MICKI FREE

ABOUT MICKI FREE:

FREE has been on the cutting-edge of the music industry from the start of his career. Having been signed to a management deal with Gene Simmons and Diana Ross that launched his career, FREE joined the legendary R&B group Shalamar where he became friends with Prince. After his departure in the early 90’s, FREE continued his solo career appearing on both the stage and in the studio with iconic artists including Carlos Santana, Janet Jackson, KISS, Little Steven Van Zandt, Aerosmith, Neil Young and Bill Wyman, just to name a few

His most recent album, TURQUOISE BLUE, was released via the Dark Idol Music label distributed by Burnside Distribution / The Orchard / Sony and features guest musicians including Gary Clark Jr., Steve Stevens, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram and Cindy Blackman Santana. FREE recently collaborated on a new version of the album’s single “World On Fire (Warrior Remix)” with Blackman Santana and her fellow Santana band members Karl Perazzo and Andy Vargas. Stream/download “World on Fire (Warrior Remix)” across all digital platforms HERE.

Born mixed blood Cherokee/Comanche Native American and Irish descent, FREE has mastered the Native American flute and in addition to his guitar-driven blues rock albums has recorded five flute music albums. He has used his platform to advocate for the Native American community and created the Native Music Rocks program, which gives Native American musicians performance opportunities and also founded the first Native American record company (Native Music Rocks Records).

In 2023, he was chosen to be an official “Envoy” for the World Culture Festival and performed at the massive Olympic-scale unity celebration at The National Mall in Washington, DC. On the event’s opening day (September 29), FREE led the “1,000+ Guitar Ensemble” in a performance of his single, “We Are One,” written, produced, and arranged by FREE specifically for the World Culture Festival. He performs lead vocals and lead & rhythm guitar with assistance from longtime friend and collaborator Cindy Blackman-Santana (drums), Ken Riley (bass, backing vocals) and Lila Gale (backing vocals). It’s available on Spotify (HERE) or Apple Music (HERE) along with a serene, picturesque lyric video via YouTube HERE.