Sara Agah Franti (m. 2015), Tara Franti-Rye (m. 1998–2004), The Sound of Sunshine, Say Hey, Ganja Babe
Fact
Continues to record and perform live with his band, Spearhead. Spearhead is set to release their fifth proper studio release, "Yell Fire!", which comes out July 25th, 2006. "Yell Fire!" contains the songs inspired by his trip to the Middle East (including the documentary, I Know I'm Not Alone (2005)). Spearhead also has plans to tour in the summer of 2006. [June 2006]
Michael Franti is an American singer, songwriter, rapper, and musician who is best known as the front man for the band Spearhead. He was born on April 21, 1966 in Oakland, California to a white mother and a black father. His parents divorced when he was just two years old, and he was raised by his mother in San Francisco. Franti was exposed to a variety of music at an early age, including soul, reggae, and rock. He began playing the guitar when he was nine years old, and started his first band, The Beatnigs, when he was in high school. The band released one album before breaking up.
Franti attended the University of San Francisco on a basketball scholarship, but dropped out after one semester to pursue a career in music. He became a DJ for a local radio station, and then started his own record label, Boo Boo Waxworks. In 1994, he formed Spearhead and released their debut album, Home. The album was a critical and commercial success, and led to a series of successful albums and tours for the band.
Franti is also known for his social and political activism. He has been an outspoken critic of the Iraq War, and has campaigned for a variety of causes, including environmentalism and peace. He has also been involved in relief efforts for Hurricane Katrina and the 2010 Haiti earthquake.
In addition to his work with Spearhead, Franti has also released several solo albums. His most recent album, All People, was released in 2013.
Franti is married to Tara McKinley, with whom he has two sons. He also has a daughter from a previous relationship.
General Info
Full Name
Michael Franti
Net Worth
$2 million
Date Of Birth
April 21, 1966
Height
1.98 m
Profession
Singer-songwriter, Film producer, Film director, Poet, Rapper, Actor, Composer, Lead vocalist, The Sound of Sunshine, Say Hey, Ganja Babe
Education
University of San Francisco, Davis Senior High School, The Sound of Sunshine, Say Hey, Ganja Babe
Nationality
American
Family
Spouse
Sara Agah Franti (m. 2015), Tara Franti-Rye (m. 1998–2004), The Sound of Sunshine, Say Hey, Ganja Babe
Children
Cappy Franti, Ade Franti, The Sound of Sunshine, Say Hey, Ganja Babe
Parents
Carole Wisti, Charles Franti, The Sound of Sunshine, Say Hey, Ganja Babe
Siblings
Sara Franti, Matthew Franti, Rebecca Franti, Thomas Hopkins, Charles Hopkins, Thea Hopkins, Dan Franti, Arthur Hopkins, The Sound of Sunshine, Say Hey, Ganja Babe
Accomplishments
Music Groups
The Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy, The Beatnigs, The Sound of Sunshine, Say Hey, Ganja Babe
Movies
I Know I'm Not Alone, The Fourth World War, Power to the Peaceful Yoga, This Is What Democracy Looks Like, Darker Side of Black, Michael Franti & Spearhead: Live in Sydney, Michael Franti & Spearhead + Various Artists, Hip Hop Nation: Vol. 4
Continues to record and perform live with his band, Spearhead. Spearhead is set to release their fifth proper studio release, "Yell Fire!", which comes out July 25th, 2006. "Yell Fire!" contains the songs inspired by his trip to the Middle East (including the documentary, I Know I'm Not Alone (2005)). Spearhead also has plans to tour in the summer of 2006. [June 2006]
