Greetings, my name is Pat Zelenka, and welcome to this page dedicated to Ken Cushman, my grandfather, and musician (born 1917, died Nov. 14, 1946). This page is an attempt on his grandson’s part to find out more about him, both as a musician and as a man. I am looking for recordings (which were made, but my families copies were lost before I could hear them), pictures, and just general memories of Ken Cushman.
Kenneth Cushman graduated from High School in Owosso Michigan in 1933, and from there played music seemingly as his main profession until his untimely death in Presque Isle Maine in 1946. He was married to Martha Burnett (Cushman) during this time, and Presque Isle Maine was her hometown. They lived together during WWII on Vance Street in Royal Oak Michigan (Detroit) (Ken had poor eyesight, and was refused for service) during which time Ken played every weekend in the Detroit clubs. Martha died in February of 1977. Both Ken and Martha are currently buried in Presque Isle Maine.
Ken played many instruments, including upright bass, banjo, mandolin, piano, guitar, and also sang. Sadly his instruments were sold long ago, and his recordings were lost. My hope with this My Space page is to find some of these recordings, and transfer them to the digital medium. If anyone can help with this, or feels that either Ken’s pictures look familiar or his story rings a bell with them, I encourage you to contact me via this page. Anything anyone might have is of interest.
Thanks for stopping by!!
