We’ll miss you, Jake

I received word from Michigan today that one of Ann Arbor’s biggest icons passed away on Monday at the age of 82. Mr. A flamboyant fixture of the city’s streets, “Shakey” Jake Woods was known for energetic street performances on his oft-broken guitar, for his signature dirty suits and dark sunglasses, for the creation of his iconic “I BRAKE FOR JAKE” bumper stickers, and for spinning tall tales of world-travel and blues-music fame. In 2004, WCBN 88.3-fm (the radio station I used to DJ at) compiled songs recorded by Jake at the station in the 70’s. You can listen to “State Street Boogie” here. I’ll miss seeing Jake ambling down State Street in that full-length coat 365 days a year.

“The whole world’s gonna miss me” - Jake Woods