Michael "Mike" Thurman was born in Chicago, Illinois. He attended Proviso East High School. Mike was a member of a vocal group called The Engagers.  He performed with the group Weapons of Piece and Philharmonic Orchestra in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Mike became a member of The Notations in 1993. His style is the "Cool Breeze" of the group. His smooth sounding falsetto is the pure authenticity of the late Harry Ray (of Ray, Goodman and Brown). His musical influences were The Temptations, the vocal style of Eddie Kendrick's, and the clear vocals of Brook Benton.