Michael Murphy & The MOB is a Wisconsin-based blues-rock and Americana band known for powerful live performances, original songwriting, and long-form sets that blend roots rock, blues, and soul. Based in Appleton, WI, the band performs throughout Northeast Wisconsin and the Midwest in clubs, festivals, and listening rooms.
Recognized across Wisconsin for original songwriting and performance
2023–2025 WAMI Nominee
Best Male Vocalist / Blues Artist
Singer-Songwriter Finalist
I wrote this song after the passing of Mickey Larson, who passed away in 2004, a legendary keyboardist, and my friend. Mickey worked with the MOB for a few years prior to his passing. He was funny, had an infectious smile and laugh, definitely great on keys, and left behind so many friends and fans. He once told me, “Smurf, play it like you sing it.” I try, Mickey, I try.
My new CD "Black, Two Sugars" is out and available on the website store AND ALL MAJOR STREAMING SITES.
Michael Murphy
Black, Two Sugars
Dog House Records
'Black, Two Sugars' marks a return to his roots as a solo musician. There is nothing "cookie-cutter" about Michael Murphy. This guy has the heart of a poet, the soul of the old-school songster or bluesman, and the ability as a wordsmith and storyteller to bring it all together.
- Bill Wilson, Reflections In Blue. May, 2022
Michael Murphy’s ‘Black, Two Sugars’ is a contemplative-reflection of life - bitter, sweet and bitter-sweet and absolutely perfect no matter how you take your music.
Murphy combines his mastery of the blues with that of a latter-year, Cash-esque outlaw country vibe that stirs the music and the soul of the listener.
- John Jordan, 105.7 WAPL Home Brewed
NEW VIDEO
My close friend, and incredible artist, Ms. Jennifer Lee, made this video of my original song "BOTTOM OF THE BOTTLE" after listening to it on my new CD, "BLACK, TWO SUGARS." The CD was recorded and engineered by Marc Golde, ROCK GARDEN STUDIO, in Appleton, WI. My original song, “HELLBOUND,” was also recorded and the video produced at Rock Garden Studio, by Marc Golde.
The video Jennifer Lee, (https://www.shadowworkarts.com), made of "Bottom Of the Bottle" is not a single-performance video but rather a vision of the song playing out through a montage of performance scenes as imagery. What an eye this young lady has!