Michael Stanley, Cleveland Musician And Radio Host, Dead At 72

CLEVELAND, OH — Michael Stanley Gee, a Cleveland-based musician and radio host whose career spanned five decades, has died, according to a report by 98.5 WNCX. He was 72 years old.

Stanley, who with his namesake band reached the Top 40 in the 1980s with the hits “He Can't Love You” and “My Town," died on Friday, according to the radio station. He had been diagnosed with lung cancer in the fall.

After The Michael Stanley Band formed in 1974, it went on to open for acts like REO Speedwagon, Cheap Trick, Foreigner, and Joe Walsh, according to FOX 8. After a brief period of national popularity in the early '80s, sales fell off and the band broke up in 1987, the Associated Press reported.

Stanley, also a songwriter, continued to record and tour while moving on to a second career in broadcasting. He co-hosted PM Magazine for several years and spent 30 years broadcasting on 98.5 WNCX, according to FOX 8.

Through his work, Stanley won 11 Emmy awards and was a member of the Cleveland Broadcasters Hall of Fame.

"Michael battled lung cancer for seven months with the same strength and dignity he carried throughout his life. He will always be remembered as a loving father, brother, husband, a loyal friend, and the leader of one of Cleveland's most successful rock bands," WNCX said in a statement.

Stanley will be laid to rest at Lake View Cemetery during a private service, the radio station said.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory can be made to the Cleveland Food Bank or the Cleveland Animal Protective League.