A much-respected figure within San Francisco’s music community, pianist/organist Finnegan first attracted attention in the mid-60s leading Mike Finnegan And The Surfs. By the end of the decade he was a pivotal member of the Serfs, a jazz-influenced rock act responsible for Early Bird Cafe. In 1970 Finnegan teamed with former Gary Burton guitarist Jerry Hahn in Jerry Hahn’s Brotherhood, but the group’s sole, self-titled album failed properly to illustrate their talents. Finnegan then joined Nu Boogaloo Express, a group featuring former members of Big Brother And The Holding Company. When the latter act was re-formed in 1971, Finnegan joined the line-up on a part-time basis. He appears on their album, Be A Brother. The pianist also began his solo career that year. Mike Finnegan And Friends was completed with the help of Muscle Shoals studio musicians David Hood, Barry Beckett and Roger Hawkins. Three accomplished albums followed in the next seven years. In 1972 he recorded Crazed Hipsters with guitarist Jerry Wood and in 1978 formed Dudek, Finnegan And Krueger with Les Dudek (formerly with Boz Scaggs and Steve Miller). They completed Sweet Salvation and The DFK Band, before Dudek and Finnegan formed Black Rose, a soft rock ensemble fronted by Cher. Finnegan resumed solo work when this act split up, but failed to recapture the profile he enjoyed during the 70s. He has worked with members of Crosby, Stills And Nash for many years and co-sang the Stephen Stills AOR hit ‘Can’t Let Go in 1984. He continues to be sought after for session work, although he has an exceptional voice that is underused.