Michael Stipe

John Michael Stipe (born January 4, 1960) is an American singer, songwriter, musician, film producer, music video director, visual artist, and philanthropist. He is best known as the lead singer and main lyricist of the alternative rock band R.E.M. from their formation in 1980 until their dissolution in 2011.Possessing a distinctive voice, Stipe is noted for the mumbling style of his early career as well as for his social and political activism. He was in charge of R.E.M.s visual aspect, often selecting album artwork and directing many of the bands music videos. Outside the music industry, he owns and runs two film production studios, C-00 and Single Cell Pictures.As a singer-songwriter, Stipe is considered to be an influence on a wide range of artists, including Kurt Cobain of Nirvana and Thom Yorke of Radiohead. Bono of U2 described his voice as extraordinary.As a member of R.E.M, Stipe was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007 (their first year of eligibility) before splitting in 2011.

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