Wonderland Music Over 50 Years Of Music History

Most of the artists in Detroit know the Wonderland Music name. It was in business over 54 years and it touched the lives of artists across genres.

In the early 1960s, Clarence and his brother, Larry Wayne, opened Wonderland Music in Dearborn. And the artist that formed each of the music legacies from Motown to Techno purchased or rented gear from the franchise.

In the 80’s you remember Wonderland Music from the low-budget local television commercials that featured co-owner Clarence Wayne as “Crazy Clarence.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The owner became friends with Stevie Wonder, who would visit the store several times a week. “We became friends because he came in, we became personal friends” said Clarence, adding that he and his brother even attended Wonder’s 50th birthday party.

The Wayne Brothers rented gear to Jackson 5 for show in the ’70s at Pine Knob, now DTE Energy Music Theatre, in Clarkston. Bob Seger was a regular customer. They supplied gear Led Zeppelin and a variety of musicians, including Wonder, Bret Michaels, the Jackson 5 and many others.

Wonderland Music, rented music equipment and PA systems to everyone from Detroit-based artists, to superstars and even presidents when they would visit Detroit.