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A Michigan pastor and Stateside Dad has composed an original song every Christmas for 50 years

A conversation with Stateside producer Mike Blank and his father, the Rev. Richard Blank

Christmas 2018 is going to be a special one for Stateside producer Mike Blank’s family. It marks the 50th consecutive year of his dad composing an original Christmas carol. Rev. Richard Blank, a retired Episcopal priest, would send a copy of each new carol to loved ones in the family’s annual Christmas letter. Mike sat down to talk to his dad about his favorite compositions and where he gets his inspiration year after year.

Copyright 2018 Michigan Radio

Read more about the Stateside.
Mike Blank is a producer and editor for Stateside. Inspired by a story on a bag of Uncle Ray’s potato chips, Blank created the satire segment “A Minute with Mike” which can be heard on Stateside. A proud U-M drop-out and Summa Cum Laude graduate of Wayne State, Blank first started working in radio in 1998 and has worked at WKHM, WDET, WXYT and WWJ. Blank won the 2012 Michigan Association of Broadcasters “Best Morning Show” award as the lone producer of the Charlie Langton Show. A Michigander since age 2, Blank has resided in Detroit since 2004 where he enjoys walks to Tiger’s games and watching wild pheasants in the vacant lots across the street.