98.5 WNCX Cleveland afternoon host Michael Stanley passed away on Friday, March 5 at the age of 72 after a bout with lung cancer.

Stanley, whose given name was Michael Stanley Gee, was the frontman of the Cleveland based Michael Stanley Band from 1974 until 1986 which had a few national singles including “My Town” and “In the Heartland“. The band was very successful in the Midwest, but never was able

After the breakup of the band, Stanley hosted “PM Magazine” and “Cleveland Tonight” on WJW-TV from 1987 through 1991 and would win ten local Emmy Awards. He would join Classic Rock 98.5 WNCX in September 1990 as host of “In The Heartland” titled after one of his more known hits. The hourlong early evening show ran until Stanley was promoted to afternoon host in May 1992.

Stanley was last heard on air on February 19 with the station noting earlier this week that he was off dealing with “major health issues”.

Following his passing, WNCX released the following letter written by Stanley to his listeners.

Michael Stanley's special farewell message to you???? pic.twitter.com/7shKkBJBjd

— WNCX-FM ???? (@985WNCX) March 6, 2021