In memory of Mike Cummins.
For those of you who knew Mike C. The producer of the GenX cds and an original member GNX forums. This was posted there and I felt it was a shame I haven't seen it here.
Cummins, Michael R.
September 28, 2006
Michael R. Cummins 47, Indianapolis, passed away September 26, 2006 at St. Francis Hospital. He was born June 8, 1959 in Phoenix, Arizona. He is survived by his wife, Beth Milam Cummins; son, Steven J. Bueno of Indianapolis; mother, Bettye (Ferrell) Jackson of Tennessee; brother, John D. Cummins of Alabama; grandson, Adrian John Bueno; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Cummins and a son, Michael A. Cummins. Michael was an accomplished musician as well as a composer and producer of music. He was a beloved mentor to many musicians around the world. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association. A memorial service will be conducted at 1 p.m. Saturday, September 30 at Jubilee Full Gospel Church, 1006 S. Laurel St. Fountain Square, Indianapolis. Arrangements were entrusted to the Cremation Society of Indiana. On-line condolences may be sent to the Cummins family at www.wilsonstpierre.com.
Cummins, Michael R.
September 28, 2006
Michael R. Cummins 47, Indianapolis, passed away September 26, 2006 at St. Francis Hospital. He was born June 8, 1959 in Phoenix, Arizona. He is survived by his wife, Beth Milam Cummins; son, Steven J. Bueno of Indianapolis; mother, Bettye (Ferrell) Jackson of Tennessee; brother, John D. Cummins of Alabama; grandson, Adrian John Bueno; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Cummins and a son, Michael A. Cummins. Michael was an accomplished musician as well as a composer and producer of music. He was a beloved mentor to many musicians around the world. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association. A memorial service will be conducted at 1 p.m. Saturday, September 30 at Jubilee Full Gospel Church, 1006 S. Laurel St. Fountain Square, Indianapolis. Arrangements were entrusted to the Cremation Society of Indiana. On-line condolences may be sent to the Cummins family at www.wilsonstpierre.com.
Comments
Like many people of creative nature, he also experienced the counter balance to the exhilerating inspiration. It was the self destructive nature of his lows that strained our friendship the most. I really think his demons were sometimes very hard for him to bear and I believe that alcohol were both his way to deal with and his way to avoid personal problems. I would never say he wasn't my friend, but I put space between us when it reached critical mass.
When Mike was himself, he built confidence in hesitant musicians and made himself a conduit from which the inspiration and music could flow from one to others.
At the very least, all of us involved in his GenX cds were brought together to learn, laugh and to challenge ourselves to make music worthy of being on a collaborative cd produced by Mike Cummins that included not just outstanding guitarists and musicians from around the world, but a few moody songwriters too. What a wonderful experience.
I have no idea why I came here (old GNX2 forum) the other day. I assumed the site was long defunct, but for some reason felt compelled. The first thread I saw was this one. I debated for the last week whether to chime in or not. I felt it might appear hypocritical... then I thought... who gives a f#@k.
Rest your soul Mike.
Johnny Jaded
Electric Jadyland Studios