Q&A: WSU alumnus' book a mini time capsule of Creative Warriors, Cass Tech musician connection

Among Wayne State University's vast alumni network are prolific writers, many of whom author a myriad of books that run the gamut of subjects.

One such work stands out from other publications, due to the sheer number of WSU alumni mini bios in the short, 117-page Motor City's Musician Incubator: The Cass Technical High School Story.

Dozens of alumni, including vocalist Shirley Love, actress/comedian Lily Tomlin, and musician Kenny Burell - all College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts' Arts Achievement Award honorees - are included in the book by Arthur Lieb '60. With pictures included, it's a mini time capsule.

Lieb shared a bit of his Wayne State experience, it's impact on him, and more about his career path.

What led you to Wayne State?

A born Detroiter, I had one opportunity: Wayne University at $120 a semester. I was brainwashed with music, thinking I would become a music teacher. The teacher part vanished. I switched to music theory and history.

Can you expand a little more on your WSU Story?

In 1957, the Men's Glee Club was invited to make a tour of U.S. Army and Air Force bases in England and Germany. There were about 60 voices in the ensemble, but the tour was limited to 20.

The director, Harry Langsford, and accompanist, Bill Jones, were shoo-ins. That left 18 spaces. I was very lucky to be chosen. The tour changed my life.

The next year I was able to get a round-trip European charter flight to London and did my first solo foreign adventure, visiting eight countries. Since that time, I have visited 60 more.

How did Wayne State prepare you for your career? Any faculty members, experiences or opportunities particularly impactful?

In my junior year, I learned the radio station had hired a Hungarian refugee, Lazlo Boehm. He had been the music director of Hungarian State Radio and was friends of many famous Hungarian musicians and composers.

I walked into his office, and the next day began a two-year tenure as the cataloger of its LP collection. The next year Dr. Boehm put me on the air for a 13-week program called Composers of our Time. I frequented the WSU library and became friends with Dr. Bruno Nettl, the music librarian. He impressed me.

After graduation I began part-time studies for a master's degree in library science at the University of Michigan. and worked full time at the WSU library for two years.

In 1964, I started an internship at the Library of Congress that lasted for 25 years. I retired as Administrative Officer of the Office of the Librarian.

Talk a little more about your career path …

Working in the world's largest Library was wonderful and my 15 years in the front office was enlightening. I got to do what no one else wanted to do. I got to meet many famous people, among them Secretary of State Henry Kissinger and actress Faye Raye, the original King Kong actor.

I became interested in the Library's credit union and was a member of its board for 18 years. This got me interested in finance and I became a Certified Financial Planner and a licensed stockbroker. When I retired from the Library, I worked as an independent financial consultant for 15 years.

I went back to my piano and began playing "lounge" music for private parties, etc. On five occasions, I performed at the White House for private receptions.

Why did you write Motor City's Musician Incubator?

I wrote it to honor my high school classmates who went on to great careers.