The Workhorse Movement

In 1994 the rap-metal outfit the Workhorse Movement assembled on the Mount Pleasant campus of Central Michigan University, brought together by vocalist Myron (born Matt Kozuch-Rea), guitarist Freedom (Jeff Piper), bassist Jay, and drummer Joe Mackie. After refining their approach through appearances at area clubs and parties, the quartet issued its first independent recording, Dopamine, in 1995, then shifted base to Detroit two years later and entered a deal with the regional Overcore imprint that yielded a self-titled EP. Jay’s exit to resume his education led to the addition of bassist Grady (Jeff Wright) for an 18-month tour that simultaneously brought in second vocalist Cornbread (Chris Sparks). Pete Bever later took over the bass chair from Grady in time for the group’s 2000 Roadrunner debut, Sons of the Pioneers.