JAN MICHAEL LOOKING WOLF, 2009 ARTIST OF THE YEAR Native American Music Award Winner
This is a brief bio of Jan Michael Looking Wolf, an award winning recording artist and performer. He is a member of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde and resides close to his reservation in Western Oregon. He is a Kalapuya Native with Celtic decent who is committed to the path of the native flute…. A path of healing…..A path of PEACE.
In spring of 1994, he suffered two large strokes from a very rare unknown genetic enzyme disorder and had blood clots pass through his heart and cause bleeding in the lungs. As a result from the strokes, he was paralyzed on the entire left side of his body. He received a miraculous healing and recovered 100% from the strokes.
Since then, Looking Wolf has become an accomplished Native Recording Artist with 16 CDs and 2 DVDs recorded on various Indie Record Labels - earning 39 National Award Recognitions. Most recently, Jan Michael won the prestigious “Artist of the Year” Award at the 2009 Native American Music Awards. He also won for NAMMY Flutist of the Year in 2008 and the “Best Native Flute” award at the Indian Summer Music Awards in 2008. This made history as the first time ever a flutist won both in the same year. His prior work ranges from Solo Flute, blues, jazz, classical, to Indie Rock with a full band. In 2007, the CD Spreading Wings, climbed to no. 10 on the New Age Charts. In 2009, his native rock CD “The Looking Wolf Project” made history with large scale distribution and recognitions.
His newest release is entitled “Breakin’ Free”, an edgy rock recording with his band that has a nice mix of top then chart type rock songs with vocals and some hard hitting instrumental tracks with his legendary native flute solos. A release with Spirit Wind Records out of Pulaski New York, critics are hailing it at “the new voice of native rock” and “groundbreaking”. Donald Blackfox, CEO of Spirit Wind describes Jan Michael’s newest rock effort as “some of the most amazing native flute performances in history. Jan Michael’s vocals on this CD are world class as well, his new band is amazing!”
“Breakin’ Free” is part of an effort by Jan Michael to give back to native communities by supporting drug and alcohol prevention for native youth. His CD and anti-drug abuse posters will be distributed to every reservation in the country during 2010.
Native Flute music by Looking Wolf is featured in the motion picture TILLAMOOK TREASURE that is now released onto DVD. He also has a part in the movie as a native flutist! In the modern day scene, Looking Wolf is playing on the beach with Floyd Red Crow Westerman (from the movie Dances with Wolves). For more information about the movie go to www.tillamooktreasure.com.
What to expect with Jan Michael in concert? For most venues he appears with his band and performs songs from from the rock album with a high energy stadium type show. He also appears "solo" with beautiful solo flute, heartfelt stories, and amazing vocals. With over 400 appearances across the country and international distribution of his music, Looking Wolf has become a well known performer.
When not performing, Looking Wolf instructs native flute classes at Oregon State University. Participants learn about the origins and history of native flutes from North America. This is the first class of its kind, making history and helping promote native culture. He also teaches “Native American Music”, a course that offers a look at the roots and journey of music from Native American people.
Through lessons, workshops and university courses, Looking Wolf has taught over 2,500 people how to play the native flute. Even with all the success musically and the emergence as a nationally known performer, Looking Wolf maintains a focus on family and healing. For years, he studied the indigenous principles of One Heart, and now his life and music are founded on them.
“I would like to thank all my family, Tribe, friends, and fans for the great support of the music. During the journey here, I have found that it is true that we are all related…It is important to respect all cultures, after all, everyone and everything is born to the earth and sky.”
Biography last updated Dec , 2009
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