Michael Lee Firkins is a World-Renowned Guitarist/vocalist from Omaha, Nebraska. Michael has been playing his unique brand of BluesRock, Country, Southern-infused guitar boogie for his fans around the world for many years.
Check out Michael Lee Firkins’ most recent release "YEP" featuring Matt Abts and Andy Hess of (Gov't Mule) and Chuck Leavell (Rolling Stones). A Classic Blues-rock Opera. Michael’s new album “Yep” is already getting rave reviews around the world including GUITAR PLAYER MAGAZINE and Hittin’ The Note Magazine.
Spring of 2015 will find Michael touring Europe with exclusive releases on Cd and Vinyl. These new releases will be available Only at his live shows. NO MORE ITunes! Michael has stated that the world of Itunes, Pandora, Spotify, ect. Has severely devalued Music. “It’s Time I finally rid myself of these horrible sounding Mp3 files” “People need to Trust the artists they follow and buy the ENTIRE album. There will always be YouTube videos for free to check out new
material” “I’m extremely excited to be able to offer exclusive material to my fans at live shows. I think it will be a whole new experience that will create positive momentum for both artist and fans”
Michael Lee Firkins was born in Omaha, Nebraska. Born to musician parents, his father was a lap steel guitarist and his mother a pianist, he started playing acoustic guitar at the young age of eight. Mostly self taught, he also took lessons at a local Omaha music store. Learning the songs of the times, Michael was heavily into Lynyrd Skynyrd, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath and AC/DC. By 1979 Firkins was electrified, he soon played in local bands and in church from the age of 12 until 18. In 1985 Michael started touring the country in cover tune bands. Frustrated with cover tunes, he eventually went back to Omaha and began teaching guitar. For the next few years, Michael's musical influences were expanding. Jerry Reed, Chet Atkins, Albert Lee, and Danny Gatton were among the list of new favorites. You can hear Michael’s influences on every
album he’s ever made, yet Firkins has crafted a sound all his own that has yet to be imitated.
In 1990, he recorded a 5 song demo of instrumental guitar tunes that showcased his guitar playing. The 5 song demo was sent to Guitar Player Magazines Spotight. Michael released his self titled debut album on Shrapnel Records. This release showcased Michael's signature sound of rock blended with country, blues and jazz. With the strength of this album, Michael's first release sold more than 100,000 copies. This well received album also landed Michael the winner of the "BEST NEW TALENT" reader's poll in Guitar for the Practicing Musician and also runner up in Guitar Player Magazine's "BEST NEW TALENT" readers poll. He was also hailed as "ONE OF THE MOST INFLUENTIAL PLAYERS OF THE NEXT TEN YEARS" by Guitar for the Practicing Musician. As Michael's music was also popular in Europe, Firkins won the Edison Award, which is Holland's version of a Grammy.