John Michael Stipe (born 4 January 1960 in Decatur, Georgia, USA) was the vocalist and songwriter of R.E.M. from their formation in 1980 until their dissolution in 2011, a leading alternative rock band from Athens, Georgia. He is famous for his surreal lyrics and his political activism.

In 2002, he participated at the the 1 giant leap project. He recorded the song The Way You Dream with Asha Bhosle.

In 2006, Michael Stipe recorded a song, "In the Sun", originally written by Joseph Arthur. It is still available at iTunes music store, and all proceeds will directly go to the Mercy Corps, for the benefit of Hurricane Katrina survivors.
The same year, he''s also been invited to record a song (L''hotel) for the tribute album to Serge Gainsbourg called Monsieur Gainsbourg.
In 2007 he participated at the 30 years carreer tribute to Miguel Bosé. The album "Papito" includes a duet of Bosé and Stipe Lo Que Hay Es Lo Que Ves.
Stipe released the solo song Future, If Future on March 24, 2018.

See also:
RemHQ (The official R.E.M. site)
Murmurs (R.E.M. fansite)
In the sun (Michael sings for gulf coast relief)