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Mike
Naylon
Kerry Law Portrait of Mike Naylon 2002

About

Mike

Naylon

Kerry Law Portrait 09-28-2002

About

Growing up in Buffalo, New York, Mike was one of seven children. Early on we knew Mike was gifted as he was a voracious reader with a fabulous curiosity. After graduating from Kenmore West Senior High at the very top of his class, Mike enrolled at SUNY Binghamton, where his love of music would flourish as a DJ, and later the Manager of the college radio station WHRW.

Mike had a spirit, enthusiasm, and outsized generosity - ready to share anything that he loved with others. Mike had many guises - artist, musicologist, collector, filmmaker, paralegal, proofreader, rollerblader, Coney Island swimmer, surfer, vegan cook, and inventor. An avid concert goer, nothing excited Mike more than the prospect of an upcoming show or seeing an African band on a hot afternoon at Union Pool. His enthusiasm—or more correctly, zeal—was amazing. He always seemed to know performers, promoters, and venue operators. If he didn't, he would seek them out after the show and sometimes give them one of his creations - like a silk-screened tote bag or button. He was a fan and unafraid to show it.

The many things he loved, he loved a lot.

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Mike'S Spotify
Playlist

Listen on Spotify

The Spotify playlist was created to showcase the various genres of music Mike was passionate about throughout his life. From his early teens, Mike took to under-the-radar musicians and was adamant about sharing them with friends. Mike's musical tastes were vast and personal, with a curated collection which was always a source of pride with passion.

As a manager at Binghamton's radio station WHRW, Mike was able to connect with like-minded college students, many of whom he stayed friends with for years to come.

This list will be updated frequently and, in the spirit of a radio station, requests are welcomed.

WORDS FROM
Friends

Mike and I met as freshmen at SUNY-BInghamton in 1989. It was a magical time. Our days there were filled with music, art, and incredible fun. Mike was intense, smart, and amazingly creative. We kept in touch for years after college, but gradually our lives diverged. I think about him all the time and wish I could have been a better, stronger friend. Love to Mike's family.
Elizabeth Evola Ward
So much this, as the kids say. I actually made a playlist today of artists Mike had introduced me to. Robyn Hitchcock. Lloyd Cole. The Buzzcocks. So many more that I've probably forgotten. God, what a huge influence he was.
Susan Campbell-Beachy
I transferred to Binghamton University and Mike was one of the first people I met there and I think he recognized I was new and a little lost there, and was an immediate friend. He was an incredible music lover, and it was an infectious and an educational love, an unstoppable DJ. He made art as if it was breathing or eating, it was that necessary. I am incredibly saddened at his loss but joyous in remembering our times together, that group of friends, and his amazing vitality.
Steve Bartoo