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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.

CREATIVE Work

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Collages & Mixed Media

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

Over the past few days, it’s been occurring to me how very much of my favorite music was influenced by Mike. In 1985 introduced me to Kate Bush for which I’ll be forever be grateful. We definitely bonded over the Smiths and truly I can’t listen to the Smiths today, without hearing his voice, singing some of the lyrics and changing them slightly, in that witty way that he could do —spur of the moment. He made me a tape of Elvis Costello’s Imperial Bed room. when I told him that Beyond Belief was my favorite song of all time. I couldn’t understand the lyrics, so he wrote them out for me. I probably still have them in a journal somewhere, and I still know all the lyrics. He made sure we knew about all of the cool bands and films playing. We shared our love of and excitement about collage work. Thank you, Mike.
Jennifer-Jeanne Murdock
He touched my life in a significant way- we were together for a while in college and stayed in touch for many years. I don’t think I’m any different from the rest- his brilliance, passion, ups and downs all came with that package.
Rosemary Spy
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