A Tucson resident for more than 20 years, Michelle Haller was one of the original recipients of the Club Congress VIP card, and the second waitress hired at Café Poca Cosa. She has worked sporadically at vintage clothing store How Sweet It Was. Michelle now enjoys a relatively quiet life of domesticity with her husband and 2 1/2-year-old son. When not at car shows or vintage trailer rallies, she can usually be found shopping for groceries.
What was the first concert you ever saw?
The first concert I saw on my own was Rod Stewart at the Kemper Arena in Kansas City, Mo. Must've been about 1981.
What are you listening to these days?
I've been enjoying Hayes Carll lately. Mostly, though, I listen to the radio. I'm a huge fan of Al Perry's Clambake, Tuesday nights on KXCI (FM 91.3). I like both Bernie Taupin's American Roots Radio and Vin Scelsa's Idiot's Delight show on the The Loft Sirius XM satellite-radio station. I also listen to the standard classics on KCEE AM 690.
What was the first album you owned?
I remember getting Creedence Clearwater Revival, Bayou Country, in my Easter basket when I was 7 or so. The first album I bought myself was Queen, News of the World.
What artist, genre or musical trend does everyone seem to love, but you just don't get?
I just can't get with techno.
What musical act, current or defunct, would you most like to see perform live?
Billie Holiday.
Musically speaking, what is your favorite guilty pleasure?
Gangsta rap.
What song would you like to have played at your funeral?
The old cowboy song "Streets of Laredo," sung slow and sad.
What band or artist changed your life, and how?
It might be safe to say that my early exposure to '70s singer-songwriters, namely Cat Stevens, Rod McKuen and Neil Diamond, led to a lot of years of unapologetic promiscuity.
Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time?
The Clash, London Calling, and Tom Waits, Rain Dogs.
