Counterculture figure and former manager of the legendary MC5, John Sinclair, passed away at the age of 82 due to congestive heart failure at Detroit Receiving Hospital.
Sinclair’s death was initially reported by the Detroit News and later confirmed by a spokesperson for his family.
Sinclair’s influence extended far beyond his role with the MC5. He was instrumental in the emergence of the alternative newspaper movement, providing a platform for radical voices in publications such as the Fifth Estate and the Ann Arbor Sun. Later in life, he pursued spoken-word performances and music, releasing over 30 albums under various band names, including collaborations with longtime friend Wayne Kramer of MC5.
Despite occasional controversy, Sinclair’s impact on the MC5 was undeniable. He became their manager in 1967, shaping their image as the house band of the White Panthers and amplifying their radical political stance. Their iconic debut album, “Kick Out the Jams,” released in 1969 under Elektra Records, cemented their status as pioneers of the proto-punk movement.
Born on October 2, 1941, in Flint, Michigan, Sinclair’s journey into activism began during his college years. His involvement with underground newspapers and the White Panther Party marked him as a prominent figure in the counterculture movement of the 1960s. However, his advocacy for marijuana legalization led to legal troubles, including a controversial 10-year prison sentence in 1969 for possession of two joints.
Sinclair’s imprisonment sparked widespread support from the music community, with artists like John Lennon and Pete Townshend advocating for his release. Ultimately, he was freed in 1971, thanks in part to a rally attended by luminaries such as Bob Seger and Stevie Wonder.
Beyond his activism, Sinclair was a passionate advocate for American music, particularly jazz and rhythm and blues. In addition to his musical endeavors, he established the John Sinclair Foundation in 2004, dedicated to preserving his artistic legacy and advancing cannabis legalization efforts.
Sinclair’s death marks the end of an era for the counterculture movement, leaving behind a legacy of activism and artistic expression that continues to inspire generations.