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unusual facts about Michael Franti


Poetry Man

In 1997, Zap Mama, an African-Belgium based group, delivered a version on their album, Seven which included a dialog of sorts with Spearhead's Michael Franti playing the Poetry Man himself.


Elephant Revival

Individually and collectively the band members have performed with or opened for Dispatch, Bela Fleck, John Paul Jones, Devotchka, Michael Franti, Little Feat, Yonder Mountain String Band, George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic, Leftover Salmon, Railroad Earth, State Radio, String Cheese Incident, Shanti Groove, and others.

Flute beatboxing

Most beatbox historians credit RadioActive as the original flute-beatboxer (using a pan flute, and performing with the Spearhead around the world), and Tim Barsky with being the original innovator in the field of flute beatboxing on a classical Boehm system flute.

Gabriel Ríos

In 2006, Ríos and Michael Franti contributed their voices to a project by Flip Kowlier, which involved a cover of the song What's This? from the stop-motion movie The Nightmare Before Christmas by Tim Burton.

Mighty High

Mighty High features reggae and dub versions of classic Mule covers and originals with special guest appearances by reggae legends Michael Franti, Toots Hibbert, and Willi Williams.

Natalie Pa‘apa’a

Known for their strong political songs and high octane live performances, Blue King Brown have opened for local and international acts as diverse as Carlos Santana, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Damian Marley, The John Butler Trio, The Cat Empire, Silverchair, and Powderfinger.


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