Oral history interview with Michael Hurley

Oral history interview with Michael Hurley

Michael Hurley talks of his nomadic life, beginning in his childhood as the son of a salesman, and continuing in the 1970s as he traveled between Boston and northern Vermont, where he was often able to live rent free in empty farmhouses. He also talks of his earlier life, quitting school at age 17, hitchhiking around the country, experimenting with drugs, contracting tuberculosis, spending time at Bellevue Hospital, and becoming interested in health foods, especially macrobiotics. He describes his life in Vermont, living in a teepee, numerous chimney fires, and running off the road in the winter, as well as his life as a musician, playing in kitchens and small cafes, meeting Fred Ramsay, Jr., and recording a few songs for him. He concludes the interview by speaking of Johnny Casel, a pianist living in East Fairfield, Vermont, who attracted Boston musicians to the area and allowed Hurley to live in his barn in 1979.

20 April 2016

AudioFile1970s-65

MP3

Audio Files

Fairfield (Vt.)

Permission to publish material from the Vermont 1970s Counterculture Project must be obtained from the Vermont Historical Society.

Blofson, Kate

Hurley, Michael (Vocalist)

East Fairfield (Vt.)

47 min., 27 sec.

Vermont Historical Society Library, 60 Washington Street, Barre, VT 05641-4209