Larin Michaels Steps Into The Spotlight With New Blues-Rock Single & Upcoming Solo Album

After a decades-long career playing alongside some of music’s biggest names, seasoned multi-instrumentalist Larin Michaels is finally taking center stage. His new blues-rock single, Love Straight From the Heart, marks the first release from his upcoming solo album—an emotionally charged, expertly crafted track that blends deep blues influences with rock energy.

Michaels not only wrote and produced the track but played every instrument on it, a feat he replicates throughout the entire album. His mastery spans an impressive range of instruments, including keyboards, bass pedals, guitar, lap steel, alto saxophone, flute, valve trombone, harmonica, percussion, and banjo—showcasing a level of versatility that few musicians achieve.

Born and raised in the heart of Motown, Michaels began his musical journey on the drums at age seven. By fifteen, he had already added guitar and piano to his repertoire, co-founding the band The Noblemen with Mario Bee. The group became a Midwest favorite, gaining exposure on radio and television. His big break came in the 1970s when he became musical director and performer for the European production Hair and Now, launching a global career that would span decades.

Back in the United States, Michaels quickly made a name for himself in the music industry. Over the years, he has performed and recorded with artists including Del Shannon, Freddy Cannon, Gino Washington, Willie Tyler and Lester, and Frijid Pink. His talents have extended into production, arrangement, and songwriting, working with acts like Street Wise, Joe Finnazo, and The Evereadys, and collaborating with Badfinger members Michael Gibbons and Adam Allen on unreleased material.

His on-stage collaborations are just as impressive. Michaels has shared the stage with legends like Bob Seger, The Four Tops, The Temptations, The O’Jays, Mitch Ryder & The Detroit Wheels, Rare Earth, Grand Funk Railroad, Aretha Franklin, and Kid Rock—proving his ability to adapt across genres and generations.

Michaels’ creativity also found a home in commercial music. Throughout the 1990s, he composed and produced more than 60 radio and television commercials for major brands, including Coca-Cola, Ford Motor Company, and the Detroit Red Wings.

In recent years, he has continued to perform at music festivals across Michigan, Florida, and beyond, drawing in fans with his energetic live shows and unmistakable sound.

Love Straight From the Heart is a testament to Michaels’ decades of experience, musical passion, and artistic growth. It’s a soulful, high-impact track that reflects not only his roots but also his ability to evolve with the times. The single is set to be released soon, giving listeners a taste of the full-length album to follow—a collection that promises to honor Michaels’ rich musical legacy while carving out a new chapter in his remarkable journey.