R.I.P.: Mike Clark, Former WRIF Detroit Morning CoHost

WRIF Graphic

Mike Clark, a long-time fixture on the Detroit FM morning radio scene known for his irreverence, his scatological humor and his distinctive cackle during his years on the Drew & Mike Show, died suddenly.

Mike Clark

He was 63-years-of-age.

Clark started on WRIF 101.1 FM doing characters for Ken Calvert and Jim Johnson. He became Drew Lane’s partner after Zip, Lane’s original morning show co-host, left. The full-time gig capped an eclectic resume that included ambulance driver and gas company employee. The duo, along with cohorts Trudi Daniels, Marc Fellhauer and Mike Wolters, dominated morning radio for years.

While Lane was the more erudite member of the team, Clark provided a more earthy element to the show. While the partners were known for their ribaldry, Clark could take the discussion to the far edge of what could be said on the radio without triggering action from the FCC. Some of his interests, which some might call fetishes, made some listeners cringe and others diehard fans.

Drew and Mike" ran from 1991 to 2013 on WRIF-FM, quickly becoming the market's top morning radio program thanks to the duo's edgy, locally flavored humor. Clark reunited with Drew Lane in 2016 for a daily podcast, though he appeared infrequently in recent years.

During the "Drew and Mike" run, Clark was the on-air everyman, his raspy voice, raucous laugh and man-of-the-street Michigan accent playing off Lane's polished radio chops. Clark piloted the show on his own from 2007 to 2009 as Lane took a sabbatical and then sought a spot on afternoon radio.

According to the Detroit Free Press, the duo's potty humor and topical segments helped reap massive listenership, particularly during their first decade at WRIF. Clark and Lane reigned for years atop the local Arbitron ratings in the key 25-54 demographic beloved by advertisers.



According to FOX2-TV, Clark had been struggling with health issues in recent years and died in his sleep. The cause has not been determined.