockbuster "East Side Story," the record credited with making the singer a Detroit superstar; the following summer, he also helmed Seger's "Heavy Music," another local smash. By 1969 Brown was fronting the group Southwind, debuting that year with the Blue Thumb label release Ready to Ride; after 1973's What a Place to Land the band dissolved, and he mounted a solo career which yielded 1981's Say You Will. ~ Jason Ankeny