Mike Stout is a socially conscious singer/songwriter and community leader. His songs illustrate social inequalities and call on people to act against them. He began his musical career in New York City playing his issue-oriented protest songs at Caf� Wa, the Bitter End, and the Gaslight. In 1977 he came to Pittsburgh and became a steelworker at the late great Homestead Works. He became the steelworker union�s head grievance man. Using his guitar, voice, music, and rhythmic verses he rallied his co-workers at union meetings. Together they won more than $10 million in lost wages, severance pay, pensions, and unemployment benefits for about 3,000 displaced workers. Mike led the way in seeking aid for the thousands of disenfranchised steelworker families and drew international attention to their plight. He raised funds and formed the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food-bank, Just Harvest, and the Steel Valley Authority. He serves on their boards.
After the mill closings and his disillusionment with corporate America, Mike picked up his guitar and started writing songs again. He has recorded five CDs in the last 5 years and has performed across the United States and Europe. Mike�s class-conscious anger has broadened to concerns for global spirituality and compassion. Our government leaders worsen the global situation by dividing us into warring factions.
Stout�s fifth and latest CD, calls for human solidarity. Written in shadow of 9/11, this collection songs reverberates the hope of its title song �the Human Spirit Will Prevail�. Mike asks us to join in human solidarity across borders, religions, race, and social class to overcome bigotry, hatred, and corporate greed.
In 2002 Mike traveled to the coal and steel regions of Poland and Germany to meet with union activists and perform at several large music festivals. Thousands in Eastern Europe who believe in his message have purchased his CDs. He performs his social conscious rock frequently at labor conventions, rallies, and picket lines. Mike Stout draws on his solid history of successful activism to call us to action. He has been called �the Labor Troubadour.�
