If you’ve never heard of Micki Free, get ready for a wild ride through rock, blues, funk, and Native American tradition—all blended together by one of the coolest guitarists to ever grace a stage. Free has played alongside legends, won Grammy Awards, jammed with Prince, and still finds time to give back to the Native American community. He’s a musician, an activist, and a guy with hair so iconic it deserves its own award.
So, who is Micki Free? Where did he come from? And why does he continue to be one of the most fascinating figures in the world of music? Buckle up—this is the story of the man, the myth, and the guitar-shredding legend.
Born to Rock: The Early Life of Micki Free
Micki Free was born on May 20, 1955, in West Texas, but spent most of his childhood in Illinois. Even before he picked up a guitar, Free had music flowing through his veins. His Comanche and Cherokee heritage played a big role in shaping his love for storytelling, rhythm, and melody.
But if there’s one moment that changed everything for young Micki Free, it was seeing Jimi Hendrix live.
Imagine this: You’re a teenager, standing in a packed crowd, and suddenly you see Hendrix—the man, the myth, the guitar god—setting his guitar on fire and playing it with his teeth. For Free, that moment was earth-shattering. From that day on, he was obsessed with the guitar. Hendrix, Carlos Santana, and Eric Clapton became his holy trinity of inspiration, and he locked himself in his room to master the art of shredding.
Shalamar and the Funk Revolution
Micki Free’s road to stardom took a major turn in the early 1980s, when he was recruited to join Shalamar, one of the biggest R&B and funk groups of the time.
If you’re not familiar with Shalamar, let me break it down for you: They were smooth, stylish, and seriously funky. Hits like “A Night to Remember”, “Second Time Around”, and “Dancing in the Sheets” made them international superstars.
So, what was a rock guitarist like Micki Free doing in a funk band? Simple: he changed the game.
Shalamar had always been known for their silky harmonies and danceable grooves, but Free brought an edge to their sound, adding searing guitar solos and a touch of rock 'n' roll flair. And people loved it.
The Grammy Moment
Free’s time with Shalamar wasn’t just about looking cool in leather jackets (though, let’s be real—he did that, too). His biggest moment came when he worked on the Beverly Hills Cop soundtrack, specifically the song “Don’t Get Stopped in Beverly Hills.” That track helped secure a Grammy Award in 1985, proving that Free was more than just a great guitarist—he was an industry powerhouse.
But Micki Free wasn’t meant to stay in one genre forever. After dominating the R&B and funk scene, he felt the call of his first love—rock and blues.
Micki Free: The Blues-Rock Shredder
After leaving Shalamar, Micki Free went back to his rock 'n' roll roots, and let me tell you—he did not hold back.
His solo career is a guitar lover’s dream, blending blues, rock, and a bit of Native American influence to create a sound that is entirely his own.
Essential Micki Free Albums
"Tattoo Burn-Redux" (2017) – A blues-rock album packed with soulful, raw guitar work, and the kind of riffs that make you scrunch your face in appreciation. The title track alone is pure fire.
"American Horse" (2002) – A deeply personal album that blends rock with Native American rhythms and themes, showcasing Free’s pride in his heritage.
"The Native American Flute as Therapy" (2020) – Completely different from his guitar-heavy albums, this one is all about healing, peace, and meditation through Native American flute music.
Hanging With Rock Legends
If you need proof that Micki Free is the real deal, just check out the rock legends he’s played with:
Prince – They were close friends, and Prince was one of Free’s biggest supporters.
Carlos Santana – Free’s childhood idol later became his collaborator and friend.
Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top) – When one of the greatest blues-rock guitarists praises your skills, you know you’re doing something right.
Gene Simmons & Paul Stanley (KISS) – Free worked with the KISS icons, further solidifying his rock 'n' roll credibility.
With friends like these, it’s no surprise that Micki Free has carved out such a legendary career.
A Champion for Native American Culture
Micki Free isn’t just about melting faces with guitar solos—he’s also a passionate advocate for Native American rights and culture.
Winning Big at the Native American Music Awards
Free has been honored multiple times at the Native American Music Awards (NAMMYs), winning several awards and even being inducted into the NAMMY Hall of Fame. His ability to blend modern music with indigenous traditions has made him a respected figure in Native music.
Mentoring Native Youth
Free spends a lot of his time visiting Native American reservations, where he holds music workshops and mentors young musicians. He encourages Native youth to embrace both their cultural identity and their artistic passions, helping them see that music can be a powerful tool for self-expression and change.
The Healing Power of Music
One of the most fascinating aspects of Micki Free’s career is his work with Native American flute music. His album "The Native American Flute as Therapy" explores the healing power of music, proving that Free isn’t just about epic solos—he also understands the deeper, spiritual side of sound.
The Legacy of Micki Free
So, what makes Micki Free so legendary?
He rocked the funk scene with Shalamar and won a Grammy Award.
He’s a blues-rock beast with killer albums and unreal guitar skills.
He’s played with rock gods like Prince, Santana, and KISS.
He’s a proud Native American advocate, using music to uplift indigenous communities.
He doesn’t follow trends—he makes them.
Micki Free is a force of nature—a guitar warrior, a musical shapeshifter, and a cultural icon who refuses to be pigeonholed. Whether you’re here for the funk, the blues, the rock, or the Native American influence, one thing’s for sure:
Micki Free is a legend who refuses to be forgotten.